Work experience

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How To Get A Job With No Experience



The job search is difficult enough for professionals who have years of experience under their belts. So, how do you get a job when you don't have any experience? That's the million-dollar question, and I'm going to answer it for you.

Focus On Connection Points


When you find a job that you want to apply for, some sort of life experience has taught you to want this job. Otherwise, you wouldn't even know what this job is. So, write down what it is about this job that you really want. Where did you learn about this job? Where did you come to find this job that you're very excited about? We have to connect the dots in the story here. Then, write down why you think you're qualified to do this job, even though you don't have any experience. What from your own life or professional experience has made you believe that you are fully capable of doing this job?

You need to write all of this out. These are the connection points between you and the job. These are the connection points that a recruiter and a hiring manager are going to need to hear in order to consider you because sending them your resume or your LinkedIn profile is going to get you tossed because you don't fit the mold.

The story is the factor here. Now, the more powerful the story, the more compelling the reasons that you want to do this job and that you believe you can do this job, the more likely you will get a shot at this job.

Here's a true story to help you understand the power of connection points...

Years ago, I had a young man come to me and he wanted to get into financial planning. However, the first 12 years of his career had been as a paint store manager. It was a successful career but it had nothing to do with financial planning. So when I said to him, "Why do you think you're qualified for financial planning and why do you want to get into it?" he explained that a little over a year ago, his father had died unexpectedly and his dad had owned a business, and they found out after he died that the business was in shambles. He left his mom broke and she was probably not only going to lose the business but lose the home that she had spent all her life in with her husband.

So, what did he do? He spent nights and weekends figuring everything out, teaching himself what he needed to know. He was able to turn around and get the business to a place where he could sell it and get enough money for his mother so that she didn't lose the house and she had something to live on. He said the experience was so traumatic that he never, ever wanted to see another person go through this, and he knew if he could become a financial planner, he could help more people when these unexpected losses hit so they wouldn't have to deal with all the financial stress and drama when they're simultaneously trying to grieve. If that isn't the ultimate motivation to want to become a financial planner!

After he explained all that, we created his career story. I call this career story a connection story. I also refer to it as the disruptive cover letter because it's not a traditional cover letter. I helped him tell the story of how he realized he needed to become a financial planner and also enclosed some of the transferable skills from being a paint store manager that he believed helped him get up to speed so fast and do all that he did for his mom.

He had five financial planning companies on his interview bucket list—five companies that he would love to work for. He sent his disruptive cover letter off. He networked with all five companies. They gave him interviews. Three gave him offers. And he took the offer from his number one choice.

You can do this too, but the story is going to be what gets your foot in the door and gets people to root for you, to want to give you a chance. Because the upside is when you go into a job that you haven't done before, you have no bad habits. You're very moldable. Also, anybody who gives you a shot, you're going to do everything in your power to exceed their expectations. So there are some clear advantages to hiring somebody who doesn't have the experience.

But they're not going to hire you if you don't have that connection and intrinsic motivation, which is just a fancy word for a really good reason why you're going to get out of bed every day to do that job and figure it out and crush it. That's what they're looking for from you as someone with no experience.

If you would like to learn how to do this step by step, join me inside Work It DAILY today. Sign up for a seven-day free trial and get instant access to my cover letter plan. That is where you're going to learn the power of the connection story.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Get A Job With No …

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween



The thought of conducting a job search right now is probably very intimidating for most professionals—and a little frightening. While there are many things that could be scaring you about your job search, you can't let those fears impact your career, especially when you can easily overcome them with the right tools, tips, and strategies.

If the phrase "looking for a job" strikes fear into your heart, don't worry. Here's how to overcome your job search fears this fall, just in time for Halloween!

Fear #1: Employers Won't Call You Back


You're putting so much time and effort into your job search, but what if employers never call you back? This is a common fear for many professionals, and for good reason.

