If you’re unsure how to create an answer, it’ll be a challenge to genuinely communicate that to prospective employers. This is especially true if you are naturally more introverted and tend to be uncomfortable promoting yourself, downplaying your accomplishments and believing that your work speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, failing to communicate the value you bring to your employer will allow them to form their own opinions, which are often off the mark. So, how do you step out of your comfort zone and own your unique message?

One of the best ways to get more comfortable tooting your own horn is to take ownership of your unique value proposition (UVP).

Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition as a Job Seeker

Your unique value proposition is what makes you the best candidate for a particular role.

When employers are looking to fill a position, they want to know what you can bring to the table that other candidates can’t. Your unique value proposition is your chance to sell yourself and show why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Creating Your Own Unique Value Proposition

When crafting your UVP, think about what you have to offer that no one else does.

What are your unique skills and experiences? What makes you passionate about the work you do? Answering these questions will help you hone in on what makes you the ideal candidate for the job you’re pursuing.

Examples of Unique Selling Points for Job Seekers

Remember, your UVP should be unique to you. But to get your creative juices flowing, consider any comments, awards, or recognition you’ve received throughout your career.

Perhaps you’ve received awards for streamlining operations or innovative cost reductions. Maybe you’ve been recognized by a previous employer for improving employee morale and boosting customer engagement. Whatever accolades you’ve received, use those as inspiration for explaining your value.

Using Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Job Search

Once you have a few ideas, you can start working them into your application materials.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition on Your Resume

Your resume is one of the first places employers will look to learn more about you, so ensure your unique value proposition is front and center. One way to do this is by fully utilizing the power of your resume summary. This brief statement outlines your qualifications and emphasizes why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

If you have a lot of experience, you might want to focus on your accomplishments and the critical skills most relevant to the position. For example:

Accomplished sales professional with 10+ years of experience exceeding quotas and generating new business. Proven ability to establish relationships with clients and close deals.

If you don’t have as much experience, highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates. For example:

Recent graduate with a degree in marketing and experience managing social media accounts for small businesses and national nonprofit organizations. Skilled at creating content, analyzing data, and developing strategies to grow an audience.

In both cases, the unique value proposition is clear and concise, telling employers precisely what the job seeker can offer.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. And it’s often easier to write what makes you unique, so start here and share what the employer will gain if they hire you.

Use specific examples to support your claims and show employers what you could bring to the team. For example:

In the job posting, you noted that you’re looking for a candidate with experience in copywriting and social media. In my previous role as a marketing assistant, I was responsible for creating both digital and print content. I also managed the social media accounts for my company, which allowed me to increase our customer engagement by 18%.

As you can see, my skills and experiences perfectly align with what you’re looking for in a candidate. I would love to put my talents to work for your company and help contribute to your success.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Online Profiles

A healthy professional presence online is vital during your job search. Most employers will look you up online before deciding whether to interview you, so it’s critical to ensure your online profiles are up to date and professional.

Your unique value proposition can also come in handy here. Use your UVP to update your profile descriptions and create a tagline that sums up who you are and what you do. For example:

Marketing professional with 10 years of experience developing and executing campaigns that drive results. Skilled in copywriting, social media, and project management. Passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals.

This short description tells employers everything they need to know about you and what you can do for them. It’s the perfect way to make an excellent first impression and get them interested in learning more about you.

Sharing Your Unique Message

While it can be uncomfortable, it’s essential that you own your accomplishments and manage the message that your job search sends. Just remember, you’re helping the hiring manager understand why you’re the best fit for their needs. They won’t know unless you tell them.

The post How to Convey Your Unique Value to Employers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But there’s another task that many job seekers overlook—creating a polished pitch that highlights your unique value. When you’re looking for a job, it’s crucial to be able to talk about yourself in a way that will make potential employers want to learn more. This is where having a great elevator pitch comes in.

Creating a Job-Winning Pitch

Having a great pitch isn’t just for professionals in the sales industry. A pitch is genuinely about being able to summarize what you do in about 30 seconds or less.

And while it’s unlikely that you a hiring manger will have a timer and cut you off at 30 seconds sharp, the idea is that you should be confident in what you offer and the value you add. Being able to sum that up in a concise explanation ensures you can weave that narrative throughout your job search.

Where Your Pitch Lives

Are you thinking that a good pitch only lives in investment documents and boardrooms? Think again. There are several different places where a hiring manager will interact with your pitch.

Your Resume

First and foremost, your pitch should be included in your resume. It’s important to remember that your resume is not just a list of your experience. It’s also an opportunity to introduce yourself.

The first step in creating a solid resume is crafting a strong message throughout. Think about what makes you unique and why someone should hire you. Then, use that pitch to sell yourself throughout your resume.

In addition to including it in your resume summary, work it into your descriptions of past experiences. For example, describe how you identified and solved problems in previous roles if you’re pitching yourself as a creative problem-solver.

By utilizing your pitch in your summary and then infusing it throughout your resume, you’ll create an informative and engaging document that reinforces your specific skill set.

Your LinkedIn Profile

How well are you leveraging LinkedIn? Many job seekers focus solely on their resume when trying to land a new gig, but your LinkedIn profile can be just as important. Many hiring managers will find you through LinkedIn first and want to see a snapshot of who you are before they read your entire profile.

To stand out, make sure your pitch is clear and concise. Don’t try to cram too much information into a few sentences—you should be able to sum up who you are and what you do quickly.

Second, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn a bit. Include any relevant awards or recognition and any statistics demonstrating the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.

Finally, ensure your pitch is up to date and reflects your current career goals. That way, you’ll ensure that your LinkedIn profile makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Throughout Your Networking Activities

Are you like the majority of job seekers who would rather see the dentist than attend a networking event? If so, creating and sharing a professional pitch might become your new favorite networking tool.

A lot of the struggle around networking is not knowing what to say. But with a pitch, you already have a targeted message to work into your conversations.

Whether at a job fair, networking event, or even just meeting someone new at a party, you need clarity in what you’re trying to communicate, which often makes networking substantially easier.

Once you have a well-thought-out pitch, practice saying it aloud until it feels natural. Remember, first impressions matter, so make sure your pitch is polished before you launch it into real-world situations.

How to Craft Your Professional Pitch

An outstanding professional pitch can be the difference between a potential employer forgetting your name five minutes after meeting you or calling you in for an interview. It’s a quick way to introduce yourself and let the other person know what you do and why they should care.

