Raewyn Court

substantiating them with real examples of your work makes your profile more authentic.”

Sandford says while it may be convenient or seem smart to use buzzwords when talking about ourselves, professional achievements are better than generic buzzwords.

“The language we use says a lot about us so it’s important to choose your words carefully, especially in a professional context.

“Too often we hide behind buzzwords which don’t mean anything, whether out of a desire to keep things simple, or because we don’t feel confident in talking about our work accomplishments.

“With some relatively simple changes you can start to use language which truly conveys what makes you great.”

Sandford shares his tips on how professionals can stand out: Make your words count: Your profile summary is one of the first things people look at, so it’s important to get it right.

You want the reader to want to know more about you, so start with something punchy. Don’t be afraid to lead with a short sentence, such as ‘ Music is my first love’. Be direct: It’s often tempting to speak in the third person when it comes to our working lives — don’t! It’s impersonal and won’t draw the reader in. Don’t shy away from adding some personality to your language — this is a great way to show your character. Showcase your experience: Your LinkedIn profile i s 12 times more likely to be viewed if you have more than one previous position listed. Tell your ‘ work story’ by listing all your relevant previous roles and describe what you achieved in those roles. Show, don’t just tell: Illustrate your unique professional story and your achievements by including evidence of your work.

Paint the picture with visuals — whether that’s a video of you speaking at a conference, a research paper you authored, a news article that features you, or an image from a launch of a big campaign.