Resume & Cover Letter Writing: LinkedIn

Showing posts with label LinkedIn. Show all posts

1/29/13

Writing a Powerful LinkedIn Summary

11/5/12

Writing a Powerful LinkedIn Summary

A LinkedIn membership, free or premium, is a must have for today's job seeker because head hunters are flocking to LinkedIn to recruit candidates for open positions. A significant part of the LinkedIn profile is the summary section. To get the most out of your summary don't reiterate information that is on your resume, but look for a different angle to flesh out the same background in two paragraphs. This part will take time if you aren't a wordsmith so don't be surprised or get discouraged if it takes you a couple of days to come up with compelling verbiage.

Once you have written the introductory paragraphs, choose three successes from the last ten to fifteen years of your career to showcase. Finally to round out the summary, include a closing paragraph. Let's take a look at a sample summary you can use as a model.

Sample LinkedIn Summary
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Offer a valuable blend of new business development, negotiation, and client cultivation strategies to drive sales of complex IT solutions and shape the strategic direction of a global sales department. Leverage hands-on expertise in managing a long sales cycle to capture multi-year, lucrative accounts within various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality.

Effectively position organizations against entrench competition, design competitive pricing policies, and nurture relationships with clients and business partners. Overview of achievements includes the following:

-- High-performance background in building teams to outperform performance goals 30% (on average) in flat markets.

-- Drive double-digit market growth through a multi-layered business development strategy focused on maximizing existing client accounts and expanding into untapped areas.

-- Close 85% of contract agreements by placing value on client relationships, holding productive conversations with C-level executives and senior management, and cultivating credibility and stakeholder confidence.

Balance growth-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to present potential merger and acquisitions opportunities, recommend strategic alliances with industry players, and propose partnerships with joint ventures.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As you can see, the purpose of the summary is to provide a snapshot of your career and allow readers to determine whether or not they want to download your full resume. For this reason, it is essential you include the best you have to offer. The more impressive your LinkedIn summary, the greater chance you will generate interest from recruiters and decision makers.

You can contact Linda Matias at linda@careerstrides.com or visit her website http://www.careerstrides.com/ for additional career advice and to view resume samples.

8/14/12

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Just Copy Your Resume Into Your LinkedIn Summary

Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summary statements into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three major problems with this strategy:

Problem #1: Trite Phrases

Often your resume summary is laden with overused phrases like "Results-oriented team player with a proven track record... " or "Dynamic, motivated self-starter with extensive experience... "

If your resume summary looks anything like the above examples, please rewrite it and hire a professional resume writer if necessary! This type of language belongs neither on your resume nor in your LinkedIn profile.

Problem #2: LinkedIn Summary Real Estate

You have 2000 characters at your disposal for a LinkedIn Summary, vs. three to four lines maximum for your resume summary. Why would you choose not to use all that real estate to say something - really say something - about yourself?

Problem #3: Keywords

Your LinkedIn Summary is an essential place for you to insert keywords if you want to be found on LinkedIn. By inserting a 3-line summary, you lose out on your chance to build keywords into your profile.

Resume Summary Example - For Resumes Only

Here's an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn Summary (note I DO like this statement as a resume summary statement - in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance - Producer - Writer - Editor

Award-winning television producer and groundbreaking investigative reporter - experience covering issues ranging from pre-election to international news, with special emphasis on East Africa. Creator and writer of highly acclaimed documentaries and promotional videos for non-profit organizations. Eight years as producer for CNN.

LinkedIn Summary Example - Great Model!

What would a LinkedIn Summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

Award-winning investigative and documentary television producerVideo production and broadcast journalism have been my passions for over 20 years, ever since receiving my MS in Journalism from Columbia University. I have produced everything from groundbreaking news stories for CNN to promotional videos for non-profit organizations, and I am currently hosting a blog radio show for parents relaunching their careers.My journalism background gave me the ability to distill a large amount of material and hone in on what's true and important. I can pinpoint the real message that needs to be conveyed, creating a human story that moves and inspires an audience.Promotional Videos for Non-Profit Organizations

As a freelance video producer, I specialize in creating high caliber, professional and creative promotional videos for non-profit and educational organizations. I understand the budgetary constraints of non-profit organizations and will work within a range of budgets and scope of work.

Funders respond to high quality video presentations that effectively convey your organization's message. I will take your message, target it, and transform it into a concise and meaningful array of pictures, words, and sounds. You will then have the power of an impactful video to present your organization's activities at fundraising events and through the web.