Here are a few tips if you’re unsure how to create yours.

Who You Are

First, start with a brief introduction. Include your name, what you do, and why you’re passionate about it. Remember, your professional pitch is meant to be a conversation-starter, not an exhaustive list of everything you’ve ever done.

What You Do

Next, give a brief overview of your experience and skills. Keep it concise and ensure that it leaves the person you’re speaking to wanting to know more. Ideally, you’ll highlight your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments. Be sure to focus on how those qualifications can benefit the company you’re pitching to.

What Are You Seeking?

To maximize the effectiveness of your pitch, it is essential to end on a clear note. Indicate to your listener what it is that you are looking for, whether it is a job, networking connections, or otherwise. This will help to ensure that they remember you and your pitch when they are in a position to help you.

For example, you might say:

I would love to chat further about any opportunities that might be available at [company name].

By being clear about what you want, you increase your chances of getting it.

Putting It All Together

Once you have all of the elements of your pitch ready, it’s time to put it all together. Remember to aim for around 30 seconds. This may seem like a short amount of time, but with some practice, you’ll be able to deliver a well-crafted pitch in no time.

Your goal should be to sound natural and confident when delivering your pitch. To help you achieve this, try practicing it out loud several times before using it in a real-world situation.

And finally, don’t forget to tailor your pitch to your audience—different listeners will be interested in different aspects of your background and experience.

Suppose you’re a freelance writer. Here’s what an effective pitch might look like for you:

Hi, my name is [name], and I am a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience in the architecture and design industries. I’ve worked with many clients to create inbound marketing campaigns and have been featured in several national publications. I am confident in my ability to produce high-quality content, and I am always considering new clients for which I might be a good fit. I would love to chat further about your company’s content needs.

More: How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview

Winning the Job

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to crafting a pitch that will support your job search and help you land the position you want.

The post How to Build an Engaging Pitch About Yourself appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Without a clear plan, it’s easy to take the next opportunity that lands in front of you without considering how it will affect your long-term goals. Instead, take some time to create your mission statement, examining how each opportunity aligns.

What Is a Personal Mission Statement? Definition & Meaning

For most of us, the term mission statement brings up visions of companies and organizations. You probably had to memorize one for your first job. A couple of famous examples are:

“To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” —Starbucks
“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” —Google

These are straightforward, one-line statements that state their overall goal as a company.

Creating a personal mission statement holds similar value. A personal mission statement can help you define your dreams and streamline your goals. Think of it as the main topic you had to write for your essays in school. With each career choice you make, you’ll be able to determine if they support that central theme.

When Would You Use a Personal Mission Statement?

A personal mission statement is, firstly, for you. It will help you maintain your focus as opportunities are presented for promotions, career changes, and education. Reflecting on your personal mission statement, you can discern whether that promotion with a shiny corner office tracks toward your long-term goals, or is it simply a distraction that you’ll regret down the road?

Decision-making becomes substantially more effortless when you have a straightforward value statement to measure against. It’s easier to turn down promotions or extra duties that don’t help move you forward. Likewise, you’ll be more relentless in your pursuit of the ones that do propel you down the right track.

During a Job Search

You can use your personal mission statement to help you streamline your company research. Do their missions align with yours? Or, perhaps it’s not their mission but the opportunity for growth and learning that matches your statement.

You’ll also find ways to include your mission statement in your cover letter and your LinkedIn profile. Your clear intention will attract companies whose goals align with yours.

Throughout Your Career Journey

As noted above, promotions are a prominent situation to verify a choice compared to your objective. There are also numerous other chances to keep yourself on track.

When you’re asking for development opportunities or choosing volunteer options, if you launch a freelance business, or if you’re focusing on your networking efforts, you’ll have better success if you’re laser-focused on the desired outcome.

How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

Although not all that difficult, it can require some time to gather all of your needed data. For most people, a personal mission statement will result from brainstorming and feedback.

The shorter it is, the better, as it’s easier to verify if something is in line with a concise statement without many variables.

Goals or Actions: Begin by brainstorming your dream career goals. Do you love the idea of that shiny corner office? Or is your dream a work-from-anywhere job you do from an RV? Is there a salary you are focused on earning or a specific title?

Skills: When you ask your coworkers, friends, leaders, teachers, etc., what would they say your strengths are? If you’re not sure, you could reach out to a few of them. Perhaps you’re meticulously organized, creative, and empathetic. Are you calm under pressure with a natural ability to energize groups and facilitate training that adjusts to the learner’s needs?

Target Audience: Do you have a specific group you want to use your skills for? Have you always wanted to support small businesses or work with at-risk youth? Perhaps your passion is for conservation, animals, or military veterans.

Consider the legacy you want to leave with your career. Who is it that you’d most like to impact?

Personal Mission Statement Template

Once you’ve created your lists, it’s time to turn that into a tangible statement. We’ve got a simple template to get you started, and then you can expand as much as you need:

To use my [skills] for [target audience] so that [goals].

In practice, this might look something like this:

To use my accounting degree to help small businesses improve the success rate of women-owned businesses.

Personal Mission Statement Examples

We’ve created some examples to get your creative juices flowing.

• To use my design experience to provide enrichment opportunities for students in underfunded school districts.
• To be a teacher that inspires high school students to set productive life goals.
• To use my accounting skills to help military spouses launch freelance businesses.
• To create innovative healthcare solutions to help my patients live life to the fullest.
• To use my writing skills to bring awareness to the issues facing young girls worldwide.
• To use my business degree to create a stable retirement income while living as a digital nomad.
• To use my gifts as a trainer to inspire newly hired nurses to succeed.
• To create financial freedom so that I can donate my legal services to domestic abuse victims.
• To share my leadership experience to help new leaders create positive working environments for their teams.
• To use my engineering skills to inspire youth to envision new possibilities.
• To use my power of persuasion to become the youngest partner at the law firm.
• To use my passion for biology to help create solutions for the deforestation of the Amazon.
• To use my social media marketing knowledge to help support conservation efforts worldwide.

Create Your Own Mission Statement

This list could go on for days. There are as many different skills as there are audiences you might focus on supporting.

Whether your goals are focused on a tangible end goal, such as a title or salary, or your dreams are championing a cause you’re passionate about, a mission statement can help ensure you don’t drift off course in your career.

The post How to Write a Personal Mission Statement appeared first on Job-Hunt.

What Is Body Language?

