LinkedIn is considered to be the most popular professional network & job portal considering 94% of the recruiters use LinkedIn to scout for potential candidates. Creating & updating LinkedIn profile & including all your professional accomplishment should not be considered a success mantra for landing up with your dream job.
The following are key mistakes job seekers do in their LinkedIn profile:
1) Fail to use authentic language
Most of us generally use resume-speak words rather than using an authentic language which showcases how you performed. For instance, one should mention like “ I managed a team of 10 led project management activities & saw it through completion with 2 weeks to spare.
2) Content does not showcase the value proposition
Lot of us fail to create an X-factor /interest among prospective employers/readers since we do not demonstrate the value correctly. One has to be selective & strategic while writing profile details including relevant keywords & quantifiable details matching reader requirements. Such customized content will invisage interest of readers
3) Consider LinkedIn profile as a job application
Most of us consider LinkedIn profile as a standard application form. One should think of LinkedIn as a tool to showcase what skills & competencies & use it to create a personal brand for yourself. You should also use the platform to write content, engage in various discussions across groups & sub-groups & share your knowledge & practice experience with others
4) Importance of headline
First line or the headline of your LinkedIn profile is very & hence your LinkedIn headline should include your key skills, strengths, value proposition statement & job/work title.
5) Not updating profile regularly
It is no brainer to mention that LinkedIn profile should be updated on a regular basis reflecting changes /additions in skills, certifications, experiences, writing new articles etc. Even the number of endorsements should also increase which reflects augmentation of your skills. These steps would improve search rankings when searched by recruiters/potential employers
6) Using generic title in your LinkedIn profile
Using a generic title such as Chief Manager, Associate Director or sales manager makes the reader assume you as a commodity rather than a distinguished profile. A headline such as Chief Marketing Officer driving inorganic growth let reader know who you are, what you do & what value you carry along
7) Inconsistent messaging between LinkedIn & resume
Messaging should be consistent both in resume & LinkedIn profile. One should not send mixed messages. If you are a finance manager & your LinkedIn profile portrays about your investment banking business, it gives a mixed message to the reader.
8) Not telling your story
Your LinkedIn profile is your face in front of recruiter market. You should make sure that you showcase your story so that read gets an idea of what kind of professional you are , what have been your achievements & what value you can create for them. Update both your current & past jobs, include your key skills with endorsement & recommendations. You should use profile summary to tell your story including your objective & experiences.