In addition to being a video producer, I was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years, and I am committed to providing resources to women who are returning to the workforce. My blog ***, chronicles my journey and shares information about the return-to-work process.

Blog topics include emotional roadblocks to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly blog talk radio show on relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works about this example?

Conveys LeeAnn's story and her passion (the resume summary does not).Contains multiple keywords that will get LeeAnn found on LinkedIn.Covers the different facets of what LeeAnn has to offer.Draws the eye to sub-headings so that readers can easily see what LeeAnn is about. The text is broken into bite-sized pieces, not so blocky that no one will read it.Has a call to action.

Note that the resume summary does NONE of these five things, even though it is perfectly great as a resume summary.

Can you write a LinkedIn Summary Statement for yourself that accomplishes at least four out of the five functions listed above? If yes, great - go for it! If you need help, consider hiring a professional to write you a LinkedIn Summary that will help you get found on LinkedIn and have the impact you want on the people who read your profile.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/
For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Brenda Bernstein, Certified Advanced Resume Writer and accomplished editor and LinkedIn trainer, holds an English degree from Yale University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law. She is the author of the highly-acclaimed e-book, How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile. Brenda delivers webinars on LinkedIn and resume writing that have been attended by thousands of job seekers and other professionals seeking to establish a professional image on LinkedIn.

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

8/10/12

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Just Copy Your Resume Into Your LinkedIn Summary

Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summary statements into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three major problems with this strategy:

Problem #1: Trite Phrases

Often your resume summary is laden with overused phrases like "Results-oriented team player with a proven track record... " or "Dynamic, motivated self-starter with extensive experience... "

Problem #2: LinkedIn Summary Real Estate

Problem #3: Keywords

Resume Summary Example - For Resumes Only

Here's an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn Summary (note I DO like this statement as a resume summary statement - in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance - Producer - Writer - Editor

LinkedIn Summary Example - Great Model!

What would a LinkedIn Summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

Blog topics include emotional roadblocks to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly blog talk radio show on relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works about this example?

Note that the resume summary does NONE of these five things, even though it is perfectly great as a resume summary.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/
For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

8/3/12

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Just Copy Your Resume Into Your LinkedIn Summary

Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summary statements into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three major problems with this strategy:

Problem #1: Trite Phrases

Often your resume summary is laden with overused phrases like "Results-oriented team player with a proven track record... " or "Dynamic, motivated self-starter with extensive experience... "

Problem #2: LinkedIn Summary Real Estate

Problem #3: Keywords

Resume Summary Example - For Resumes Only

Here's an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn Summary (note I DO like this statement as a resume summary statement - in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance - Producer - Writer - Editor

LinkedIn Summary Example - Great Model!

What would a LinkedIn Summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

Blog topics include emotional roadblocks to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly blog talk radio show on relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works about this example?

Note that the resume summary does NONE of these five things, even though it is perfectly great as a resume summary.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/
For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

7/5/12

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Just Copy Your Resume Into Your LinkedIn Summary

Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summary statements into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three major problems with this strategy:

Problem #1: Trite Phrases

Often your resume summary is laden with overused phrases like "Results-oriented team player with a proven track record... " or "Dynamic, motivated self-starter with extensive experience... "

Problem #2: LinkedIn Summary Real Estate

Problem #3: Keywords

Resume Summary Example - For Resumes Only

Here's an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn Summary (note I DO like this statement as a resume summary statement - in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance - Producer - Writer - Editor

LinkedIn Summary Example - Great Model!

What would a LinkedIn Summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

Blog topics include emotional roadblocks to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly blog talk radio show on relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works about this example?

Note that the resume summary does NONE of these five things, even though it is perfectly great as a resume summary.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/
For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

7/3/12

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Just Copy Your Resume Into Your LinkedIn Summary

Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summary statements into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three major problems with this strategy:

Problem #1: Trite Phrases

Often your resume summary is laden with overused phrases like "Results-oriented team player with a proven track record... " or "Dynamic, motivated self-starter with extensive experience... "

Problem #2: LinkedIn Summary Real Estate

Problem #3: Keywords

Resume Summary Example - For Resumes Only

Here's an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn Summary (note I DO like this statement as a resume summary statement - in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance - Producer - Writer - Editor

LinkedIn Summary Example - Great Model!

What would a LinkedIn Summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

Blog topics include emotional roadblocks to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly blog talk radio show on relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works about this example?