• Facial expressions: frowning, smiling, eye-rolling
• How we stand, sit, walk, tilt our head
• Gestures, like pointing or clapping
• Eye contact
• Touch

Why Does Body Language Matter?

Positive Body Language

Dress Appropriately

Don’t Slouch

Greetings

Look ‘Em in the Eye

Sit Still

Control Your Hand Motions

Use Active Listening

Negative Body Language to Avoid

Too Much or Too Little Eye Contact

Nervous Behavior

• Removing lint from your clothes (that may not even be there)
• Readjusting your clothes
• Tapping your legs or feet or hands
• Clicking a pen repeatedly
• Large gestures
• Using a poker face

Keep Your Hands to Yourself

Defensive Postures

Watching the Clock

Shaking Your Head

Positive Messaging

The post How to Leverage Body Language in Job Interviews appeared first on Job-Hunt.

So, if you want to make the best impression, it’s essential to dress for success. But what does that mean, exactly? How can you make sure you’re not overdressed or underdressed for an interview? You want to convey that you understand the company culture and will be a great fit but remain professional. Keep reading for some tips on dressing for your interview.

What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

Deciding what not to wear is often the essential first step. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but you should invest in a comfortable and on-trend outfit for your round of interviews. Double-check that none of the items are on this list of no-gos before purchasing it.

Don’t Choose Something Uncomfortable

Before you skip this with a “well yeah,” take a moment to hear this point. Often, it’s about how an outfit makes you feel. Walking in with confidence because you have clean, well-fitted clothes on can make a tremendous difference in how you present yourself.

Try out the outfit in different poses, rather than just checking it in the mirror. Does the skirt ride too high, or does the shirt bunch weirdly when you sit down? Is there a side seam under your arm that will drive you crazy because of how itchy it is? Is the collar strangely tight, or do the pants bulge oddly? You don’t want to find yourself adjusting and tugging and distracted by your outfit.

Pro tip: Wearing your pajama pants with a business top for a video interview creates a funny meme but shouldn’t be your reality. You never know what unexpected event will bring you into focus, and you want to be put together from head to toe.

Forgo the Perfume and Cologne

You may want to stand out with your scent, but the interviewer may be overwhelmed by it. You never know who might have an allergy or aversion. Opt for unscented hygiene products. It won’t distract you during the interview, and it will keep your interviewer from being distracted too!

The same guidelines you use for your outfit apply to your makeup. Wear muted colors, rather than bright accents. Be mindful of how you’re creating and presenting your personal brand through all of your interactions.

Pro tip: This one’s critical—don’t forget the deodorant in your rush to get out the door. Interviews are stressful, so don’t let a lousy scent overwhelm you either.

Skip the Distracting Logos

Even if you’re applying for a role with a trendy company, you probably want to skip any logos or sayings on your shirts. It’s generally best to err on the side of classy casual rather than too casual for an interview. The same goes for bright, flashy colors that drown the situation. You can bring a pop of color in if the rest of your outfit balances with muted colors.

Pro tip: A blazer or cardigan often creates an instant upgrade to your outfit. Ensure that you’re layering appropriately with professional shirts underneath. A V-neck sweater, or a thin layer that doesn’t plunge, will work well in a casual business environment.

Don’t Over-Accessorize

As with everything else, your accessories should play their part rather than trying to take center stage. If your scarf tangles on your earrings while you’re talking, that will probably be what the recruiter remembers rather than your fabulous answers.

You don’t need to wear any flashy jewelry or bring your entire handbag collection with you. Just choose one nicely sized bag that has multiple pockets so you can fit all of your materials in it. A conservative watch is always an excellent choice to subtly say that you prioritize timeliness.

Pro tip: If your interview is via Zoom, ensure that you aren’t wearing any jewelry that makes a distracting noise. Earrings that clack together or bracelets that jangle each time you move should be left behind.

Wear Nice Shoes

One of the worst wardrobe mistakes you can make is wearing uncomfortable or inappropriate shoes. Flip-flops are a no-go, regardless of the work environment’s heat and casualness. Instead, wear a classy sandal or closed-toe shoe that is a balance of dressy or casual.

Again though, ensure that you’re trying them on, and spend some time breaking them in if they’re new. Don’t invest in a new pair of shoes and let them sit in the closet until the big day. If they give you a blister, by the time you get to the interview, you’ll limp your way out of the room.

Pro tip: If the dress code is business casual, a pair of sneakers might be appropriate if paired correctly with other elements, such as a blazer or V-neck sweater. Stay away from running shoe styles, however. Think chic, trendy walking sneakers.

Classy and Pressed for the Win

Your outfit should always be neat and wrinkle-free. Clothing with stains will create a negative impression during an interview. The same goes for clothes that do not fit or are inappropriate for the season or environment where you’ll be working.

In addition to making sure your clothing fits correctly, consider any additional elements, such as layering and unique accessories like ties and vests, when deciding what to wear to your interview.

Ties with professional patterns, such as muted stripes and paisleys, are always terrific choices when business attire is appropriate.

Pro tip: Skip the silly ties with distracting prints. You want to share your funny personality, but an interview isn’t the place for clever and casual. Instead, aim for creative and memorable.

Leave the Trendy Shades and Earbuds at Home

There’s nothing wrong with expressing your style, but you also want to ensure that your interviewer can see your eyes. And pushing them onto your head will appear way too casual for any level of interview. The same goes for earbuds or oversized headphones. An interview is not the time or place for fashion statements. Instead, these accessories will draw attention away from you.

Pro tip: If you wear glasses with transition lenses, ensure that you leave enough time to allow them to fade back to normal after entering the building.

Dress for Success

Ultimately, you’re seeking an interview outfit that will help you stand out as a good candidate without screaming so loudly it drowns you out. You’re unique, and you want your outfit to express your personality appropriately to the situation.

If it’s a creative position, make sure your outfit isn’t too stuffy or corporate-looking. On the other hand, you don’t want to be the only person in the building not wearing a suit at a more formal location.

To further assist you, we’ve written an article about how to choose an outfit based on the level of casualness you’re seeking, with some excellent ideas to help you start putting your perfect interview outfit together.

The post What to Wear to a Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But as you start to speak, you’re lost. Which skills do you talk about? Do you talk about your education? Do you focus on your current job or what you want to do? How do you sum up your entire career in the length of one elevator ride?

What Is an Elevator Pitch? Definition & Meaning

An elevator pitch, or elevator speech, is a brief summary of who you are as a professional. It’s similar to the summary of qualifications on your resume or the “About” section of your LinkedIn profile. In 30 seconds or less, you give the listener enough information about your skills and abilities to get them interested in learning more about you.