A lot of job seekers do spend hours a day applying for jobs only to never hear back from employers. There are a few reasons why this might be happening: your resume didn't make it past the ATS, your cover letter didn't stand out to hiring managers, and/or you didn't adequately market your skills and experience to employers or demonstrate your value as a business-of-one.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #2: You'll Bomb The Job Interview


Woman is stressed as she waits for her job interview

This is a fear that probably keeps you up at night. You've finally found a job you like and landed an interview with the company. But what if you bomb the job interview? What if you ruin your chances of getting a job offer?

Confidence is key in a job interview, and you can't be confident without proper interview preparation.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #3: You'll Accept The Wrong Job Offer


Job seeker on laptop dealing with job search fears

If you've been looking for a job for a while, you might feel desperate. This puts you in a vulnerable spot, but you should avoid settling for a job if you can.

On the flip side, you might have multiple job offers and need to decide which one is right for you. Do you feel empowered to make the right decision?

How To Overcome This Fear:

By following the tips above, you'll successfully overcome any job search fears you may have, and you'll realize the job search isn't as scary as it seems!

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears …

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween



The job interview—this is where it all really begins! While your resume may have impressed the hiring manager and helped you get your foot in the door, now you really have to bring home those points on the resume in person. Failing to convey the right message in the job interview means it is game over!

Don't expect a callback from the employer if you fall short of conveying key messages. There's a lot that can be done to prepare for the job interview so that you go into it confidently. However, it's one thing to be prepared and it's another thing to perform well in the job interview.

Along with proper preparation, here are three things you must convey in the job interview...

You're A Go-Getter!


Job seeker conveying three things during a job interview

Employers desire employees who have a real passion for the work. During the job interview, demonstrate that desire, passion, and excitement for the challenges that lie ahead with the position.

Make the interviewer believe you'll be able to hit the ground running on the job by demonstrating you have the experiences and skills to succeed on the job. Ask what the biggest challenge is and present examples of previous relevant work where you've been in a similar situation and what you accomplished and achieved.

The research you've done ahead of time should also allow you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the company, its business, and more.

You Fit Right In!


Job seeker conveys they are a good fit for the position in a job interview

Fitting right in is not so much about being agreeable but being likable. Come off as friendly and share your understanding of working in a workplace like the employer's. Ask questions during the interview to further understand the type of work environment that exists and then make an effort to demonstrate you have similar experience working in such an environment.

Another way to create the feel that you'll fit right in is by building rapport with those you speak with. The interview should not take on a model of a Q&A session; you want to turn it into a dynamic conversation. Find ways to build rapport that will help show how well you understand the ins and outs of the business and working in a workplace like theirs.

You're A Character With Great Personality!


Hiring managers understand that job candidates may come into a job interview nervous, but those who are able to overcome their nerves and show some personality are more memorable and attractive as a candidate for the job opening.

When you present your personality, it's easier for employers to see how you stand out from other job candidates. Presented the right way, you can also come off even more likable.

When there's the opportunity for it, don't be afraid to add to the conversation by talking about your personal quirks or likes. It's what makes you you! When there is a lack of personality in a character, the individual can come off as boring and dry. It also doesn't hurt to show how you differentiate from the next candidate with similar experience and skills.

Find opportunities throughout your job interview to weave into the conversation these three things above. In the end, you'll come off as a more memorable and desirable candidate for the job!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Things To Convey In Your Job …

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween



Every time you interview, your main purpose is to convince the employer to hire you. The job search is a sales process. The hiring manager (your future boss) is the "customer," and you are both the sales rep and the product. Why should they choose you over all the other "products" out there?

During the interview process, the hiring manager might ask you, "Why should we hire you?" Here are some tips for how you can effectively answer this tough interview question and stand out from other job candidates:

Focus On What You Can Do For The Employer


Job candidate explains why the employer should hire her in a job interview

This question is actually a fantastic opportunity for you to summarize why you'd be a great hire.

