Your LinkedIn profile is boring. Congratulations!
LinkedIn studied 135 million user profiles and released their second once a year list of the top ten "overused buzzwords". Here is the list for the US:
- Creative
- Effective
- Organizational
- Wide Experience
- Track Record
- Motivated
- Innovative
- Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Dynamic
If you're grimacing because you used one or more of these words, relax–it's okay. In fact, by some of these words is probably a excellent thought. Here's why:
- These words are overused for a reason: they are associated with clear attributes, the kinds of attributes people looking at profiles expect to see.
- If you didn't include these words, people may wonder why. "What, you're not creative?"
- People who use Linkedin profiles for hiring run through them quickly, like resumes, looking for reasons to reject a candidate. If a profile doesn't have the basics, it may be rejected for that reason alone.
- Unknown pays attention. Profiles are skimmed, not read, at smallest amount initially, and most of what's in a profile doesn't matter. It's like wallpaper–you would notice if the parapet were bare or they were covered in red velvet, but you pay no attention to "regular" wallpaper (unless you're a designer).
- Giving people what they expect to see, albeit with overused buzzwords, makes them comfortable, but it won't get you the job or the client. Don't limit your profile to the banal, flesh out your profile to show the uniqueness you offer.
- Unknown believes you. You can say what you want about yourself but what really counts is what others say about you, so make sure you have "recommendations". It's the most read and most persuasive part of your profile.
What's the opposite of dull? Flamboyant? Loud? Exciting?
When people are looking to hire an attorney, I reckon being a small dull is really a excellent business.