Why You Need an Elevator Pitch

You may only have 30 seconds to grab someone’s attention, and a well-crafted and perfectly delivered elevator pitch can do just that!

While you may be prepared for some situations (like a job fair), you never know when a fantastic opportunity may come your way, and having an elevator speech puts you in the driver’s seat. As the name implies, you could end up in an elevator with someone who could help you land your dream job, and you’ve got this one elevator ride to “wow” them!

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The number one rule of an elevator pitch is to keep it short. And because your time is limited, you may be tempted to squeeze in as much information as possible. 

However, just like you can’t fit everything on your resume, you can’t include everything about yourself in your elevator pitch. The idea is to hook the listener, so stick to the basics and highlight the top one or two things someone should know about you.

Here’s what to include in your elevator pitch.

Who Are You?

It sounds obvious, but many elevator pitches skip this important step!

Start your pitch with who you are. Many people jump into what they do and where they do it but neglect to introduce themselves. And while the person listening to your pitch may be fascinated with your pitch, if they don’t know who you are, they may not connect with what you’re saying.

What Do You Do?

After you introduce yourself, talk about what you do. You can limit this to your title and where you work, though you can include how long you’ve been in your position if you’re comfortable with that. Save the details about your skills for later in the pitch.

What Do You Want to Do?

This is the “first course” of your elevator pitch. What do you want to do next? You don’t have to spend a ton of time on this, but you should give a brief mention of what you’d love in your next job. Do you want to move into management? Learn new skills? Change careers? Throw it in so the listener understands your career goals.

What Are You Good At?

Explaining what you’re good at is the “main course” of your elevator pitch. This is the section you’ll want to devote most of your 30 seconds to, but you’ll also have to pick and choose what you include.

Select one or two skills that explain why you’re good at what you do. Help the listener see why your skills matter and how they add value to your current employer.

What Are You Looking For?

Just before you end your pitch, include a brief mention of what you’re looking for from this particular listener. 

This is slightly different than telling someone what you want to do next. Though what you’re looking for could include information about a job, that’s not always the case. You might be looking for a mentor, a new network connection, or an informational interview.

How Do You Connect?

The end of your pitch should include a call to action that invites the listener to connect with you and continue the conversation.

For example, you can ask them to get together for coffee or a phone call. Whatever it is, make it clear you’re asking for their time and that it’s OK to turn you down.

And if the listener can’t get together, give them a way to contact you. You can go old school and hand the other person a business card (paper or virtual). Or, share your email or personal website address if it’s easy to remember. Likewise, you can mention you’re on LinkedIn and suggest connecting there, possibly with you initiating the connection.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Not every situation will rely on the same elevator speech. So, it’s best to have a few ready to go. Here are a few examples to get you started.

New Graduate

My name is [Name], and I recently graduated from [Name of College] with a degree in [Major or Field of Study]. I [talk about any related activities or internships] and am now looking for a job as [title or field]. Can we meet up for coffee so I can learn more about the field?

Career Changer

I’m [Name] and currently work in [name of field or title]. Though I’ve enjoyed the work and honed my skills in [mention a transferable skill that’s useful in your new field], I’ve decided I want to switch things up and work in [name the field or a job title]. Would you be able to meet with me so I can learn more about your success in the field?

During an Interview

My name is [Name]. Thanks for meeting with me today. I have a [name of degree if applicable] and [X] years of experience in [your career field or the job you’re interviewing for]. I’ve [list one or two top accomplishments and how they benefited your employer]. I’m interested in this role because [state what it is that’s interesting about the job].

How to Give an Elevator Pitch

You might be surprised at all the times your elevator pitch comes in handy. But having an elevator pitch isn’t enough. You also need an effective delivery to get results.

Practice

Practice your pitch out loud a few times and listen to what you’re saying and how you say it. Do you speak in a natural, conversational tone, or are you speaking in a low, monotone voice that’s hard to understand? Are you speaking too quickly? Too slowly? Are you rambling and off-topic?

Record yourself and listen to it a few times to pinpoint what you need to improve. Or, ask some trusted friends or family to listen to your pitch and give you feedback.

Go Slow

You’re limited to about 30 seconds, which may make you think you have to “speed speak” to get every single word in there. But once you practice a few times, you’ll see that 30 seconds is a lot longer than it seems.

Slow your speech down. You don’t have to go slo-mo slow, but make an effort to speak at a natural pace or rhythm that’s easy to listen to. Again, listening to recordings or having live listeners can help you figure out if you’re speaking at the right pace.

If after several trial runs you find that you can’t fit everything in or are having trouble slowing down, try cutting a few things from the pitch. It’s better to leave a few things out and be understood than cram everything in and be greeted with a quizzical look when you’re done!

Stay Positive

When you’re giving your pitch, you may concentrate more on what you’re saying than how you’re saying it.

In addition to speaking in a natural tone and at the right pace, watch yourself deliver the elevator speech in the mirror or watch a recording. Do you maintain eye contact (without staring)? Are you frowning? Do you look like a deer in headlights?

Practice until you look and feel comfortable and confident delivering your pitch.

Make Your Elevator Pitch Short and Sweet

While your elevator pitch may not be “sweet,” it is short and entices the listener into connecting with and learning more about you. Having an elevator pitch at the ready is useful in numerous job search and professional situations. Spend some time crafting a few, so you’re prepared for any situation.

The post How to Write an Impressive Elevator Pitch (with Examples) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You’ve probably spent time researching the company and rehearsing answers to the most common interview questions. Maybe you assume that you can skip practicing this one. After all, you already know the subject.

Don’t do it! A lack of preparation might find you stating you were more dedicated than everyone at your last job. Hmmm…sounds like you’re difficult to work with.

Or you might start rambling about how you’re super friendly when actually, you’re starting to appear unorganized. Worse yet, you can start blurting out words that almost guarantee no callback. 

Instead, spend some time creating a list of words that appropriately describe you, and then jot down a few notes or experiences that support your claim to them.

What Skill Set Should You Showcase in a Job Interview?

Similar to how you would tailor your resume for each job, study the job description and what kind of characteristics will be considered a great fit. Pick three specific traits and rehearse them.

Which ones should you choose? Well, it depends.

A hiring committee at an accounting firm, for example, might be looking for someone organized, diligent, and hardworking, whereas a team hiring for a sales role may be more impressed with someone flexible and resilient. Consider commonly-used adjectives that are often used to describe individual roles. 

