Recently I was invited to connect with someone on LinkedIn who was looking for a job. His summary read:
My Objective is to find a full time career that utilizes my building experiences. With over 10 years as a general contractor and 20+ years as a residential real estate agent, I have no doubt that I would be a valuable asset to your team.
Please let me know if you would like a list of my latest projects with contact info.
Thank You,
Sam Jones
How can we improve this LinkedIn job search profile?
Remember that your LI summary has to sell someone … gently. This summary sounds as though the writer desperately needs a job. He doesn’t explain why he’d be a good addition to a firm.
We can only scratch the surface here but here are some suggestions:
(1) Write from your target employer’s point of view. Instead of saying, “I,” use “you.”
(2) Identify your skills and expertise up front. Try to find out what search terms employers might be using and use those words to describe your skills.
“Expertise in managing large-scale construction projects ($20MM and higher), such as HVAC and industrial remodeling, as well as small residential renovations. I cover everything from permits to final detailing and commit to on-time delivery.
(3) Tell a story. How did you go from construction to real estate? How can those two fields be combined for a synergistic benefit to your future employer?
“As a residential real estate owner, I’ve worked with buyers so I know how to plan construction that will hit their hot buttons and make their properties sell faster. Currently I’m working happily in real estate and scanning for opportunities to get back into construction project management.”
(4) Don’t be afraid to brag a little! Later you mention that you’ve worked with big name clients. Put their names right in the summary. You’ll gain credibility.
(5) Never offer to send more information or use a letter-type closing. What you could do is include a link to a resume (“for more information”) or, even better, a web page that summarizes your skills creatively, or even a short video.
The key is to let employers know your skills up front and why they should hire you and you would come across as confident.
We’ve just talked about the summary. There’s much more to a LinkedIn profile. If you’d like to discuss any aspect of your job search in depth, I have several programs. Click here to learn more.