LinkedIn Help!
Hi everyone,
First, I hope all is well with anyone and you and your families are safe and healthy.
My backstory : I left my previous employer back in December 2019. This role made me realize that I did not want to be an EA any longer. I have been job hunting since then, but nothing really solid has come through. I am keeping my spirits up, especially during this rough time.
I have read many articles that mention LinkedIn is a great source for networking and keeping your profile updated is a strong key to getting a new role. My problem (or situation) is that during all my roles, I have done a multitude of different roles (HR, Business Continuity, Trainings, etc.) and I customize each resume to reflect this based on the job I am applying to.
My question is what is the best way to make my LinkedIn profile universal that it reflects everything I have done, but not pinpoint on one specific work area (eg. not to focus much on my EA past). Is it better to write everything I have done in each role on my profile? Or should I write a brief summary to pinpoint the major highlights/accmplishments?
Sorry for this being so long!
Thanks.
Pilar Gutierrez
She meets the needs to various personalities.
24
04/15/20 at 2:54PM UTC
Good morning Ladies - I am in the middle of being coached as well on putting my LinkedIn in tip top shape. ;)
Besides all the other suggestions made, please make sure you have 501+ network connections as well. If you would like to connect with me on Linkedin to bring those numbers up. I will be happy to connect with you and anyone else from FGB.
Happy Wednesday all
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
04/10/20 at 9:57PM UTC
You gear your LinkedIn profile toward what you want to do next.
Write your headline last and for goodness sake, do not use "Open to New Opportunities."
Your "About" section can discuss what you are looking to do next in your career and why. It could show how your background has prepared you for it. Since your job ended, have you taken online courses, volunteered, worked temp?
If you do not know precisely what type of job you are seeking, determine which skills you want to use. Show how these skills have enabled you to make an impact.
Don't think in terms of everything you've done. Think of the things you have accomplished using your skills you want to use.
Once you have the body of your profile complete, then, prepare your headline. Keeping in mind you only have 120 characters, let everyone and LinkedIn's search engine know what your strengths--your value. Preferably include something about your field (future field, what you're looking for), so they want to come visit your profile.
Anonymous
06/18/24 at 12:04PM UTC (Edited)
Thank you everyone for the advice. These are really great tips and I will use them. I have a very busy weekend ahead of me.
I am looking to move into HR. I have some exposure, but not a lot, but will highlight the experiences what I have learned in previous roles to my profile. I will also utilize my network more (even though I am a bit nervous to do this, not sure why).
Thank you all again and stay healthy and safe.
Anonymous
04/12/20 at 1:55PM UTC
Good morning Lavalle,
Happy Easter!
I’m looking at the possibility of going into HR too. I have no experience though. I did an informational interview last month. She suggested a classification class to help get me started on my career journey. On other note it appears that I will be at my current place of employment longer than my goal date. As I was looking to do what I do somewhere else. I’ve been doing it almost 5 years and have not grown much. I’m trying to keep positive though despite our current pandemic. As I’m one of the fortunate whose still employed safely at home. If I can just keep my EI in check I’ll be ok.
Mona YaegerTalent Acquisition Specialist in Chicago, IL
60
04/10/20 at 4:44PM UTC (Edited)
I used to work at LinkedIn as a Relationship Manager (sales) working with recruiting teams/hiring managers etc. I left there last summer as I hated sales. I'm transitioning into a Talent Acquisition role as that truly fits my background and skills. So, with that being said. I changed my LinkedIn profile to reflect what I was looking to get into next. Do you know what that is? Because I can tell you that recruiters do searches using key words of the skills they are seeking for the role they are filling. Make sure you have key words tied to your skills so you can be found. Make sure you turn on the option that will allow recruiters to know that you are open to opportunities. Review other people's profile that are the doing the job that you want to have and "copy" what speaks to you. I did some job shadowing last summer to make sure what I wanted to do next was what I wanted. It helped to have those folks give me feedback on my profile. Reach out to your network for advice. But know everyone has an opinion find the one that fits with you.
Nancy Drummond Ransom
93
04/10/20 at 2:03PM UTC (Edited)
One thing someone taught me is to make sure your LinkedIn address should be like this. www.linkedin.com/in/(your name)/. Mine is www.linkedin.com/in/nancyransom/ My profile is far from perfect.
Anonymous
04/10/20 at 1:50PM UTC
Hi, I have learned a lot about LinkedIn in the last month. A few tips from the experts
1. List 3 titles of jobs you want, separate by / and use #ONO ( open to new opportunities )
2. About section is key. I have revised mine 5x in the last month. Make sure you list measureable achievements. I'm in sales and I had a hard time coming up with metrics for every success story.
3. Professional head shot
Hope this helps and tap into all the experts on LinkedIn. I have listened to lots of free Zoom meetings etc.
While this is a humbling experience, I have learned a lot about what I like and what I am passionate about. I hope I can get a job working for a non-profit with a mission. I'm tired of generating revenue for the CEOs bonus.
Anonymous
06/18/24 at 12:04PM UTC (Edited)
AThank you both!
I have the unique URL, but will update headline and about sections today. Right now it says “Executive Assistant” because I was not sure what to put, but will add “open to new opportunities”.
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
04/09/20 at 6:04PM UTC
I agree with Barb. I too have had a wide range of career swings and I have titled my Linked In profile simply "Open to New Opportunities" and then went into more detail in my About section. Good luck to you!
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
04/10/20 at 9:40PM UTC
I strongly suggest you change you "Open to New Opportunities" headline. It is not helping you. In fact, most career professionals agree that it is the least effective headline possible.
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.58k
04/09/20 at 5:05PM UTC
Here a few tips:
- Add a unique headline to your profile that highlights you not just your job title
- Create a unique url
- Maximize your "About" section
And this reminds me that I need to tighten up the About section of my LinkedIn profile :)
