Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Quit Using These 10 Words to Describe Yourself on LinkedIn
Why? Everyone else is using them too. Check out LinkedIn's 2013 Most Overused Buzzwords list.
Or not.
Even the most descriptive, most meaningful words can lose all meaning when they're used too often. That's why most corporate communications don't really say anything. Clichés, hyperbole, and buzzwords may sound impressive, but over time--since everyone uses them--they begin to mean nothing.
Read the word "extensive" and you don't immediately think, "Great, a comprehensive suite of services covering a broad range of applications!" Instead you skim right over the word because you've seen it thousands of times in the same context. In a business setting, "extensive" is filler.
Here are more examples: the 10 most overused words and phrases from LinkedIn profiles in 2013 (along with my thoughts on each). Take a look and then think about removing over-used words and phrases from your website, press releases, and other company communications:
1. Responsible.
Responsible cuts two ways. You can be responsible (but hopefully isn't everyone?) or you can be responsible for (which is just a boring way of saying, hopefully, that you did something). If you're in social media marketing, don't say you're "responsible for social campaigns;" say you grew conversions by 40 percent using social channels. "Responsible" is a great example of passive language begging to become active.
Don't tell us what you're responsible for. Tell us what you've done. Achievements are always more impressive.
2. Strategic.
A strategic decision is one that is based on the big picture. Shouldn't everyone be able to make decisions based on more than what is right in front of them?
"Strategic" is a close cousin of "strategist," another buzzword that bugs me. I sometimes help manufacturing plants improve their productivity and quality. There are strategies I use to identify areas for improvement but I'm in no way a strategist. Strategists look at the present, envision something new, and develop approaches to make their vision a reality. I don't create something new; I apply my experience and a few proven methodologies to make improvements.
Very few people are strategists. Most "strategists" are actually coaches, specialists, or consultants who use what they know to help others. Ninety-nine percent of the time that's what customers need--they don't need or even want a strategist.
3. Creative.
In 2011 and 2012 "creative" was the most used word in LinkedIn profiles. It's the prime example of a word used often enough that it no longer makes an impact. If you're creative, describe what you've created--if it's cool enough everyone will recognize just how creative you are.
4. Effective.
Really? You actually produce results for the money you're paid? Wow.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
4 Types of People You Should Add to Your LinkedIn Network
By Paul McDonald
It’s not what you know, but who you know.
You’ve heard this well-worn axiom for career success countless times. But how often do you give thought to who those “who” really are?
During the course of my professional life, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to find a few individuals who started out as contacts, became my confidants and now function as career partners. My networking VIP is a wise and respected CEO of a private company. No matter the business decision or issue I’m facing, I know I can turn to him for insights.
While having successful and time-tested business pros to tap for advice is invaluable, it’s important to develop a deep and diverse network. Looking at some of the people who’ve helped me the most, here are four surprising individuals who might help you, too:
1. The outsider
4. The up-and-comer
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
10 Steps To Be A LinkedIn All Star
By Gerry Moran
It’s very important for you to be a LinkedIn All Star since it will help your brand be found and make a difference. Face it, with over 1 billion name searches on Google, you need to be able to break through the clutter and rise to the top of search. And, since only 50.5% of LinkedIn users have a complete profile you have a good chance of being an All Star by just stepping on the court. An incomplete LinkedIn profile makes you look unprofessional, even if you are a CEO or CMO of a publicly traded company.
1. Profile Picture. And best of all, profiles with a photo increase their chances by 7X to be found.
3. Profile Headline.
10. Connections.
6. Summary.
Read more about about these 4 steps, all 10 steps, and the complete Business 2 Community article
Have you ever dreamed of being an NBA, NFL, MLB or even LinkedIn All Star? The first 3 teams might be hard to make, even if you think can still go pro! However, you can make the LinkedIn All Star team and move on to social stardom by following 10 key steps.
10 Steps To Be A LinkedIn All Star
10 Steps To Earn A Spot On The LinkedIn All Star Team
If you’ve ever been or known an athlete, then you know “steps” are a grueling and essential way to get in shape. Here are 10 steps you can take to get in All Star shape. Be sure to include keywords including your Name, Headline, Company Name, Job titles and skills. Each inclusion ranks you higher in the search results.1. Profile Picture. And best of all, profiles with a photo increase their chances by 7X to be found.
3. Profile Headline.
10. Connections.
6. Summary.
Read more about about these 4 steps, all 10 steps, and the complete Business 2 Community article
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
4 Steps For Building A Great LinkedIn Profile
by Don Goodman
1) Optimize your LinkedIn Profile for the right keywords.
2) Personalize your LinkedIn URL.
3) Have a social tone in your Summary.
Monday, February 17, 2014
5 Ways to Add Recruiters to Your Network
Jeff Lipschultz @JLipschultz
A few years ago, I wrote about the importance of LinkedIn in your job search and the role it plays in connecting you to recruiters and hiring managers.