Always focus your answer on what benefits you bring, what problems you can solve, and what solutions you can provide. Never, ever say that they should hire you because you need the job or because you really want it—or anything remotely related to your reasons for wanting the job. This is your chance to connect the dots and help the employer see why you're the best person for the job.

Think about things you know the hiring manager (interviewer) is looking for—skill sets, background, character traits, personal qualities, education, experience, or anything else that will make you successful in this role. Relate your answer to these things.

Give An Example


Job candidate answers "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview

Explain how you meet the employer's needs and give an example to support your answer.

Your answer should be framed like this: "You should hire me because you've said you want someone with A, B, and C. I fit all of your requirements. I have A (say what that is), B (maybe give an example), and C (elaborate further)."

This will help you stand out from the other candidates and it gives the employer a reason to hire you.

Keep The Job Description (And Your Skills!) In Mind


Typically, this question will come toward the end of the interview, so you can refer to what you've already talked about, or mention something new that you know they'd be interested in. If it comes in the beginning, use the job description and your research to answer:

  • Will this job require long hours? Mention your work ethic.
  • Will this job need someone with great communication skills? Give an example of yours.
  • Will this job need someone who can learn on the fly? Tell them how you're going to get up to speed quickly and how you've learned and adapted before.
  • Does this job need someone with a particular background? Mention yours.
  • Do you have the skill set they want? Talk about your skill set and how you have been successful with it.

Give them examples of what you have achieved in the past. If you haven't done this job before, talk about similar things you've done or qualities you have that will make you successful in this new role.

It's never easy to answer "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview. However, if you do these three things, you'll be able to articulate your skills, experience, and qualifications with ease. And you'll impress the hiring manager in the process!

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Answer “Why Should We Hire …

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween



If you've been doing your homework on how to write an effective resume, you've seen a recurring theme: you have to quantify your work experience. Although most people understand the general idea of this, we find that job seekers often struggle with applying this idea to writing their resumes.

Here are three easy ways to quantify your work experience with numbers so your resume stands out!

1. Show How Many


Sometimes our responsibilities don't sound that impressive until we start detailing how much work we've been doing. For instance, if one of your job responsibilities is tracking your company's compliance with filing a set of forms every year, you could write that two different ways:

Ensured compliance with filing of annual forms.

—or—

Ensured compliance with the filing of 75 annual forms by 7 different company departments.

Doesn't the second example sound much more impressive?

2. Show How Much


Woman on phone and laptop quantifies her experience on her resume

If you have a job in sales, marketing, or any other business where profitability is the ultimate goal of your position, citing exactly how much money you've either made or saved your company is the way to go.

For example, if you're an internal auditor, your resume could say:

Saved company money by finding ways to cut costs.

—or—

Implemented new payroll and tax accounting systems that saved firm $1M in personnel costs over the next 10 years.

Estimates are fine when citing these types of numbers, as long as you can justify your claim if someone asks you in an interview.

3. Show How Often


Man on laptop writes down quantifiable accomplishments on his resume

We frequently talk with job seekers who have previously been successful in very high-volume environments. If you've worked in this type of setting, please give yourself credit!

Even an administrative assistant's job sounds completely different when quantified and given some context:

Answered phones at the front desk.

—or—

Managed switchboard with 10 incoming lines, effectively receiving and routing an average of 500 calls per day.

My goodness, who wouldn't hire the second candidate?

As you write your resume, ask yourself these three important questions:

  1. How many?
  2. How much?
  3. How often?

The key to landing an interview is to answer those questions as you describe your previous professional accomplishments. Once you learn how to quantify your results and work experience, nothing will hold you back!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Ways To Quantify Your Experience With …



What plans do you have for your summer vacation? Will you be working on your tan or enjoying the air conditioning at the mall? These activities might be fun, but they won't help you get ahead in your career.

