How to Show Multiple Career Goals on LinkedIn

Dear Deb:

I have been unemployed for 9 months. My severance pay ended last month.  At this point, I am open to almost any possibility. I was a Project Manager  I have worked in the past as a Systems Administrator, Analyst, and Development (but my development skills have diminished). I enjoyed leading projects and coordinating a large team, but I may need to take a step down and work my way up again.

Here’s my issue. I have 4 resumes: Global Project Management, IT Consulting, Systems Administrator/Analyst, and Sales Engineering/Support. How do I present myself on LinkedIn? Do I stick with my first goal (global project management)? Do I mix it up? Is there a strategy I should follow to keep my options open?

Thanks!

Rick

Dear Rick:

It’s smart to open up your options to other career paths. There is a strategy to increase your chances of success. The first is to have multiple versions of your resume, each focused on one of your four goals. So, you are off to a good start. LinkedIn is different in that it is one presentation seen by all. Here are the areas of LinkedIn that you will want to address: Headline, Summary, and Skills & Expertise. 

Headline:

Instead of stating your design job title in the headline, focus on your expertise. By focusing on your expertise you don’t limit yourself to a management role or rule out the management roles.

Summary:

Make a list of your key skills, relevant knowledge, and accomplishments that relate to all four of your career options. Just as you did in the headline, communicate your skills, knowledge, and top accomplishments without including specific job titles. It is perfectly alright (and wise) to showcase your project management skills. In any of your four career options, project management skills are a plus.

Skills & Expertise:

This section has been updated on LinkedIn so now you can list up to 50 skills and expertise in the “Skills & Expertise” section of your profile. This gives you ample room to sell the skills important in all four career paths. It is not necessary to identify 50 skills. Most candidates find they can cover the basis in approximately 25 skills.

Rick, if you’d like personal help with your LinkedIn profile, contact me. Your LinkedIn profile is as important as your resume.

Sincerely,

Deb