5 Mistakes That Are Killing Your LinkedIn Profile

Popular 5 Mistakes That Are Killing Your LinkedIn Profile Anish Majumdar Jenna Arcand February 04, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "", "display": true, "mobile": "", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": ""}, {"desktop": "", "display": true, "mobile": "", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": ""}, {"display": true, "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2}], "adsOrder": [2]}

If you've been satisfied with a “placeholder" LinkedIn profile up to this point, or feel like landing a job through the site isn't a viable option, we've got some news for you. The hiring landscape has changed, permanently, and those who adapt will secure the best opportunities.

Here are five of the biggest mistakes people make on their LinkedIn profiles:

1. Not Using The Headline To Its Fullest Potential

Pull up your profile and take a look at the “headline" that's immediately underneath your name. If all it does is list your current job title and the company you're working at, change it! LinkedIn headlines accept a maximum of 120 characters. Use this space to directly address your audience, whether it's recruiters, fellow professionals, or potential clients.

In your LinkedIn headline, list your skills after your current job title and company. These skills are keywords that will help you show up in search results on LinkedIn. This will allow recruiters and hiring managers to find you, and they'll be more likely to click on your profile if your LinkedIn headline is optimized with relevant skills, the skills they're looking for in a job candidate, and potential employee.

​2. Rehashing Your Resume In The "About" Section

While lifting content from your resume to fill out the "About" section of your LinkedIn profile is easy, it's also ineffective. Your "Experience" section should look identical to your resume. Your summary, located in the "About" section, should not.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on your LinkedIn profile is not including your personal branding statement in the "About" section. You need to communicate how you create value, how you save or make companies money as a business-of-one. What is your specialty? Then, after your personal branding statement, list your core skills and accomplishments, which will further increase your chances of being found by recruiters and hiring managers.

3. Not Having Recommendations

Recommendations are crucial to establishing credibility on LinkedIn. A few sentences singing your praises by a former boss or colleague can do more for you than paragraphs of self-congratulatory prose.

Here's a message template you can use when reaching out to someone through LinkedIn for a recommendation:

Hi [Name]

Hope all is well! I really enjoyed working with you on/at [project/company] and would be very grateful for a brief LinkedIn recommendation. If you could touch on my capabilities in [quality #1] and [quality #2] that would be a huge help. Just a few sentences is all I'm after. It was a real privilege working with you, and I know that a recommendation would significantly boost my profile. Thanks in advance for your time, and hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks, [Your Name]

Remember to return the favor, too!

4. Adding Non-Relevant Skills And Endorsements

If you're currently seeking an HR director role but the bulk of the skills and endorsements on your profile relate to your days as an administrative assistant, that mismatch is going to affect how frequently your profile turns up in searches recruiters and employers run for HR director candidates. Align the skills in your profile with current (not past) aspirations.

On LinkedIn, search for people who have the job you want. Bring up the first few profiles that come up (these are usually the most visible professionals on the site) and review their "Skills and Endorsements" section. Make a note of skills they're frequently endorsed for which you possess. Then, add these skills to your profile.

Expert tip: endorsing the skills of other people in your network is the fastest way to have your skills endorsed as well. Visit the profile page of anyone in your network and you'll be greeted with opportunities to start endorsing them (and others).

5. Not Including Personal “Hooks"

It's amazing how often a seemingly insignificant detail about a person's non-work life will result in an interview. Familiarity is a powerful motivator. If someone feels like they know you, or that you share a major interest, they're much more likely to pursue a connection. Here are some sections you can fill out on LinkedIn to provide those personal "hooks":

• Volunteer Experience (avoid inserting anything polarizing here, such as religious or political activities)
• Causes you're interested in
• Joining non-professional LinkedIn Groups (ex. Awesome Mountain Biking, Women in Photography)
• Personal Interests

Connection happens through storytelling! Does your LinkedIn profile tell your story?

If you've made some of these mistakes on your LinkedIn profile, that's okay! It's not the end of the world. Now you can take the steps to fix them so you're left with a well-optimized, complete LinkedIn profile that will get you in front of the right recruiters and hiring managers!

Need more help optimizing your LinkedIn profile? Sign up for our FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp!

