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So how do you knock it out of the park?
They say first impressions take just a few seconds.
It’s primarily been the case that recruiters and hiring managers will see your résumé and then take a look at your Linkedin profile. But in the past, if they were too busy, you might just get the chance to make the first impression face to face.
But now, with social distancing in effect due to COVID-19, what’s your strategy?
Take a few minutes to update your Linkedin profile and spruce up the rest of your digital footprint as well (other social media channels you have opened to the public).
If you are looking for an internship or a job, be sure you’ve indicated that on your LinkedIn profile.
A few things to consider when re-evaluating your LinkedIn Profile:
1) How’s the photo?
No need to hire a photographer, but it should be a profile (headshot) picture with you dressed professionally. I like to say there should be no sunglasses or body parts of other human beings in your profile photo. Clear picture of you looking into the camera like you are meeting someone you want to have a conversation with — that’s what makes a good digital first impression!
2) What’s your title?
Student is fine, but is that descriptive? LinkedIn gives you a lot of liberty here.
In the Naveen Jindal School of Management Professional Sales Concentration, we suggest students use titles like “Professional Sales Student” and/or “Sales Development Representative for Center for Professional Sales.”
If you are actively looking for an internship or permanent placement, you can say these things after your title, such as “Looking for Summer 2020 Internship in Health Care” or “Looking for Full-Time Work in Real Estate.”
This is one of the first things your visitor will see; make it count!
3) Choose your background picture wisely.
Well, what message do you want to convey? Having a picture of JSOM or something that is more creative is a great start, but be sure to keep it professional. Don’t go too creative; it may not resonate well with a broader audience.
4) Experience is more than duties you’ve performed — so what do you have to share?
Don’t just tell me what you do, tell me what you’ve accomplished!
Tell me what you’ve learned — you are painting a picture here.
What do you want people to ask you about during an interview or when starting an early conversation? Think about that and then write your profile summary to match.
For your education area, indicate substantial projects. List what they were, how they advanced your skills, what you took away from said project. This will set you apart from other candidates.
5) Don’t be stingy with recommendations.
You should give recommendations to people who you enjoy working with and who’ve made a positive impact in both professional and educational projects.
I admonish my students to “Give recommendations as often as they are earned. In return, ask for them sparingly.” When you give a recommendation, Linkedin normally prompts that person to provide one to you in return.
Funny how reciprocity works.
Don’t expect this, but more often than not, if your team enjoyed working together they will give you a recommendation when prompted as well.
6) Don’t forget — you’re painting a picture of who they are about to meet.
Look at your profile as your personal website or billboard to the world. Use your real estate on this page to tell a story and paint a picture of YOU.
The objective is to have the person reach out and say, “I read your profile, and I want to meet the person I learned about on your Linkedin Profile.”
As we become more digitally inclined as a nation and move to more video meetings, your digital first impression might just be your REAL first impression. Give it some effort and time. It might just pay high dividends for your future!