Note that the resume summary does NONE of these five things, even though it is perfectly great as a resume summary.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/
For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

3/3/12

Cool Resumes Vs LinkedIn Profiles Vs Resumes That Sell

Cool Resumes

Business Writer recently wrote an article on how certain cool resumes have benefited candidates. The thing to notice in all the 13 resumes shown in the story is that the candidates were not just good; they were perhaps the best in the skills they were selling.

Always remember, if you are better than the rest, the world is your playground. Play with your resume, your profile, your approach to any interview and you will always get hired.

If you are the second best, don't. Period.

A creatively designed resume is always noticed, without a doubt. But you need to be careful about where you apply with it. Graphic designers and illustrators will be appreciated for such an effort. Marketing grads might be. Finance guys, definitely not!

If a company has a serious work culture, such an effort from your part will never be valued; in fact it might be taken as offensive in some cases. So, use your own discretion.

LinkedIn Profiles

Social Networking is the in-nest thing at the moment. And when Google launches Google+, 7 years after the launch of Facebook, you know that social networking is not going to fade away any soon either. In fact in some countries, like India, it's just opening up! One of the most important tools of social and professional networking has been LinkedIn. More and more employers are opening up to LinkedIn to find and hire suitable candidates. Here's a quick fact:

"Recruiters for about 45 percent of employers are using social networking sites to research job candidates, a jump from 22 percent in 2008, according to a June 2009 CareerBuilder.com survey of 2,600 hiring managers. Another 11 percent plan to start using social networking sites for screening. Of those who conducted online searches, 35 percent found content on the sites that caused them not to hire a candidate, according to the survey. And, in a 2010 Microsoft-commissioned survey, 70 percent of the 275 U.S. recruiters, HR professionals and hiring managers that responded said they have rejected candidates based on information they found online." - Dori Meinert, Senior Writer for HR Magazine, February 2011

So whether it is LinkedIn or LinkedIn killer, your social profile is being scrutinized, whether you like it or not.

"There's nothing that screams more accurately who you are than a Facebook page." - Van Allen, Owner of The Hire Connection (excerpt from Dori Meinert, Seeing Behind the Mask, HR Magazine).

In such a scenario it becomes imperative for you to work on your 'social profile'. Some of the things you can and should do are:

1. 100% Profile completeness (must)

2. Meaningful and honest recommendations (at least 3)

3. And some value-add applications, which speak something about your interests.

Another thing which you need to do is join professional groups and do some question answering in its forums. Of course some research has to go into which groups you should and should not join.

Resumes that Sell

The old traditional method of impressing employers is still the preferred one. Nothing can beat a nice crafted and crisply written resume on a margined A4 sheet of paper. Resumes that have been 'worked upon' are the resumes that actually sell. If you have put in an effort in making your resume look good, it will show and employers will appreciate it.

But you need to be careful with what you put in your resume, lest it ends in the garbage bin! Here's a list of phrases which, according to a Human Resource Strategy company, completely ruin your A4 profile:

1. Words like "detail-oriented", "team-player", "hardworking", "proactive" are only considered as show words. What happened to those modest candidates?! These adjectives don't even come close to enhancing your application, because recruiters know that these are only words. There is no work which would not want you to be hardworking, so it's implicit; you don't have to write about it.

2. "Salary negotiable" - this should NEVER be in your resume. Such a line only shows that you probably ran out of achievements to talk about. And then again, if your salary is not negotiable, that'd be sort of unusual, right.

3. "References - available on request" - If you don't write this and the employer asks for a reference, will you refuse? Again an unnecessary item which should be removed.

4. "Objective" - There is just one scenario where you need an objective statement in your resume - during Career Change or when you are applying for a position where you do not have enough prior experience. In all other circumstances, an objective wastes precious lines on your resume.

5. A quirky email address like "luvtohunt(@)xyx.com" is a big turn off for any recruiting manager wanting to contact you. Avoid such email ids and preferably create separate emails for professional communications.

As for the things you should do, enough has been said already.

Check out our blog at http://www.getsetresumes.com/blog for more such informative articles!

9/3/11

Cover Letters and LinkedIn

What do Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook have in common with job hunting and your resume cover letters? All three of these social networking sites can create initial contacts for getting job interviews. By using social networking job search methods you can find out about job openings before they are ever advertised or posted. Your resume cover letters are about marketing and making connections with employers or individuals at companies. Social networking for job hunting is the same.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a one of the many social networking sites available online. Similar to Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn allows people to connect with those they may have lost touch with or those they share similar interests with; unlike other sites, though, the largest group is businesses, who use this resource for many reasons, including advertising and job recruitment. This site is one of the fastest growing networking sites on the web with estimates of over 80 million members, is available in six languages and accessible in almost every country imaginable; there is no charge to set up a basic account, but there are some upgrades that you can purchase for your page.

