When it comes to your LinkedIn profile, you have a few seconds to persuade hiring managers to consider you. Does yours measure up and make a great impression? Or could it use an upgrade?
If you’re like many candidates, your LinkedIn profile probably needs some work. Many times, people create one and forget about it. It gets outdated fast and therefore doesn’t resonate with hiring managers or recruiters.
So how can make a change without investing a lot of time you don’t have?
Focus on one area: Your LinkedIn summary. This is the text box at the top of your LinkedIn profile, under your photo. It’s an open-ended space and gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. It’s also the area most read by hiring managers.
To set yourself apart in it, go beyond simply focusing on what you do, but who you are. For instance, offer insight into what drives you and why a potential employer would be intrigued and want to reach out. Some tips for doing that include:
Keeping it simple.
You’re not writing an autobiography. You’re simply providing a written elevator pitch and trying to persuade hiring managers that you’re someone worth considering. This is the area to discuss your strengths and what you’re known for, yet in a way that’s clear, simple and concise.
One easy exercise to practice when you’re doing this is to set a timer for 10 or 15 seconds and talk out loud about yourself and the value you offer. Once you’re satisfied with your answer, you can then sit down and write it out.
Describing the impact you have.
When you’re writing your summary, impact matters. In other words, what kind of impact did you have in a past position, with a previous boss, on fellow co-workers or with customers? You can include examples of a time when you solved a problem, found a mistake, increased sales, or simply made life easier for someone. Whatever you do discuss, identify why it was important, to whom it mattered, and quantify it wherever possible.
Highlighting any special skills.
Do you have a unique skill set or ability that will set you apart? Make sure you highlight it, even if it’s not necessarily relevant to the role you’re interested in. For instance, if you speak another language or multiple ones, this can be especially attractive to employers with a global presence. It’s also another way you’ll stand out in a sea of other candidates. So focus on one or two areas that makes you unique.
With endless LinkedIn profiles out there, it can seem impossible to set yourself apart. Let ResumeSpice help if you’re struggling with the task. We offer LinkedIn profile writing help that can help you build yours from the ground up or modify an existing one, taking it to a new level. If you’re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