Best Words to Describe Your Leadership Qualities (Examples)

Most companies are seeking common traits in their leaders. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just about the results but also about how you got there. Consider the nuances of showcasing how you support and empower your team, rather than enforcing discipline and boundaries. Great leaders understand that inspiring others will yield better results.

1. Proactive
2. Confident
3. Diligent
4. Patient
5. Supportive
6. Creative
7. Adaptable
8. Organized
9. Impartial
10. Thorough
11. Dedicated
12. Empathetic
13. Resourceful
14. Resilient

Be cautious that you are describing leadership rather than management. If your answers are bold, take-charge, and assertive, you might give the impression that you’ll get the job done at any cost. When considering how you’ll lead a team, the company may be more impressed with someone confident, proactive, and supportive.

Best Words to Describe Your Work Ethic (Examples)

One of the reasons employers ask you to describe yourself is to understand how you’ll fit into the team culture. For example, someone who enjoys routine and clearly-defined boundaries may struggle in a remote company with flexible schedules. Highlight how you work within a team.

1. Reliable
2. Dedicated
3. Punctual
4. Motivated
5. Focused
6. Industrious
7. Disciplined
8. Professional
9. Accountable
10. Enthusiastic
11. Mindful
12. Responsive
13. Flexible

Best Words to Describe Your Soft Skills (Examples)

When showcasing your soft skills, remember to avoid sounding arrogant. While certain terms might be justified and earned, they can come across the wrong way if you apply them to yourself.

Maybe your coworkers always comment on how humble or charismatic you are. But saying you’re humble makes you sound like the opposite. 

1. Energetic
2. Dependable
3. Sincere
4. Friendly
5. Team-minded
6. Respectful
7. Personable
8. Collaborative
9. Enthusiastic
10. Adaptable
11. Receptive
12. Approachable
13. Outgoing

How to Describe Yourself:
Support the Words You Choose With Stories

When compiling your list of words to describe yourself, choose words that you can back up with an example. For instance:

“I’d describe myself as mindful, responsive, and focused. In my most recent role, I helped lead the transition to a new software system. Being mindful that many team members were uncomfortable changing from their familiar system, I was intentionally responsive during the transition. I quickly answered their questions, and I focused on addressing common struggles so they could feel comfortable supporting one another.”

This answer showcases empathy with the team, a big-picture perspective, and an organized approach to a situation. While you need both hard and soft skills to succeed, soft skills showcase your personality and people skills in ways that a certificate can’t demonstrate. 

Prepare and Practice for Successful Job Interviews

What is seemingly the easiest question to answer can be the most difficult without preparation. However, this is an opportunity to showcase skills that might not be as obvious from your resume. 

When you are beginning a job search, create a list of your professional traits and keep it organized with the rest of your job-hunting materials. For each interview, pull out the three most applicable traits and rehearse them. With careful preparation, you can help show you’re the best fit for the role.

The post 40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

It makes sense: From the company’s point of view, a video conversation can save both time and money, very similar to a phone interview but providing a view of the candidate.

And, of course, the Coronavirus pandemic dramatically increased the use of video interviews, making video interview skills more important for job candidates.

Video interviews provide a convenient way for hiring managers to have an initial conversation with a candidate, before committing to the time and expense of tests and additional interviews.

Also, recruiters say that, as the competition for talent becomes more intense in technology centers like Boston and San Francisco, companies there are becoming more open to the idea of hiring remote workers in secondary markets. Clearly, the pandemic has increased that interest.

Video interviews are an invaluable tool for screening those candidates.

How to Prepare for Your Video Interview

As with any interview, the key to a successful video conversation is planning. The difference is you need to prepare more than your answers and what you’re going to wear. You must consider the technical issues involved in using video properly.

Yes, the software is easy to download and install and, yes, webcams and microphones today are plug and play or already built into your computer.

But neglect the simple aspects of using video, and you will end up looking amateurish and unprepared.

Here’s how to make sure you are ready:

  1. Set up and test ahead of time.  

First, be sure you have downloaded, installed, and tested the software well before your interview is scheduled — the sooner the better.

Have video chats with several friends to make sure everything is working properly on a variety of systems.

• Set up your camera so that your face is nicely framed.

  Try positioning the camera so that the lower edge of the frame is in the upper part of your chest, roughly in line with the third button of a dress shirt or a couple of inches below your collarbone. Position the top of the frame about a hand’s width above your head.

  Try not to be looking down at the camera. You may need to position the camera so that it is on a box or stack of books at roughly the same level as your face, with a light above and in front of you, not behind you.

• Test your microphone.

  For sound, your voice should come through without any echoes, hums or buzzing. If in doubt, invest in a headset. It is better to wear one than to have poor sound quality that will distract from what you say.

• Check the lighting.

  Your image should be plainly visible without being too bright. While it’s true you’re not making a feature film here, get your skin tones to appear as natural as you can by adjusting the camera’s settings, the angle of the room’s lights and the window shades.

• If you wear glasses, minimize your computer monitor’s reflection in your glasses.

  Change the monitor’s angle, cover it with paper, or possibly turn it off during the interview. Or, consider removing your glasses if you are sure you won’t need them during the interview. Whichever approach you take, test it out before the interview itself.

• Prepare the room.

  Set up a professional-looking background that won’t distract from the conversation.

  Don’t have a basket of laundry on the sofa behind you or an open door that reveals a hallway full of trash bags. Avoid using your bedroom: Having your bed and nightstand in the background is a little too personal.

Careful set-up — in advance — is very important for a successful interview.

  2. Rehearse.  

This is a key to any successful interview, but being comfortable with the technology is especially important with video. Not only do you want to make sure you can maintain your poise despite any question you get, you want to be comfortable talking to the camera.

Bear in mind how you will appear from the interviewer’s point of view.

You will look them in the eye by looking into the camera, not by watching their image on the monitor. Practice talking to the camera and find the position where you are the most comfortable, so you can sit that way for a long period of time.

Provide your friends with a set of questions you expect to be asked, and have them run through them with you, hopefully using the same video technology as the interview. Ask them to mix up the questions, so you can field the questions in any order. Having your friends add in their own questions will prepare you to deal with unanticipated topics.

  3. Prepare your environment.  

When the time comes for the interview itself, be sure that you will not be disturbed. Try to find quiet space where you will not be disturbed by the environment.

