You’re a grown-up now — it’s time to make a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is essentially the corporate world’s version of Instagram or Twitter: it is a place to form professional connections and find internships or job opportunities. Due to the professional tone that LinkedIn takes on, it’s easy to have a profile that is great in terms of achievements but not appealing to potential connections.
This pressure can feel burdensome because LinkedIn also leaves so much room for comparing yourself to others. Recently, a lot of Gen Zers have realized that the platform has been an agent in fueling their anxiety which, in turn, affects their mental health. Job and internship seeking is already a stressful process, it’s even more stressful to think about having the perfect profile to stand out in this competitive job market.
Luckily, there are some mistakes you can easily avoid when making your LinkedIn profile. And though LinkedIn is a different territory with so many ins and outs, putting your best self forward professionally is not completely unattainable. After all, your Instagram is fire — your Linkedin can be too!
Mistake One: Your Profile Is Dull
LinkedIn is more than just an online resume, it is also place where you can let your personality shine professionally. There are thousands of people using the platform to apply to internships and jobs. So, if you want that interview or attention from a connection, then you need to stand out. Contrary to what you may think, LinkedIn is no place to be generic and dull. In fact, LinkedIn is the perfect place to have fun with your professional life. There are so many features that allow you to let your personality shine through like the summary section that allows you to add a unique description of your experiences.
Mistake Two: Your Profile Sounds Boring
When writing on LinkedIn, avoid using boring corporate jargon that feels robotic. People (and employers!) are tired of seeing phrases like “detailed oriented individual” or “self-motivated self-starter”. One way to make your profile stand out without trying too hard is to always write the way you speak.
Of course, with LinkedIn, you want to use appropriate language. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with it. From your heading to your volunteer experience, this should be applied in every aspect of your profile where text is incorporated. LinkedIn is already a platform that is repetitive in terms of language, it will be easier to let your personality show by using the language to your advantage (bestie).
Mistake Three: You Don’t Highlight Your Accomplishments
There is a section of your LinkedIn profile that is reserved for work and any other roles you may have held that highlight your expertise and skills. When listing previous roles, volunteer time, activities, and achievements, don’t bore employers by listing the mundane tasks and duties that were assigned to you. Instead, talk about your accomplishments at a certain position. Instead of regurgitating your resume, Use this space as a way to expand upon it. Let them know who you are — professionally, that is!
Mistake Four: Your Profile Picture Doesn’t Represent You
Your profile picture is one of the few opportunities viewers will get to get a picture of what you look like. And, let’s be real, those IG photoshoots and Snapchat selfies aren’t going to cut it. Yes, that is a cute selfie, but it’s not exactly professional. Take the time to set up your own simple studio session or go to a photographer (or photographer friend!) and get some professional headshots. Though they might sound boring, professional headshots can be very fun and telling of who you are professionally. Don’t forget to smile!
LinkedIn, like many professional spaces, can be a hard space to navigate. However, It is an amazing tool to propel your career forward when you CAN. I know — it’s intimidating to scroll through a feed that shows all of the amazing things that other people are up to. However, making your profile one that can not only show the world all the amazing things you have done but, also how amazing you are!