During this bootcamp, you will learn:

• How to properly format and optimize your resume
• How to optimize your LinkedIn profile
• How both of these tools can help you stand out

Interested? Sign up today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

From Your Site Articles

• How To Write A LinkedIn Profile When You're Unemployed - Work It ... ›
• 4 Common Mistakes To Avoid On LinkedIn - Work It Daily ›
• What You Should & Shouldn't Include On Your LinkedIn Profile ... ›
• 4 Ways To Effectively Use LinkedIn Groups - Work It Daily ›
• How To Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out To Recruiters - Work ... ›
• 10 Things To Immediately Do On LinkedIn - Work It Daily ›

Related Articles Around the Web

• 7 Common LinkedIn Profile Mistakes ›
• 10 Most Common LinkedIn Profile Mistakes To Avoid ›
• 8 LinkedIn profile mistakes ›

linkedin profile {"customDimensions": {"1":"Anish Majumdar, Jenna Arcand","3":"career advice, job search, networking, linkedin, linkedin profile, linkedin profile mistakes, linkedin mistakes, career, job seekers, professionals, linkedin headline, linkedin recommendations, linkedin endorsements, skills, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239253, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239230, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239316, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239326, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239327, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239344","4":"02/04/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 479660731, 376536198, 376491143, 404327439, 543270555, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548608, 19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Popular 4 Ways To Build Success From Scratch Ariella Coombs Jenna Arcand February 03, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "", "display": true, "mobile": "", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": ""}, {"desktop": "", "display": true, "mobile": "", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": ""}, {"display": true, "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2}], "adsOrder": [2]}

For most of us, success doesn't just come out of nowhere. We have to work for it. Whether it's at work or at home, we strive to be successful in everything we do. This isn't an easy task by any means. However, there are ways to meet your goals without driving yourself crazy.

Here are four ways to help you build success from scratch:

1. Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier

Changing your daily habits slowly rather than all at once increases the likelihood that you will maintain them. According to Fast Company contributor Laura Vanderkam, building habits takes time.

In her article "What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast," she suggests taking on one new habit and building it into your routine before you start another habit. Makes sense, right?

2. Have A Positive Mindset

Although having a positive mindset seems like a no-brainer, many people fall into the downward spiral of negative thinking. Instead of blaming yourself or others for your lack of success in life, try looking at things from a different perspective.

Geoffrey James touches on this concept in his column "Sales Source" for Inc. Magazine. He uses an example of how perfectionism, though it seems like a wonderful goal, is ultimately impossible to achieve.

When you realize you can't achieve perfection, negative thoughts can overwhelm you and keep you from success. Instead, re-evaluate your goals and make them more manageable.

3. Take A Risk

Yes, taking risks is a scary concept, but taking one once in a while can be a smart thing to do. Risk takers can be success makers!

According to Fast Company's article "How To Quiet the Negative Thoughts That Are Killing Your Career," the key is to be smart about your risks. Always weigh the benefits of a risk with the losses.

4. Be A "New" Leader

It's a new world, so be a new leader. According to the blog The HR Capitalist, an old leader is very shut off from the world. It's difficult for old leaders to accept mistakes and open up with others.

However, new leaders are generally more open, accept their mistakes, and consult their network for answers. Which one do you think is more successful?

By doing these four things in your career, you can get on the path to success and finally achieve your goals. It starts with building good habits, having a positive mindset, being a leader, and taking risks when the time is right. Career success is closer than you think!

Need help reaching your professional potential? Sign up for our FREE training "Unlocking Your Career Potential So You Can (Finally!) Find A Job You Like."

Here's what you'll learn:

• What kind of work you should be looking for based on your lifestyle and needs
• How to identify the kinds of companies you would be happiest working at
• Which of your skills you should focus on leveraging in a job so that you feel happier at work each day
• How your personality impacts what type of work you should be looking for

Interested? Sign up for FREE today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read more Show less career success {"customDimensions": {"1":"Ariella Coombs, Jenna Arcand","3":"success, career success, how to build success, career tips, career advice, career growth, career, professionals, successful, career success tips, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29230680, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29230720, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29230688, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29230712, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29230693","4":"02/03/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548592, 19836096]} } Featured 5 Mistakes That Are Killing Your LinkedIn Profile {"customDimensions": {"1":"Anish Majumdar, Jenna Arcand","3":"career advice, job search, networking, linkedin, linkedin profile, linkedin profile mistakes, linkedin mistakes, career, job seekers, professionals, linkedin headline, linkedin recommendations, linkedin endorsements, skills, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239253, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239230, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239316, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239326, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239327, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29239344","4":"02/04/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 479660731, 376536198, 376491143, 404327439, 543270555, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548608, 19836096]} } Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs, ~popular_source-pageview","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 376489962, 473333499, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473310812, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 479660731, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} } How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, ~popular_source-pageview, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }