More and more recruiters and employers will check out your LinkedIn profile before deciding to offer you an interview. Just like your CV, it is important to know what to include and not include on your profile.
Here’s our quick guide to what you should avoid on your LinkedIn profile.

Long Job Descriptions

If your profile contains long paragraph length job descriptions then it’s time to do some editing! Recruiters are looking at lots of profiles per day so aren’t interested in reading through large chunks of text. Use bullet points and short statements like you would on your CV as the recruiter will only skim read. This will ensure that anything important about you will jump out immediately. 

A Full List of Every Course You’ve Taken

Yes sure it is helpful to include qualifications relevant to your career under the Education section of your profile but recruiters don’t want to read about every course you have ever taken. Try to only elaborate on the ones that best present your skills and are most relevant. 

Unprofessional Profile Photos

Your profile image doesn’t have to be posing in a suit or business dress but avoid selfies. Don’t be the candidate who’s rejected for having a less than professional photo. After all, whether it’s fair or not, it’s the first thing people see. Use a photo that makes you look confident, friendly, competent and influential. 

Using Present Tense Verbs When Describing Past Roles

Most of us are great at keeping our CV up to date but are often guilty of not keeping our LinkedIn profiles updated. Few things confuse recruiters more than seeing the use of present tense to describe accomplishments in three different positions. Scroll through your jobs and make sure that achievements listed under previous roles - everything but your current position - are in the past tense. It may sound trivial but the smallest mistakes could cause a recruiter to navigate away from your page. 

Microsoft Word Endorsements

Recruiters want to know why they should select you over everyone else so telling them that you are experienced in Microsoft Word won’t help your case. Nearly everyone uses Word, Excel and PowerPoint so try to shout about your other skills and qualifications that will make you stand out.

Visit the career help pages at Jobs Direct for other handy tips to help you stand out more.