If you’re actively involved in a job search right now, you know you need a LinkedIn profile. While I’m not convinced the paper resume has gone away entirely, the LinkedIn profile is definitely of equal importance. For clients who are currently employed, writing LinkedIn summaries has it’s own set of challenges. Here are three of my favorite tips for writing an effective summary that won’t raise eyebrows for your employer.
1) Write your summary in the first person. This holds true whether you’re employed or unemployed, but is even more important for the employed. Internet communication in general is less formal than written communication, and your profile is an opportunity to let your personality shine through. Having a profile that’s in the third person can be a little stuffy, and is typical of a bio written for you rather than by you. While I think you can explain writing your own profile to an employer (it’s a great networking tool no matter what your job is), I think it gets a little harder if it sounds like someone wrote it for you.
2) Include plenty of info about your current position. Talk about how you’re excited to go to work every day and explain why. Reference what you really love about your job and your employer. It not validates for a current employer that you’re happy where you are, it also makes you more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. Jobsearching and dating are very similar – everyone wants what they can’t have! Appearing happily employed makes you more of a catch!
3) Be sensitive to confidential information. This is also true no matter what your employment status is, but especially important if you’re working. Information that you would include in your resume should not automatically be displayed on LinkedIn. You don’t only need to worry about confidential info, you should also think twice about disclosing anything even the slightest bit questionable. Think carefully about client names, budget sizes, new products, etc. A little caution can go a long way!
Remember, LinkedIn is incredibly public. It’s a good idea to turn off activity broadcasts and hide your activity feed as well. Caution should be used, but so should LinkedIn. Don’t shy away from this incredibly powerful job hunting tool. Just be careful how you use it!