How Is Your LinkedIn Profile Introducing You

How Is Your LinkedIn Profile Introducing You How Is Your LinkedIn Profile Introducing You Social media plays a huge role in 21st-century job searches, so it’s common for a LinkedIn profile to be the first thing employers see about you. Does yours make a good impression? How is your LinkedIn profile introducing you? Ensure that you come across as someone they’d like to know better by paying attention to the following elements! The Photo Eyes have a way of naturally gravitating toward a picture. Providing one gives readers a visual to attach to the information they read, which makes you more memorable. But don’t just slap on any old picture; a bad choice can come across as careless or immature. Gain positive attention by choosing a good quality head shot in which you convey professionalism and friendliness- qualities that welcome hiring managers to pursue further action. The Headline Just as a great title can draw you into a newspaper article, an effective LinkedIn headline can lead to the whole profile being read. “For many, if not all, of my clients, I suggest a headline that is different from ‘Job Title at Name of Company.’ This is the default headline, and while it may ring true in terms of your current role and job, you have an opportunity to create something more custom,” says HR professional and resume writer Tiffani Murray of Personality on a Page. However, she suggests avoiding anything grandiose or vague (such as calling yourself “King of All Social Media”) in favor of conveying core skills, career profile, and level; introducing yourself as a “Senior Brand Marketing Professional” or “Experienced IT Project Manager” gives a clearer indication of your capabilities. The Summary Following up your headline with a well-constructed summary of who you are and what you have to offer is the written equivalent of the elevator pitch job seekers should have in their repertoire for face-to-face networking. Both should get to the heart of your true interests, skills, and experience, as well as project confidence and encourage the person receiving the message to find out more. Content Don’t let your efforts to grab attention go to waste! Enable a reader who has come this far to see all you bring to the table. Paint a vivid picture of your work background by going beyond the years and places to show what you did and the effect it had on the company. Include volunteer experience, participation in professional organizations, educational pursuits, links to your blog or examples of your work, and any other relevant information that supports your candidacy. Recommendations Finally, remember that the hiring process involves risk on the employer’s end. Actions that establish credibility and increase trust encourage confidence in moving forward. Just as buyers are more comfortable purchasing from an eBay seller with a high rating and good reviews, employers feel better when they have more than the candidate’s own words to go on. “You dont have to overdo it, but three recommendations from colleagues is a start,” Murray says. “Get a couple of managers and a peer to write a blurb about how your work improved the team or organization.” Then, prepare yourself for the next stages in the hiring process. With such a solid first impression from your LinkedIn profile, employers will be eager to further make your acquaintance. Readers, how is your LinkedIn profile introducing you? Is it helping or hindering your job search? Share with us below!