It was my typical daily visit to LinkedIn. I was checking my mail, accepting invitations and extending invitations to people I met this week.
I was trying to find the new HR Manager for one of my corporate clients. In my head I ran through my usual rant about how HR people are less visible on LinkedIn.
Then I tried to find the profile of the potential client I was meeting in a few minutes. Nothing. What is going on? I searched for this potential client by name, then by company. Nothing. Is she not on LinkedIn? Note to self to ask about that.
Then I saw it. The PERFECT headline for a Friday afternoon.
“SLIGHTLY EXPERIENCED FREELANCE GRAPHIC ARTIST”
Isn’t that perfect? I love it. Self-deprecating with a touch of humor. It got my attention.
The summary was as good as the headline (NOTE: I changed the names to protect the innocent!):
I have experience in the graphic design field, as I have worked as a production assistant at XYZ Design Group. My goal is to complete my degree in Graphic Arts/ Design at ********** College and open a studio for freelance works, and logos. As the main focus would be for local bands, in design and promotion. I want to return to ********* College for a degree in Commercial Music, to expand my graphics studio to a complex graphics and recording studio.
Specialties: I know a lot about different Adobe products such as: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Soundbooth. I am great with computers and troubleshooting. I play guitar and write music.
This is a good summary, in my opinion. It is personable and informative. I get a sense of what he can do and what he wants. His goal is clear and specific. He includes the keywords that someone would use if they were searching for a freelance graphic artist. Excellent!
Creating a LinkedIn profile does not have to be hard. Let your personality come through. Be clear and specific about your goal. Sprinkle liberally with keywords so you connect with the right people.
Resumes are not the same today as they were even as recently as 10 years ago. Resumes are almost a marketing piece, something you leave behind at an interview. But it is still important that this tool reflect your brand.