Instead of the traditional summer activities, try being more proactive this season to jump-start your career. Here are some tips for kick-starting your career this summer:

1. Wake Up Early


Woman wakes up early to look for a job

The first rule for having a proactive summer is to get out of bed. It sounds simple, but you'll be surprised by how many hours you waste lolling about in bed in your pajamas. Setting your alarm to maintain your regular routine will ensure you don't waste time that could otherwise be used pursuing career-advancing activities and having fun.

Just think how much you'll get done with a few hours' head start on the competition!

2. Take On Volunteer Work


Unemployed woman volunteers during the summer

Taking on volunteer work is another valuable way to spend your summer while unemployed or on a break from school. Some students may find volunteer opportunities that naturally fit with their career aspirations. For example, you may like to volunteer in an old people's home or hospice if you want to become a nurse.

However, volunteering can also give you an opportunity to pursue a passion, like helping people with learning disabilities to read or tending to animals in a wildlife sanctuary. Studies suggest that no matter what volunteering position you pursue, it'll increase your chances of finding employment by 27%. That makes it much more productive than the bulk of summer activities.

3. Get A Summer Job


Man on laptop works a summer job

Even a summer job that's unrelated to your desired career can be valuable. As you look for a job, you'll gain interview skills and learn how to cope with rejection. Once you land a summer position, you'll learn how to deal with the public, take on responsibility, and be accountable to others.

A summer job will also help build up your resume. Any work experience is better than no work experience. The fewer job gaps in your resume, the easier it'll be for you to explain why you were unemployed in a job interview too.

4. Start Freelancing


Man on laptop does freelance work during the summer

Your summer vacation gives you the ideal opportunity to get a freelance business off the ground. Consider what skills you have and start marketing them to potential clients. Writing, designing, translating, and computer programming are all talents ideally suited for freelancing.

Several websites also showcase job opportunities for freelance workers. Many feature short-term opportunities that are ideal for students or unemployed professionals looking to gain work experience (and make some money) while hunting for a full-time job. Taking on these roles will help you beef up your resume and build your professional network.

5. Get An Internship


Woman talks to a summer intern

Many companies offer internships to students on their summer vacations. These positions don't often pay well, but they'll give you invaluable work experience and insight into your dream career. You might become even more passionate about your career direction or decide that your chosen career path isn't for you.

Whatever the case, you'll be able to apply what you've learned at school to real-world situations and make valuable connections. The company you're interning for will probably provide you with a reference, and you might even get a job offer out of it.

If you're not a college student, you can still get an internship! Mid-career internships, also known as "minternships," are on the rise. They're perfect for professionals considering a career change but aren't sure if they want to make that leap yet. So, if you're unemployed this summer and want to explore a new career, a minternship could be for you.

6. Shop For A Professional Wardrobe


Happy professionals go shopping for new work outfits

Even shopping at the mall can be productive if you put your time to good use. Rather than searching for another pair of jeans or a cute pair of sunglasses, keep your eyes peeled for a great professional wardrobe.

Every workplace has a different dress code. When going in for job interviews, the general rule of thumb is to dress one level above the current employees. For this reason, it's always a good idea to have a solid professional wardrobe ready. You never know when a job opportunity will pop up!

Don't let another summer pass you by! Put your free time to good use and get a jump-start on your career this season with these six tips.

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Want To Land A Job In 2023? Your Resume MUST Include This!



The primary goal of your resume is to help you stand out to employers so they give you a call and invite you in for an interview. It's the first impression a hiring manager has of you, and the first step to landing a job. So, how do you optimize your resume so it beats out the competition?

Many job seekers feel lost when writing their resumes. What should you include on it? How much information is enough? What do hiring managers really want to see?

If any of these questions have crossed your mind, don't worry. Here's the one thing you need to include on your resume if you want to stand out to employers and land a job.

The Secret To Landing A Job In 2023? Quantifiable Accomplishments On Your Resume!


Man writes his resume on his laptop

The most important thing to include on your resume is quantifiable accomplishments. Quantify your work experience and put those numbers and figures under the "Work History" section on your resume.

