How to write a professional profile
If you’re currently applying for your next job, or you’re just looking to make your online presence more professional, then you’ll probably be looking at ways to improve your resume/CV and your LinkedIn profile.
These are often the factors that determine whether or not you’re offered an interview by a prospective employer, so it’s important to ensure they’re up-to-date and impressive. Read on to learn more about how to write a professional profile, as well as how you can create a presence that encourages recruiters and hiring managers to reach out!
How do I write a professional profile?
Writing a professional profile doesn’t need to be daunting. A resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile are your ways of telling people who you are, what skills you have and what experience you have in the professional world. It’s a summary of your career to date, as well as an outline of what you hope to achieve in the future. We’ve recommended some elements that you should include in a professional profile in the next section of this article.
If you’ve never had a job in the industry you’re looking to work in, don’t worry! You can still put together an impressive resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile. Make sure to include any achievements/awards that you’ve received to date, as well as any volunteer/community work that you may have completed both in and out of school. These are ways of showing prospective employers that you’re committed to giving back to those around you, as well as showing them that you have a diverse skillset that can be applied in a range of professional contexts.
What is an example of a professional profile?
While there is no universal structure for a resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile, there are certain things that should be included whenever you apply for a job. These elements will help you get ahead of your competition when it comes to finding a new role, as it gives people who are making hiring decisions a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
Standout resumes/CVs will usually include:
- A professional summary (2-3 sentences) that gives a snapshot of who you are
- Relevant professional experience, including your responsibilities in each role
- A list of relevant skills to the job/s you are applying for
- Any relevant education/qualifications that you’ve completed/are currently completing
- Your achievements/awards (if relevant)
- Current contact details
Standout LinkedIn profiles will usually include:
- A professional-looking headshot
- An "About" section that explains who you are and what you’re interested in
- A timeline of your professional experience to date, including a summary of each role
- Any industry-specific and transferable skills you may have
- Any relevant education/qualifications that you’ve completed/are currently completing
- Your achievements/awards
- Current contact details
By including these details, you’re presenting the best version of your professional self to whoever may be looking to hire you for your next role. Much like anything else, presentation is key - but be true to yourself. Don’t try and create a resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile based on what you think people will want to read. Create these professional profiles in a way that truly represents who you are and why you’re the best choice for your dream career.
How do I create an online professional profile?
It’s easier than ever to set up an online professional profile. If you’re looking to improve your LinkedIn presence, or setting one up for the first time, then you’re on your way to finding new connections in the professional world. LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool, especially for those looking to break into their dream industry.
Here are some tips that will help your LinkedIn profile appear in searches performed by recruiters/hiring managers:
- Find people working in the role/s that you’re looking for and make note of what keywords they use in their profiles. These can then be used in the various sections of your LinkedIn presence
- Include links to a portfolio/your website (if relevant) so interested parties can see examples of your work
- Add images/certificates/documents to break up text where possible
- Ensure your profile is discoverable by checking your settings (you can learn more about LinkedIn’s job-searching settings here)
- Post about any relevant achievements and add to conversations being had on LinkedIn where possible
Noticing that your resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile needs a bit more oomph? Taking online courses might be beneficial while you’re searching for a new role. LinkedIn offers a range of digital credentials that can help you stand out when applying for your dream career, while Upskilled also offers a range of courses in a variety of industries that can help you gain practical, job-ready skills to wow the next person that looks at your resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile.
If you’re looking for your next role, or you’re looking to learn more about the world of work, then Upskilled’s SkillsTalk blog might become your new homepage. SkillsTalk provides a range of articles on various topics about job hunting, improving your skillset and more. You can access SkillsTalk here!
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