If you have kids, you will need someone to mind them. If you have pets, put them out of the room.

Turn off the clothes dryer so its alarm does not go off in mid-sentence, and turn off your landline and cell phone, too.

  4. Dress up. 

How to dress for a video interview? Put on the same clothes for a video interview that you would wear if you were going to interview in-person. If the company is formal, wear a jacket and tie for men or a suit jacket for women. If the organization is more laid back, wear a business casual shirt or blouse.

Don’t give into the temptation to dress up only above the waist. First, wearing the complete ensemble will help you stay in the interviewing mood. Second, if you have to stand up for some reason, you don’t want your shorts or jeans to ruin the impression you’ve made.

This advice applies even if you are doing a one way or prerecorded interview.

  5. Get in the zone.  

You have to pay special attention to what’s going on during an interview. The interviewer can see you, but picking up on their visual cues is more challenging when you are trying to keep your attention focused on the camera. So, do not forget to look at the screen often to see what the interviewers are doing — smiling, frowning, looking at notes, or where ever their attention is focused.

Pay attention to your video interview body language.

• Focus on sitting up straight and making eye contact, which is a lot more difficult than it may appear.You’ll be tempted to keep your eyes on the monitor, but focus instead on the webcam. When you do, interviewers will see you looking at them directly.If the camera is built into your computer monitor, use a sticky note to point to the camera’s lens, if you cannot easily see it.
• Lean forward, and nod during the conversation so the interviewers can see that you are engaged.

All of this is in addition to the preparation you’d do ahead of a telephone or in-person interview.

For example, research the employer so that you understand its business, and write out a list of questions of your own so you can envision how and where the job fits into the organization.

After the session, be sure send the interviewer a thank you note.

The Bottom Line About Video Interview Preparation

Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and the other video platforms are relatively simple to use, but you might need to take some time and practice to make your video look and sound clean. Prepare for your interview well ahead of time and you wull look good to the hiring manager, and save yourself a whole lot of stress.

If your field is IT, the standard is higher. Employers expect IT professionals to have technology that works flawlessly.

More About Job Interviews:

• What to Wear to a Job Interview: Choosing the Right Interview Outfit
• Ace Your Video Interview
• 12 Keys to One-Way Video Interview Success
• 10 Keys to Success in One-Way Video Interviews
• Smart Answers to Interview Questions
• Guide to Writing Thank You Notes After an Interview with Sample Thank You Notes (and Emails)

About the author…

Mark Feffer has written, edited, and produced hundreds of articles on careers, personal finance and technology for leading business and career sites. He is currently writing for JobsinME.com, JobsinRI.com, JobsinVT.com and JobsinNH.com, the top local resources for job seekers, employers, and recruiters in New England.

The post 5 Tips to Prepare & Dress for Your Video Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Clearly, being found online today is NOT optional if you want to have a successful career (and job search).

To be found, implement personal SEO (“search engine optimization”).

Personal SEO requires that you create relevant web content, containing appropriate keywords, so that it ranks well when someone is searching for those keywords.

For most professionals, this means a complete LinkedIn Profile and consistent visibility inside LinkedIn. But, simply having a LinkedIn Profile is NOT enough unless you are paying attention to your keywords.

To be found, implementing effective personal SEO is a necessity.

Keywords Are the Key to Being Found in Search

The right keywords, most appropriate for you and your goals, are the foundation of successful personal SEO.

KEYWORDS: The terms used by searchers to find relevant content in a search engine, social network, applicant tracking system, or other database

Selection and placement of the right keywords is the core of effective SEO (search engine optimization). Use those terms in the right places in resumes, applications, and social media (especially LinkedIn) and you will be found.

Without the right keywords (for you), in the right places (LinkedIn Profile, resume, application), you are invisible online, and employers clearly do NOT like invisible job candidates.

Exact Keyword Match Is Usually Required

If a recruiter is searching for someone with experience in Microsoft Word, your name won’t appear in search results unless your social profile or resume contain the exact term Microsoft Word. Microsoft Office, the product which includes Microsoft Word, is not a match.

This means you will not be included in search results for the term Microsoft Word unless you also include that term in the documents.

Currently, most software is not programmed to make assumptions. If a job description requires experience with “Microsoft Word,” most systems won’t understand that a resume for someone who is “highly skilled with Microsoft Office products” meets that requirement because the exact term “Microsoft Word” is not included.

Even if you have that experience or skill, you are invisible unless your social profile, application, or resume includes the term being searched.

Building Your Personal SEO with Your Best Keywords

Think like a recruiter filling the job you want next. How is that job described in job postings? What skills, tools, etc. are required?

Research how your target employers define your target job to determine your best keywords, as listed below.

Look through the list below and choose what is appropriate for you. Develop your keywords based on the following categories of information:

Keywords About You, Personally:

1. Your professional name

Most people don’t think of their names as important keywords, but in these days of search engines and social media…

Your name is your most important set of keywords. Be consistent!

If your resume or business card is for “Edward J. Jones” but your LinkedIn Profile is for “Ed Jones” (or vice versa), you’ve made it difficult for a recruiter or employer to make the connection between the two, which most will need to do. Not having a LinkedIn Profile is a negative for most professionals, so using different names can damage opportunities for you.

You need to consistently use the same version of your name for your LinkedIn Profile, resumes, business/networking cards, professional email, meeting name tags and badges, and other visibility so recruiters doing research on you can “connect the dots” between you and your professional visibility.

[Practice Defensive Googling, and read Your Most Important Keywords for more information on avoiding mistaken online identity and Personal Online Reputation Management for the new necessity today.]

2. Your location (or your target location)

According to LinkedIn, “More than 30% of recruiters use advanced search based on location.”

Use the best location for you, but DO have a specific location because using a country is too generic. Not having a location will handicap you in most searches. If appropriate for your location, use both city and state plus regional names — like Oakland, CA, and East Bay Area, or Manhattan and New York City — so your profile is in the search results for either.

Do NOT provide your street address. At most, include the city and state. Read How to Safely Publish Your Contact Information on LinkedIn for important tips.

3. Your languages

If you speak more than one language, make it clear the languages that you can speak. Also indicate your level of proficiency — from “native” through “basic” or “elementary” and whether you can read, write, and/or speak the languages.

To demonstrate your skills in multiple languages, create a LinkedIn Profile in each of them. LinkedIn allows and encourages this, and it’s a great way to gain attention for jobs requiring people who can speak and write in more than one language.

