Mastering LinkedIn: Strategies for Presenting Your Best Professional Self
Every day, I scroll through LinkedIn and see more and more job seekers positioning themselves as job beggars. You’ve seen it, too. These folks post lengthy screeds on the platform, detailing the horrors of their job searches. They will describe applying for hundreds of jobs, being ghosted, getting no offers, and getting the run around from employers. Their stories are not unique. We know that this is the way job searches go.
But these posts go further. They talk about the real challenges that people face, such as being unable to afford essentials like food and housing. And they describe fractured psyches and poor mental health that result from these stressors. They are desperate, and some members come right out and say so. They will write something like, “I am desperate to find a job, any job. If you know anyone who is hiring, please put me in touch with them.” I even saw one LinkedIn member who changed her banner from “Open to Work” to “Desperate.”
Desperation Will Not Get You a Job
We all know that people go to work to sustain themselves and provide themselves and their families with a certain standard of living. This is a given. However, hiring managers don’t hire based on a candidate’s financial situation. Nor do they make hiring decisions based on sympathy. Posting about being on the skids does not make you look like a desirable candidate. If you wish to write about your financial situation, there are many other places, including multiple subreddits, where these posts are common and anonymous.
What Does an Employer Want to See?
Instead of appearing needy and despondent, candidates must present themselves as confident and competent. An employer wants to hire someone who can solve problems, not someone who will perseverate on their own issues. Hiring managers hire people who are assured of their abilities to navigate complex issues and crises. If you demonstrate that you are not good at doing so personally, they will assume the same of your professional life.
Build Your Brand on LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for professional branding. Optimize your LinkedIn profile if you want to cast yourself in the best light. You do that by posting content that is helpful to your audience and those in your field. That content could be written, audio, or video. The medium is not as important as the message. You want to engage your network in a dialogue. When you post about desperation, there is no conversation, only sympathy and advice.
The Bottom Line
If you want to win on LinkedIn, follow these guidelines:
Focus on your value: Highlight your skills and experience, explaining how they directly address the company’s needs.
Communicate professionally: Maintain a polite and assertive tone in your applications and interactions.
Be selective: Apply to jobs that align with your qualifications and interests rather than sending out generic applications.
I fully understand the stresses of the job search and the feeling of desperation that job seekers experience. I hear about these things daily. I am both sympathetic and empathetic to the issues. And I agree with everything that people are discussing! However, how you present yourself during these challenging times can significantly impact your professional reputation and future opportunities. As difficult as it may be, maintaining a positive and proactive posture in your job search communicates resilience and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers. Sharing your journey while focusing on the skills and experiences you bring to potential roles will attract the right opportunities and create constructive discussions that could lead to job offers.
Instead of airing grievances, use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. Share insights or write articles that reflect your understanding of your industry and your professional capacity to address challenges. Engaging positively with your network can transform your job search into a narrative about growth and forward-looking aspirations, not just an immediate need for employment.
While the job search can be daunting, particularly in today’s economic climate, it’s crucial to remember that LinkedIn is a space for professional networking and brand building. Position yourself as someone ready to contribute meaningfully and effectively rather than someone merely seeking to fill a vacancy. This approach will not only change how potential employers perceive you but also how you view your career trajectory during uncertain times.