How to Add Honors and Awards on LinkedIn: A Guide for the Discerning Professional

Adding honors and awards to your LinkedIn profile isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a strategic move to showcase your achievements and differentiate yourself in a competitive market. Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital handshake – it needs to be memorable and impactful. Adding accolades tells a story of dedication, excellence, and recognition, turning your profile from a mere resume into a compelling narrative.

So, how exactly do you do it? Adding Honors & Awards on LinkedIn is straightforward, but precision is key. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Navigate to your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top navigation bar and select “View Profile.”
2. Access the “Add Profile Section” Button: Scroll down until you see the “Add profile section” button. It usually sits right beneath your “About” section. If you see a plus (+) icon, this is also the access point.
3. Choose “Add Recommendations”: Clicking on “Add profile section” will reveal a drop-down menu. Select “Add Recommendations” from the dropdown menu.
4. Add Your Honor or Award: Fill in the details with precision:
   • Title: This is the name of the award or honor. Be specific! Instead of “Employee of the Month,” try “Employee of the Month – March 2023 (Recognized for Exceeding Sales Targets).”
   • Issuing Organization: Who bestowed this honor? Input the name of the organization or institution. Accuracy is paramount.
   • Issue Date: When did you receive this award? Provide the month and year.
   • Description (Optional but Highly Recommended): Here’s where you truly shine. Briefly describe the award, its significance, and your role in earning it. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of “Awarded for excellent performance,” try “Awarded for excellent performance based on achieving 150% of sales targets in Q2 2023 and mentoring three new team members.”
5. Save Your Entry: Once you’ve meticulously entered all the information, click “Save.” Your honor or award will now be displayed in the “Accomplishments” section of your profile.
6. Rearrange for Impact: LinkedIn typically arranges sections chronologically. However, you can click the “Edit Profile” button and then grab the section by its handle (usually an up/down arrow icon) to reposition it. Consider moving the “Accomplishments” section higher on your profile if your awards are particularly impressive or relevant to your current career goals.

Leveraging Honors and Awards: Strategic Considerations

Simply adding awards isn’t enough. Strategic placement and compelling descriptions are vital. Consider the following:

• Relevance: Prioritize awards that align with your current career goals. A high school debate trophy might not be relevant if you’re now a software engineer.
• Quantifiable Results: Emphasize the impact of your achievements. Numbers speak volumes. “Increased website traffic by 40%,” is far more compelling than “Improved website visibility.”
• Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your descriptions to improve your profile’s searchability. Think like a recruiter. What terms would they use when searching for candidates with your skills?
• Visual Appeal: While LinkedIn is primarily text-based, a well-formatted and visually appealing profile grabs attention. Use bullet points and concise language to break up large blocks of text.
• Consistency: Ensure the information on your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume and other online presences. Inconsistencies can raise red flags.
• Proofread Everything: Typos and grammatical errors are unprofessional. Proofread your profile meticulously before publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I don’t remember the exact date I received an award?

Provide your best estimate. If you only remember the year, that’s perfectly acceptable. Accuracy is important, but a close approximation is better than omitting the award altogether.

2. Should I add every single award I’ve ever received?

No. Prioritize relevance and impact. Focus on awards that demonstrate skills and achievements pertinent to your current career aspirations. Quantity is not as important as quality.

3. How do I add an award if the “Issuing Organization” doesn’t exist anymore?

List the organization’s name as it existed at the time you received the award. If possible, include a brief note in the description, such as “(Organization is now defunct).”

4. What if I received an award as part of a team?

Clearly state your role in the team and your specific contributions to the achievement. Don’t take sole credit for a group effort, but ensure your individual contributions are highlighted. For example, “As part of a 5-person team, I led the development of the marketing strategy that resulted in the award.”

5. Can I add images or videos to my Honors & Awards section?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn’s “Honors & Awards” section is primarily text-based and doesn’t directly support the embedding of images or videos. However, you can add a link to a webpage or article in the description if you want to provide more context.

6. How do I edit or delete an Honor or Award I’ve already added?

Navigate to the “Accomplishments” section of your profile. Click the pencil icon next to the Honor or Award you wish to edit or delete. To delete, select the “Delete” option.

7. Should I list scholarships under “Honors & Awards”?

Yes, scholarships are definitely appropriate to list under “Honors & Awards”. Treat them like any other award, specifying the scholarship name, issuing organization, date received, and a brief description highlighting its significance.

8. What if I received an award for community service?

Absolutely include it! Awards for community service demonstrate your commitment to making a difference, which is a valuable asset in any profession. Frame it to emphasize the skills you developed through your volunteer work, such as leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving.

9. Can I add confidential or proprietary information about an award?

No. Avoid disclosing any sensitive or confidential information that could violate company policy or agreements. Focus on the publicly available aspects of the award and your achievements.

10. How often should I update my “Honors & Awards” section?

Update it whenever you receive a new award or achieve a significant accomplishment. Regularly reviewing and updating your entire LinkedIn profile is a good practice to keep it fresh and relevant.

11. Will adding awards make my profile too boastful?

It’s a delicate balance. The key is to be factual and specific, focusing on your achievements and the impact you made. Avoid hyperbole or excessive self-praise. Let the awards speak for themselves.

12. How do Honors & Awards impact my LinkedIn search ranking?

LinkedIn’s algorithm considers keywords throughout your profile, including the “Honors & Awards” section. By incorporating relevant keywords into your descriptions, you increase your chances of being found by recruiters searching for candidates with your specific skills and accomplishments. A well-optimized “Honors & Awards” section contributes to a stronger, more visible LinkedIn presence.

Adding Honors & Awards to your LinkedIn profile is more than just listing accolades; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative of your professional journey. By strategically showcasing your achievements and quantifying your impact, you can elevate your profile and stand out from the crowd. Approach it thoughtfully, and let your accomplishments speak volumes.