4. College degrees and other post-secondary education

Include your college degree and the school. Also include your major if your degree is recent and your major is relevant to your target job.

5. GPA — new grads only!

If your GPA is above average, and you are looking for your first job after college, include your GPA.

[Read Improving Your GPA After Graduation for a secret, but honest, way to present a better GPA.]

Keywords for Your Professional Goals:

6. Your target job title

The title for the job that you want next, preferably the version(s) used by your target employers, is a very important set of keywords.

When in doubt about exactly which job title to use, become a slash person like this – “Senior Administrative Assistant / Executive Assistant.” Both versions of the job title are included, so your Profile will be found regardless of which term is used for searching.

If your current or target employer uses a unique job title for the job you want, include that term as well as the standard term used by most employers so your Profile will be found in a search for either term.

For example, a job seeker who is a senior administrative assistant has the official job title of “Admin Wizard” again becomes a slash person — “Senior Administrative Assistant/Admin Wizard” — using both terms in her Profile Headline and the job title for her current job

7. Your industry

Specify your industry (current or target): civil engineering, mechanical engineering, management consulting, market research, medical devices, nanotechnology, biotechnology, healthcare, and so on.

Be sure to choose the current term used to describe your industry. For example, use “information technology” or “IT” rather than the out-of-date terms “MIS” or “management information systems.”

Keywords for Your Work History:

8. Current job title

Your current job titles are also important keywords. Focus on the standard job titles that are used now by your target employers, particularly if current (or former) employer(s) used non-standard titles.

For example, if your employer calls your job “IT Support Wizard” (not a commonly-used term and not the one used by your target employers), become a slash person — change your job title to “IT Support Wizard / Senior IT Support Technician” or what ever is appropriate for you.

9. Current employer

If you are currently employed, include the name of your current employer (unless you are in a confidential search).

10. Former job titles

Your former job titles are often important keywords because they can indicate a depth of experience and knowledge. Again, standardize the job titles used now by your target employers so that the experience is found and valued appropriately.

As with your current job title, if a former employer called your job something unusual or simply out-of-date now, become a slash person — change that job title to use the current terminology that is accurate and appropriate for you.

For example, maybe your job title 10 years ago was “MIS Project Manager.” The current terminology for that job is “IT Project Manager,” so edit that job title to be “MIS / IT Project Manager.” The goal is to be accurate, using current technology.

11. Former employers

Particularly if you have worked for well-known and well-respected companies in your industry or field, be sure to include those company names, even if your experience there was more than ten years ago.

12. Volunteering

If you volunteer anywhere, include what you do and who you do it for, particularly if it helps fill in an employment gap and/or is related to your career track. The work done and the organization’s name are excellent keywords.

Keywords for Your Professional Qualifications and Major Accomplishments:

13. Your skills

Preferably focus on the skills most in demand for the job you want next (e.g., managing a P&L, using Microsoft Word and Excel, driving an 18-wheeler, leading a project team, etc.) need to be included – even if they are not the skills you use primarily for your most current job.

This is a key search criteria for recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter. Read Secret to Powerful LinkedIn Profile SEO: Leverage Skills & Endorsements for details.

According to LinkedIn, “Members with 5 or more skills listed are contacted (messaged) up to 33x more by recruiters and other LinkedIn members, and receive up to 17x more profile views. ”

14. Licenses relevant to your profession

Add the licenses you hold that show you are qualified to do the job you want, including the organization who does the licensing and the number of years you have held the license.

15. Job-specific, profession-specific, and industry-specific tools and techniques

Add the relevant tools and techniques that you use or are qualified to use because of training, education, and/or experience (e.g. MRI, Mastercam, LEED, etc.).

16. Job-specific or industry-specific software and hardware

Include the software required for your target job that you use or have been trained to use, particularly if it’s unique to your job, industry, or profession (e.g. SAP, ASP, FileMaker, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word).

Add any specific hardware that may be required for your target job if you have experience using it or have been trained to use it, particularly if it is unique to your job, industry, or profession (e.g. heart monitors, scanners, even different versions of smart phones if they are relevant to the job).

17. Internet tools and apps relevant to your job or profession

Include Internet tools and apps that you use or are qualified to use because of training, education, and/or experience (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Hootsuite, Google Analytics, AWS, AdWords, etc.).

18. Honors, awards, recognition, and patents

If you’ve received awards, scholarships, honors, or recognition from your employer, a customer or client, or your profession or industry, be sure to include them. If you have created anything(s) that was then patented, add those terms to your social media profiles (LinkedIn has a section specifically for patents) using the complete name(s), keyword-rich description(s), and the patent number(s).

19. Industry, professional, and/or technical names and acronyms

The more acronyms; the better, as long as they are appropriate to your experience and education. Include what they represent as well, just in case someone searches on the complete term, like Early Childhood Education (ECE) or ISO (International Standards Organization).

20. Certifications or other proof of professional or industry knowledge

Include all proof of professional knowledge or achievement, particularly focusing on those that are current, like applicable course work, post-graduate courses, professional training, on-the-job-training, and certifications, etc.

Note: If you hold, or held, a federal government security clearance, be extremely cautious about publishing the level of clearance on social media, particularly if it is classified. By making your clearance public, you may eliminate yourself from consideration because you have demonstrated a lack of understanding in the rules associated with classified information

If you are applying for a job that requires a specific clearance you hold, you can usually include that clearance in the application, assuming that the job is not a scam.

21. Clients and/or categories of clients

Mention those groups of clients who need your services, like national specialty retailers or SME (small and medium enterprises) for example. If one of your clients was a very well-known or well-respected company or person, like the Department of Defense or Warren Buffett, include those names — unless the relationship was classified or company confidential.

22. Major projects

If you were involved in any major projects, name and describe them, highlighting the relevancy to your target job.

If the project didn’t have an official name (not required!), create a descriptive one, like “Corporate-wide WiFi implementation.” Then, briefly describe the project, including the important and relevant keywords, and quantifying it if possible.

Read Grab Recruiter Attention with LinkedIn Projects for details.

23. Relevant industry and professional organizations

Include the industry and professional organizations or societies that you have joined (plus committee membership and current or former officer titles), and how long you have been a member.

24. Your publications

If you have written any books, white papers, or articles, particularly relevant to the job or profession you are targeting, be sure to include them. It is surprisingly easy to create a Kindle ebook on Amazon.com.

25. Relevant laws and regulations

If experience, understanding, or training in specific laws or regulations is required for your target job — and you are qualified — include the names of these laws and regulations, like ITAR/EAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations / Export Administration Regulations) or Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) compliance.

