Start Engaging Potential Employers, Not Boring Them
How are you different than the next candidate?
Did you have a unique experience that led you to a specific field of engineering?
What separates you from the thousands of other engineers who just graduated?
Too often, I see engineers who fail to use the profile summary on LinkedIn to really sell themselves and separate themselves from the pack. It’s just boring jargon and phrases that mean next to nothing.
Take this example from a student who I mentored:
Let’s count the ways that this profile failed . . .
- He had no WHY. There is no “why” to draw a reader in and let them know why and/or how you ended up pursuing these goals.
- Too generic. Be honest, you could probably apply this exact same profile to anyone in mechanical engineering going into the automotive field. If it can apply to others, then it is not going to make you stand out.
- What kind of job do you want? Saying you want to put your skills to good use without telling us what those skills are or the type of job you want is not very helpful.
- Fake confidence. On one hand, I like the confidence that he ends off with in this profile. However, it doesn’t really add much and is not all that professional.
Keeping these items in mind, here’s how we re-worked his profile:
It grabs the reader and tells a real personal story while also detailing some of the skills and interests he brings to the table.
Take Action . . .
With this concept in mind, review your profile summary on LinkedIn or perhaps include some of this info in a cover letter when you send in your resume. Make appropriate changes so that you show your unique perspective and stand out from the crowd.
When someone reads this profile, they should feel a connection with you and have a desire to hear more.
Need some additional guidance & materials?
Don’t become complacent with a snoozer of a profile!
Let me help you liven it up.
Let me send you TWO FREE GIFTS to help you along your journey towards being a successful engineer . . .
- Guidebook for Developing Your Engineering Network. Detailed instructions to supercharge your connections! The perfect guide for your job/internship search.
- 10 Networking Tips for Introverted Engineers. Don’t let your introversion hold you back! Use these tips to start networking without the anxiety.
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Growing up from a deprived community in Ghana, I also had the problem of mentors and role models and so I also try to give back to my community.
I really follow your posts on quora and appreciate you.
I wish to make more impact like you do.
I am a process Engineer hoping to specialize in machine design
Appreciate the kind words and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. One of the reasons I have this website is because I realized I was lucky enough to have great mentors in my career, but that this was something that many engineers lack. Your words let me know that I am on my way to achieving this goal.
Please reach out if you need some guidance.