4 Ways to Create a Memorable Candidate Profile

If someone views your LinkedIn profile or resume, do they understand your unique skills and career goals in the first 7 seconds? If you struggle with how to make yourself stand out, these tips will help you showcase your best qualities.

Integrating essential keywords can jumpstart your interview request rate because you’re connecting the dots between your experience and the needs of a potential employer. By threading in words that are industry relevant and position specific, you set yourself up for quicker, more accurate matches with career opportunities.

When delineating your accomplishments, don’t underestimate the effect of numbers to support your impact on a company’s success. A “37% increase in sales” is more eye-catching than “an increase in sales.” Also keep in mind that according to the Nielsen Norman Group, it’s better to use numerals such as “7” instead of spelling out “seven” for content that is scanned quickly, which is the case for both a resume and a LinkedIn profile.

Craft a striking layout that allows your information to be easily seen. Even a Word document offers some design capabilities, and your goal is to have brief, well laid out sections that make applicable information more prominent. LinkedIn lets you upload documents, photos, web links, videos, and presentations to each position and to your summary, creating more of “portfolio” to pull together your professional presence. Whether you are actively job seeking or refining your personal brand, implementing some visual features will increase your appeal.

There are several LinkedIn tips and tricks you can employ to spice up your profile, but your central goal should be to write a profile with personality. The professional headline and photo are a powerful 1-2 punch that can captivate a reader. Instead of using the default “title” at “company” format, compose a headline that focuses on your role and a few powerful keywords. Go into more detail in your summary section about why you’re in this line of work, what you’re passionate about, and how previous achievements have established your reputation.

If this is an area you need more support in, or if you would be interested in career counseling services, please contact us at info@careersolutionsgroup.net. Once your candidate profile is sharpened, you’ll have the confidence to successfully pursue a next-step opportunity.

Article Author:  Lidonna Beer, CPRW