Notice that both the whole term (e.g. “Sarbanes-Oxley”) and the acronym (“SOX”) are included. Again, this should mean that your Profile will be found regardless of which version of the name of the law is included.

Bottom Line on Keywords for Your Job Search

Do the research to identify your best and most important keywords. Then, include those terms, appropriately, in your 12 Steps to Outrank Your Competitors in LinkedIn Search in 2020 (Personal LinkedIn SEO), resumes, job applications, and other online professional visibility, as appropriate.

• Do NOT be inaccurate or deceptive! “Marketing mode” is fine; scam mode is not a good long-term strategy.  People are fired for lying on their resume or job application even when the lies are discovered after several years of employment.
• Do NOT senselessly list or repeat your keywords. This is known as “keyword stuffing,” and the technology recognizes it easily and ignores those Profiles. So, listing keywords, even in white text, is a deadly mistake.Instead, include the keywords logically in the content of your Profile. A robust Profile, with descriptions of each of your jobs and your employers, offers plenty of opportunities to naturally include your keywords.

Read How to Optimize the Right Keywords for Your Resumes for methods of researching and using the best keywords. Optimizing your resume for an employer’s or recruiter’s search should increase the effectiveness of your resume.

* The CareerBuilder Study

According to an August 2018 study released by CareerBuilder:

• Nearly half of employers (47 percent) say that if they can’t find a job candidate online, they are less likely to call that person in for an interview.
  • 28 percent say that is because they like to gather more information before calling in a candidate for an interview.
  • 20 percent say they expect candidates to have an online presence.

More about Keywords and Personal SEO:

• 12 Steps to Outrank Your Competitors in LinkedIn Search in 2020 (Personal LinkedIn SEO)
• Guide to Personal SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Guide to LinkedIn SEO: How to Be More Visible in LinkedIn
• Understanding Keywords
• Your Most Important Keywords
• 12 Steps to Outrank Your Competitors in LinkedIn Search in 2020 (Personal LinkedIn SEO)
• Choosing the Best Keywords for Your LinkedIn Profile
• Secret to Powerful LinkedIn Profile SEO: LinkedIn Skills & Endorsements

About the author…

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post 25 Keywords To Improve Your Job Search Profile appeared first on Job-Hunt.

At LinkedIn’s urging, most users try to update their Profiles as completely as possible. They have also recently rolled out new job titles for parents, caretakers, and others.

Yet entering a “current job” can seem over-the-top when you’re unemployed.

Of course, employers may see through your attempts to cover up a period of unemployment, and resent the implication that you’re working (if the opposite is true).

Create a Current Job

If you choose to omit a current position at the top of the Experience section, your ranking will drop slightly in LinkedIn search results.

In other words, your findability among competing candidates (based on the keywords you have added) will slow somewhat, with your Profile appearing several pages lower than what it would have been.

You can run a test (adding a current job, and then removing it), using Advanced People Search in each case to see what really happens. Sorting your results by Keyword will show how most others find your Profile.

If you do opt to add a current position, keep the description short and in alignment with the job you’re seeking, using these tips:

  1. Note Your Goals, Not Your Unemployment.  

Refrain from using words such as “Unemployed,” “Laid Off,” etc. in describing your current status, as these words have negative connotations and are not used often by employers or recruiters searching through LinkedIn for qualified candidates.

You’re better off pointing out your value to employers by adding skills and job title keywords to help define the type of role you’re pursuing rather than labeling yourself as “Unemployed.”

As an example, adding “I offer a broad operations background, including Lean Six Sigma, team management, production supervision, and plant engineering skills” in the job description can help boost keyword density for an Operations Manager.

For more details about leveraging keywords, read The Top 25 Keywords for Your Job Search.

  2. Use a Job Title That Matches Your Goal.  

Be focused on your goal, not your temporary unemployed status. For example, adding a Job Title similar to what you’d use for a Headline (“Sales Rep Pursuing Dealer Sales & Distribution Opportunities”) will help employers realize why you’re adding the job.

In addition, the keywords in the Job Title field (an area highly indexed within LinkedIn’s search algorithm) can draw additional traffic to your Profile. Read Job-Hunt’s Guide to Personal SEO and The 25 Best Keywords for You in Your Job Search for more details.

  3.  Resist Using Non-Work Activity as a Placeholder.  

Don’t resort to adding volunteer, nonprofit, etc. experience as a current job.

Not only will this skew your results from a keyword standpoint (as Job Titles are very highly ranked in LinkedIn SEO), but employers may believe you’re actually working for this organization — and then question why you’re applying to an unrelated job.

  4. Remember to Update Your Headline.  

Ensure your Headline does not revert to the new Current Job Title (which is the default value on LinkedIn). Instead, change your Headline to reflect your ROI as a candidate, with keywords that increase your traffic.

As an example, an unemployed candidate for IT Manager roles could use “IT Manager Seeking Application Development, Infrastructure, or Networking Manager Roles in Production or Manufacturing” as a Headline – pulling in both the desired career level and skills.

For more details, read Fast Formula for a Powerful LinkedIn Headline and Maximize Your LinkedIn Professional Headline.

  5. Keep “From” and “To” Dates Simple.  

Most people don’t realize they can specify only a year in these date fields, and simply skip adding the month.

This will help prevent others from reading too much into your length of unemployment, especially if it stretches out longer than anticipated.

The Bottom Line on LinkedIn Headlines When You are Unemployed

Should you decide to use your job-seeking status in a “current” job on LinkedIn, consider these best practices, which will help boost your findability and value message to employers.

More About Handling Unemployment in Your Job Search

• Job-Hunt’s Guide to Beating Unemployment
• Job Loss Recovery
• 5 Options to Fill that Unemployment Gap by recruiter Jeff Lipschultz
• Overcoming the Unemployed Bias by recruiter Jeff Lipschultz
• Managing Employment Gaps on Your Resume

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s LinkedIn for Job Search Expert Laura Smith-Proulx, Executive Director of An Expert Resume, is an award-winning executive resume writer, national columnist, author, LinkedIn and SEO enthusiast, and past recruiter. Laura is author of How to Get Hired Faster: 60+ Proven Tips and Strategies to Access the Hidden Job Market. Follow Laura on Twitter at @ResumeExpert and on LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post The Best LinkedIn Job Headline When You Are Unemployed appeared first on Job-Hunt.