Not sure how to quantify your work history?

Follow these 3 tips to effectively quantify your work history on your resume:

1. Add numbers to your bullet points

You should have at least one number for each bullet point you include on your resume. If you want to show your depth of experience in certain areas, you need to show those numbers. By doing this, an employer can see how much experience you have and how often you use a certain skill. So it's really important to add as many numbers as you can to these bullet points.

Go through an average day at work, list all of your responsibilities and tasks, and ask yourself, "Okay, so if this is what I was doing every day, how often was I doing it? How much did I do? How many people did I work with?" By asking yourself these types of questions, you'll be able to pull out those numbers and add that depth of experience to your bullet points.

2. Include 3-7 bullet points per role

For each role you list on your resume, you should write three to seven of these quantified bullet points to showcase the skill sets that you have that are related to the position you're applying for. Any more than that and you'll likely overwhelm the reader. The hiring manager may think you're overqualified, that your experience is all over the place, or that you wouldn't be happy in the job.

So, be careful how much you put on your resume because too little text sends a message, but so does too much text. You need just the right amount of information, and three to seven bullet points is the sweet spot.

3. Choose accomplishments that support your relevant hard skills

You need to be intentional with what you're choosing to put on your resume to make sure you're supporting your specialty, that service you provide to employers as a business-of-one. The key is to only choose the accomplishments that relate to the skill sets you're showcasing in the top fold of your resume, the skill sets that directly support your specialty.

Make sure you're intentionally pulling these things and including them on your resume as opposed to listing every accomplishment you've ever had in your career. This is going to be very important in terms of showcasing that depth of experience because you don't want hiring managers to get distracted. You don't want them focusing on an accomplishment that doesn't support a relevant skill set. Make it clear what your specialty is and how you've provided value to employers with those skill sets in the past.

Why Quantifying Your Work History Is Essential


Woman holds her resume while talking to a hiring manager on the phone

Quantifying your work history is usually the hardest part of writing a resume for job seekers. It's simply not something we learn in school. Recruiters and hiring managers don't want to know how you did your job or what your tasks were. All they care about are the results.

What did you make happen as a result of your work? How did you add value? When you quantify your work history, a recruiter can look at the hiring manager and say, "This person has done this, this, and this. And here are the numbers to prove it." That's why your resume needs to be quantified. It's proof that you're a qualified job candidate and a valuable potential employee.

What Does "Quantifying Your Work History" Look Like?


Man reviews his resume

There is always a way to quantify your work experience. You may think that you have nothing to quantify on your resume, but you do.

If this is your first time trying to quantify your work history and you can't think of anything that counts as a quantifiable accomplishment, write out what you did at a specific job, circle every noun, and ask yourself: "Can I quantify that?"

For example, a receptionist may not think they have any quantifiable accomplishments or any type of work history that can be quantified. But when they asked themselves the right questions, they realized they accomplished a lot more than they thought, and they could assign numbers to these accomplishments. They asked...

  • "How many people work at my company?"
  • "How many calls did I take a day?"
  • "How many phone lines were on the system?"

The result? A few bullet points listing their quantifiable work experience:

  • Receptionist for a 500-person firm
  • Handled over 100 phone calls a day
  • Managed a 12-line phone system

You can absolutely quantify your work experience. You will find a way. Circle every noun and quantify them. Look for percentages. If you can't come up with exact numbers, you can use your best guess, erring on the conservative side. What was the percentage of growth? What was the percentage of savings? What were the revenues? There are always numbers. You just have to look for them.

In order to land a job in 2023, your resume must have quantifiable accomplishments. It may be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of quantifying your work history, you'll never go back. Quantify your work history on your resume and start seeing results in your job search today!

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Want To Land A Job In 2023? …

How To Mention Unrelated Work Experience On Your Resume



Many candidates who come to us for resume help have the same question. They have years of professional work experience, but a lot of it isn't relevant to the position they're currently seeking.