LinkedIn has changed its format a bit recently, but the message to you is still the same: be easily found by recruiters if you want them to connect with you on LinkedIn and share their job openings. In my previous article, I shared the five key points below.
All these points are still valid, but have evolved a bit. I have added some more thoughts on these topics
A few years ago, I wrote about the importance of LinkedIn in your job search and the role it plays in connecting you to recruiters and hiring managers.
LinkedIn has changed its format a bit recently, but the message to you is still the same: be easily found by recruiters if you want them to connect with you on LinkedIn and share their job openings. In my previous article, I shared the five key points below.
5 Ways to Add Recruiters to Your Network
All these points are still valid, but have evolved a bit. I have added some more thoughts on these topics
1. Search for recruiters on LinkedIn.
2. Connect with LinkedIn Groups
3. Use Key Words to Describe You AND Demonstrate Credibility Throughout Your Profile
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Creating a Vanity URL on LinkedIn in 5 Easy Steps
by
There’s a common question in resume writing about including your LinkedIn address at the very top of the page under your phone number and email address. While there’s no general rule that says you should or shouldn’t include your LinkedIn address, it’s becoming more common to display it these days because of LinkedIn’s growing popularity.
I generally recommend including your LinkedIn address if you have an account that’s fully developed, meaning that you’ve completed a significant portion of the sections, including your work history, education, foreign language abilities, and the like. (And you’ll definitely want to create a LinkedIn presence if you don’t already have an account!) What’s important, though, especially at the top of your resume, is to use a “vanity URL” rather than the full URL address that LinkedIn initially provides when you open an account. The vanity URL is much shorter and can be customized around your name, so it’s much easier on the eye and takes up less space.
For example, when you initially open up a LinkedIn account, it will assign a URL address with lots of numbers and symbols that strains the eye a bit and is generally long and clunky. It might look something like this:
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=20362799&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Your vanity URL, in comparison, will look something like this:
www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1
See the difference? Much nicer, isn’t it?
Here’s what the finished product might look like at the top of your resume:
PAUL FALCONE
With all of that information right at the top of your resume, you’ll have made yourself very easy to research and contact, which every employer appreciates. Note that you no longer need to include your street address: once posted to the Internet, resumes take on a life of their own, and you never know where they’ll end up. So rather than posting your home address for the whole world to see, simply include your city and state. This guards your privacy while still giving a prospective employer a good idea of where you currently live.
To create a vanity URL in Linked In, simply take the following steps:
There’s a common question in resume writing about including your LinkedIn address at the very top of the page under your phone number and email address. While there’s no general rule that says you should or shouldn’t include your LinkedIn address, it’s becoming more common to display it these days because of LinkedIn’s growing popularity.
I generally recommend including your LinkedIn address if you have an account that’s fully developed, meaning that you’ve completed a significant portion of the sections, including your work history, education, foreign language abilities, and the like. (And you’ll definitely want to create a LinkedIn presence if you don’t already have an account!) What’s important, though, especially at the top of your resume, is to use a “vanity URL” rather than the full URL address that LinkedIn initially provides when you open an account. The vanity URL is much shorter and can be customized around your name, so it’s much easier on the eye and takes up less space.
For example, when you initially open up a LinkedIn account, it will assign a URL address with lots of numbers and symbols that strains the eye a bit and is generally long and clunky. It might look something like this:
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=20362799&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Your vanity URL, in comparison, will look something like this:
www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1
See the difference? Much nicer, isn’t it?
Here’s what the finished product might look like at the top of your resume:
PAUL FALCONE
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 691-3838 Cell
Paul@PaulFalconeHR.com
www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1
With all of that information right at the top of your resume, you’ll have made yourself very easy to research and contact, which every employer appreciates. Note that you no longer need to include your street address: once posted to the Internet, resumes take on a life of their own, and you never know where they’ll end up. So rather than posting your home address for the whole world to see, simply include your city and state. This guards your privacy while still giving a prospective employer a good idea of where you currently live.To create a vanity URL in Linked In, simply take the following steps:
- Log in to your LinkedIn account.
- Hover your mouse over your name in the top right corner of the page and click on “Privacy and Settings” in the drop-down menu that appears.
- Click on the “Edit your Public Profile” link, which you can find at the bottom of that page under the “Helpful Links” heading. You’ll then be in edit mode and will see your current LinkedIn URL address under your photo. Click on the edit link right next to your current URL address.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The 3 Most Important LinkedIn Profile SEO Places for Relevant Keywords
by
How do executive recruiters and hiring decision makers at your target companies find good-fit candidates like you?
In a word . . . keywords.
They go to the LinkedIn search engine and type in various relevant keywords and phrases that match the qualifications they’re seeking.
All of the content in your LinkedIn profile should contain the most-searched relevant keywords specific to your targets, and supporting your executive brand and the value you offer them.
