Ed Han, Technical Recruiter and Adjunct Instructor who teaches on the topic of LinkedIn, shares career advice across various channels, and I follow his insights closely. This includes daily LinkedIn tips where he describes how careerists can optimize their energy when using this robust site.
I recently shared one of his tips with my network, because it strongly resonated with what I do in my work with executive careerists. Ed wrote:
My #LinkedIn #tip for the day: remember, half of #networking is knowing what value you bring–help people out by showing that on your profile.
He went on to comment, “It frustrates me sometimes to meet talented professionals at networking events, but upon seeing their LinkedIn presence, am surprised.”
My immediate takeaway from this is that after meeting an accomplished individual, and having engaged in stimulating conversation, Ed views their LinkedIn profile, only to find that the person and the LinkedIn personality do not coalesce.
In my experience, this can mean one or more of the following:
1. The profile is an empty shell, and while it may list employers and position titles, etc., there is virtually nothing else inside.
2. The profile lacks a headshot. This stealth presence gives the impression the individual is hiding something. Bringing a smiling, confident face to the fore will invite people into your virtual door.
3. The headline is the current job title (which is LinkedIn’s default) versus a custom-tailored and energizing caption that grabs the reader and reels them in.
4. The profile summary is stiff and formal. While there are no rules or restrictions on what you should say or how you say it, a more conversational LinkedIn summary often wins the race for page views and overall engagement.
5. The experience section is a listing of “responsible for” or is a brain dump of data versus highlighting their true value. In other words, it is dry and boring.
6. The overall profile has no focus. This is particularly problematic, as you cannot capture a clear picture of your value through an unfocused, fuzzy lens.
7. There is no easy way to reach out to them. Their contact information is vague or unavailable. Why provide a billboard of your brand that leaves your contacts frustrated when attempting to take action?
Other potential sticking points with your LinkedIn profile may include not leveraging additional sections such as the accomplishments; publications; certifications; projects; or, honors + awards sections.
Moreover, if you’ve never shared an idea, article or video, and/or you’ve never given or received a recommendation, you may want to consider whether your inaction may be hampering your momentum.
LinkedIn has become the go-to “auxiliary resume story,” as it were, that regularly is viewed by recruiters, leaders, managers, hiring decision makers, influencers, consumers, buyers, sellers, networking contacts and more.
Consider how you might ramp up your content today so that anyone who lands on your profile won’t be “surprised” at what they see!
I am one of only 50 master resume writers who has crafted more than 1,500 career stories. An intuitive listener, I reveal your stories using my journalist’s training (bachelor’s degree in writing/journalism).
Image credit: Dennis Jarvis
Great post! Thanks for sharing. I shared on linkedin and twitter.
Thanks so much, Justin! I’m pleased you found value enough in the post to share across social media.