On the one hand, they don't want to waste resume space detailing work that doesn't relate to their application. On the other hand, they don't want to omit years of work that developed them as a professional.

How do you mention unrelated work experience on your resume?

The Right Phrase


Woman adds work experience to her resume

We use a magic phrase to address this issue: "additional experience." It's perfectly fine to sum up large portions of your career in one section that lists previous employers, positions, leadership roles, certifications, associations, publications, awards, volunteer experience, and even significant hobbies (as long as the experience supports your professionalization in some way).

If you spent the first 10 years of your marketing career performing lower-level tasks, in your "Additional Experience" section at the end of your resume you could say: "Marketing positions with ABC, DEF, and XYZ (1990-2000)."

If your previous work was in an unrelated field, you can simply list the companies: "Positions with ABC, DEF, and XYZ."

Whatever additional experience you decide to include on your resume, make sure you demonstrate why it's important to the job you're applying for by quantifying the work experience and your accomplishments.

The Age Game


Man looks at the work experience on his resume

This technique can also be very helpful for those who are concerned about age discrimination. We summarized the first 15 years of one candidate's career into one sentence to downplay the fact that she was 55. Because her experience was relevant to her field, removing it from her resume entirely would have been a disservice, but we did not include the years that experience encompassed in her "Additional Experience" section.

The Experience Issue


Woman adds additional experience to her resume

We recently worked with another candidate who needed to show that she was a more experienced professional than her education suggested. This woman had worked for 10 years before going back to complete her bachelor's degree. From looking at her graduation dates, you would assume she was in her 20s. In fact, she was an experienced manager in her 30s—a fact that was important to show for the level of job she was seeking.

By adding an "Additional Experience" section and putting her "Work History" section before her "Education" section, she was able to show employers that her graduation dates were not an indication of how much experience she had. Just because her work experience occurred before graduating doesn't mean it was unrelated work experience. The right resume format will make it much easier to mention any kind of significant work experience you've had in your career.

Many of us have work experience that doesn't fit neatly with our current goals and objectives. If you don't feel comfortable leaving it off your resume altogether, using an "Additional Experience" section can help you mention the experience quickly without wasting precious resume space.

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How To Mention Unrelated Work Experience On …

How To Apply For A Job You’re Not 100% Qualified For



One of the biggest job search struggles is figuring out which jobs you should apply for. You have to look at the job description, the skill requirements, and the overall qualifications for the job, and then determine whether it's a viable employment opportunity for you or not.

It's often more difficult discerning which jobs you're qualified for (the ones you really have a shot at) than you think. So, how do you know if you're actually qualified for a job or not? Should you apply for jobs you're not 100% qualified for?

The short answer: Yes, you absolutely should.

Here's how to apply for a job when you're lacking some of the qualifications.

1. Use The 90% Rule


The first step to applying for a job you're not sure you are qualified for is determining whether you're qualified enough. This is where the 90% rule comes into play.

After studying the job description, the list of qualifications, and the skill requirements, you should have a good idea of what the employment opportunity entails. Now, after looking at your resume, do you think you're qualified? If you have 90% of the skill requirements, you are qualified for that job and should apply for it.

When you apply for a job, it's always important to include all relevant skill sets, experience, and keywords on your resume, so it gets past the applicant tracking system (ATS). This is especially true when you only have 90% of the qualifications, since leaving out just one skill could prevent your resume from ever landing in the hands of the hiring manager.

Customize your resume for every job you apply for to avoid this mistake. This way, it'll make it easy for employers to see that you do have most of the qualifications and skill requirements for the position. Remember: 90% is the magic number. Any less, and you'd be wasting your time if you apply.

2. Close The Experience Gap


Man writes his resume on his laptop

In order to close your experience gap, you need to offer the employer something else they won't find in most job candidates—and that's excitement for the job opportunity.