But the content in certain sections – typically those that sit higher on the web page containing your profile – rank higher with LinkedIn’s search algorithm.
Strategically placed, the right keywords elevate your search rankings in LinkedIn’s search engine, increasing your profile’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the likelihood you’ll be found and considered by them.
I’m not including the Summary section in my “Top 3″, because it’s not as highly indexed as the others. Even so, with 2,000 characters available, that section also needs to be packed with your most brand-reinforcing relevant keywords . . . within readable, smooth-flowing content.
1. LinkedIn Name Field
2. LinkedIn Professional Headline
Find out #3, more about all 3, and the complete Executive Career Brand article
How do executive recruiters and hiring decision makers at your target companies find good-fit candidates like you?
In a word . . . keywords.
They go to the LinkedIn search engine and type in various relevant keywords and phrases that match the qualifications they’re seeking.
All of the content in your LinkedIn profile should contain the most-searched relevant keywords specific to your targets, and supporting your executive brand and the value you offer them.
But the content in certain sections – typically those that sit higher on the web page containing your profile – rank higher with LinkedIn’s search algorithm.
Strategically placed, the right keywords elevate your search rankings in LinkedIn’s search engine, increasing your profile’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the likelihood you’ll be found and considered by them.
I’m not including the Summary section in my “Top 3″, because it’s not as highly indexed as the others. Even so, with 2,000 characters available, that section also needs to be packed with your most brand-reinforcing relevant keywords . . . within readable, smooth-flowing content.
3 Key Spots to Add Select Keywords for an Optimally SEO-friendly LinkedIn Profile
1. LinkedIn Name Field
2. LinkedIn Professional Headline
Find out #3, more about all 3, and the complete Executive Career Brand article
Friday, February 7, 2014
How to Avoid Misusing LinkedIn - 5 Tips
By Robin Madell
“Many recruiters and hiring managers are now using LinkedIn as their No. 1 method of sourcing talent, so job seekers who have a presence on the site are far more likely to be noticed (and contacted) by HR professionals,” Ducci says.
Using LinkedIn wrong can be equally risky to your career. Social media expert Carlota Zimmerman says writing things like “Looking for my next opportunity” is an immediate red flag to most employers that you are a “train wreck waiting to happen.”
Here are five tips from Goodfellow, Ducci and Zimmerman about how to use LinkedIn to help your career, not hurt it:
1) Use keywords.
2) Link widely.
3) Help people to “get you.”
Read more about all 5 tips and the complete US News article
“Many recruiters and hiring managers are now using LinkedIn as their No. 1 method of sourcing talent, so job seekers who have a presence on the site are far more likely to be noticed (and contacted) by HR professionals,” Ducci says.
Using LinkedIn wrong can be equally risky to your career. Social media expert Carlota Zimmerman says writing things like “Looking for my next opportunity” is an immediate red flag to most employers that you are a “train wreck waiting to happen.”
Here are five tips from Goodfellow, Ducci and Zimmerman about how to use LinkedIn to help your career, not hurt it:
1) Use keywords.
2) Link widely.
3) Help people to “get you.”
Read more about all 5 tips and the complete US News article
Thursday, February 6, 2014
10 LinkedIn Blunders That Make You Look Like An Amateur - LinkedIn Advice
William Arruda,
In working with clients on their LinkedIn strategy over the past few years, I have identified some all-too-common faux pas that will create a negative impression rather than build your brand. I share ten of the most egregious gaffes here in two categories – Content and Contacts.
5. Making it hard for people to learn more.
7. Having 499 or fewer contacts.
8. Sending mass LinkedIn mail that starts with “Hello… ”
9. Not using tags.
See all 10 blunders and the complete Forbes article
In working with clients on their LinkedIn strategy over the past few years, I have identified some all-too-common faux pas that will create a negative impression rather than build your brand. I share ten of the most egregious gaffes here in two categories – Content and Contacts.
5. Making it hard for people to learn more.
7. Having 499 or fewer contacts.
8. Sending mass LinkedIn mail that starts with “Hello… ”
9. Not using tags.
See all 10 blunders and the complete Forbes article
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
5 LinkedIn Habits To Break In 2014 - LinkedIn Advice
Kristin Burnham
Implement these five easy changes to help you get noticed on LinkedIn and land your next opportunity.
How up to date is your LinkedIn profile? Do you keep in touch with your connections? Have you asked for recommendations lately?
If your LinkedIn activity was lacking last year, jumpstart 2014 by resolving to make a handful of quick changes to your profile and habits to get noticed, network more effectively, and increase the odds of landing a new job, LinkedIn career expert Nicole Williams said.
Here's a look at the five most-common LinkedIn faux pas and how to fix them for a more successful 2014.
1. Your profile picture is old.
2. You use the boilerplate connection request.
3. You don't maintain a relationship with your connections.
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