The job market today, as well as the increasingly global nature of business, has led employers and job-seekers alike to try new and different methods of hiring employees or finding a job. Social networking sites are rapidly becoming the place where more and more people involving in the job market in some way or another are able to connect to people worldwide and exchange information quickly. Though not quite ready to replace online job-hunting sites or other job positing sites, social networking sites can be invaluable in both the hiring process and the job-hunting process; by not knowing about these sites, you run the risk that you may miss out on that "perfect" job simply because you did not know where to look.

Just as with any other social networking sites, LinkedIn has some unwritten (and written) rules of how one should conduct themselves on the site. One of those unwritten rules is that you should not contact anyone that you don't know personally. As with any rule, of course, there are exceptions; for example, sending a connection request to a friend of a friend who is the hiring manager for your dream company isn't considered to be "bad" etiquette, especially if that friend is one of the references listed in your profile. However, if you are sending connection requests to people you don't know on a regular basis, the site may identify you as a "spammer" and block all of your future requests, if not close your account completely. These types of connection requests are initial contacts much like job hunting cover letters.

There are two types of connections which are first and second degree connections. A first degree connection is someone you know and who knows you such as a friend, associate, former teacher or boss, and so on. A second degree connection are friend of friends, recommendations, or someone with which you have a mutual friend or associate. Connections often have information about job openings or know someone who does.

View your professional initial contacts as resume cover letters. You want to explain why you are contacting the individual, briefly describe your skills and situation, and refer them to more information such as your profile and website or publications you have written or about you. Then decide what action you want them to take. Requesting a referral person within their company to whom you might forward a resume or of they know of anyone looking for your particular skills.

Your Profile

Because this networking site is aimed at the business sector rather than personal socializing, keep your profile professional. Bad language, spelling and grammar are a big turn-off; keep your postings grammatically correct and free of punctuation mistakes.

You can also use the job search function for employers with openings. You can refine your search by location, country, or the world. In this case you commonly do not send a connection request to the company. Look for a link to the company's website or hiring page where you can complete an online application or submit your cover letters and resumes.

There are some "rules of etiquette" for these types of networking sites and some tips about how to make the most effective use of LinkedIn. See my interview questions and networking books to get the inside networking secrets for getting job interviews. Also see OneClick Cover Letters for powerful language that gets employers calling you for an interview. Copyright 2011 by Phil Baker. Freely distribute this article but please leave article, author name, copyright info, and links intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Baker

Phil Baker - EzineArticles Expert Author

9/2/11

How To Take Advantage Of LinkedIn As Your Resume

If you haven't signed up for LinkedIn yet, here's something to help you decide if LinkedIn can help you with your job search, or not. In this digital age, here's how to take advantage of LinkedIn as your resume.

Build Your LinkedIn Profile

Enter details in your LinkedIn profile about your work experience, education, skills, links to your online works (if any), and so on. Pretty much the same kind of information you have listed in your resume already. Just keep in mind not to make any unnecessary bold claims about who you are and what you do for a living.

And also, it's best to keep your personal interests away from this profile. Keep it professional. You don't have to post about what you had for lunch, who's the designer of your current outfit, and so on.

One important note to keep in mind is your photo. Upload a photo you won't feel embarrassed maybe when your boss views it, or someone from the company you're applying for. Therefore, pictures exposing your anatomy, drinking beer, partying with your friends, etc. are a big NO.

Check And Tweak Your Public Profile

Your public profile is open to the world. Tweak it to make sure all relevant information is displayed to showcase your resume online. The best way to maintain a good public profile on LinkedIn is by updating your LinkedIn profile regularly.

Build Credibility

Grow your network in LinkedIn with connections to your colleagues, classmates, former boss(es), current boss, anyone who can build your credibility of who you are and your expertise at the field of your choice. Use the "Get Recommendations" feature to add to your credibility - remember any LinkedIn recommendation is potentially a reference in advance for your prospective employer.

You can also use LinkedIn to keep track of any job openings through LinkedIn groups, company pages and of course, through your connections. Plus you can get a lot of help for your upcoming interview through LinkedIn. All you need to do is look up the company pages, the different users related to the company, find out what the expectations are, and so on.

Finally, keep in mind you do need a good resume, in addition to your LinkedIn profile. While your LinkedIn profile can't replace your resume entirely, you can definitely use LinkedIn to land your dream job. And as always, pay special attention to what you post online, because once it's online, it's online forever.