What you lack in experience you can make up with a common connection. Convey to the potential employer your enthusiasm and excitement for the company's products, services, or mission. Explain what you respect and admire about the company. Even if you don't have some of the experience and qualifications the employer is looking for, you have the internal motivation and desire to work for their company.

In addition, this connection shows that you would be a great cultural fit within the company. Whatever skills you don't have, they can probably teach you. But employers know you can't teach cultural fit. This is where you would stand out among other candidates for the position.

A great way to establish that connection with an employer is to write a disruptive cover letter. Tell your story, convey your excitement, and land that interview!

3. Network Your Way Into The Company


Woman networks on her

Here at Work It Daily, we believe your network is your net worth. And the statistics agree. Over 80% of jobs are gotten via referral. So, receiving a job offer usually comes down to who you know.

If you're not 100% qualified for a job, your networking skills will play a big role in your ability to get an interview. Use your network to get introduced to someone who works at the company. Begin by reaching out to current employees of the company or friends who might happen to work there, and ask what it would take to stand out and get hired. Note: you're not asking for the job. You're just asking for more information.

This strategy is extremely effective at opening doors with potential employers and getting your resume in the right hands.

When you have most of the qualifications and a great connection story explaining why you're passionate about a company, networking is the perfect final step. Next time you're debating whether to apply for a job or not, remember the 90% rule. Employers know there's no such thing as the perfect job candidate. But with these steps, you can be a great one.

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How To Apply For A Job You’re …

10 Most Overused Words On LinkedIn Profiles



Recently, the top 10 most overused words on LinkedIn profiles were announced. And I'm not shocked to see that all 10 words break the basic rule of personal branding: stay objective.

Opinions Of Your Skills Don’t Belong On LinkedIn


The 10 most overused words on LinkedIn are subjective. Meaning that if you use them, you are stating an opinion of yourself. Take a look:

  1. Specialize
  2. Experienced
  3. Skilled
  4. Leadership
  5. Passionate
  6. Expert
  7. Motivated
  8. Creative
  9. Strategic
  10. Focused

The problem with using these words is that, while you think it’s okay to talk about yourself in this way, the reader of your profile (aka a recruiter or hiring manager) gets the mistaken impression that you think you are “all that and a bag of chips.”

Simple Test To Fix Your Profile


Man updates his LinkedIn profile

The solution is to test your profile and then take out any words that aren’t fact. Here’s how you test it: simply read each sentence on your profile and then ask yourself, “Says who?” If you can’t validate it within the sentence you are using it in, then it needs to go. I used all 10 of the words on LinkedIn’s list below to show you examples of how they get misused.

  • I am a strategic, motivated professional.
  • I am creative and experienced.
  • I have great leadership skills.
  • I am a skilled expert in my field.
  • I know how to specialize to meet the needs of my job.
  • I am a focused leader who's passionate about my industry.

For all of the above, you can’t help but think when you read them, “Geez. Don’t you think a lot of yourself!” Or, as I mentioned above, the immediate reaction becomes, “Really? Says who?”

Solution: List Accomplishments


Woman logs on to LinkedIn

Once you edit your profile, go back through and insert accomplishments that prove what you were trying to say about yourself. These would be examples of better fits:

  • I have a 10-year track record of exceeding my employer’s performance review standards.
  • I have created 20+ projects in X, resulting in $1M in new revenues.
  • I have completed more than 100 business analysis projects that have saved my employers $250K+ in the last 2 years.
  • I have managed teams of 2-50 through 15+ complete project lifecycles.
  • I have worked with over 400 customers to solve implementation issues that reduced client service calls by 50%.

Final Tip: Quantify To Qualify


Woman on laptop thinks about what she's going to write

Notice all of the above bullet points use numbers, percentages, and statistics to prove the skill. This is called quantifying your accomplishments, and it is the most compelling way to validate your experience. When it comes to LinkedIn, facts are always better than fiction!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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