10 Useless Words To Delete From Your LinkedIn Profile Immediately

LinkedIn can be one of the best ways to better your chances of landing a job, but only if it is done right. Sadly, most people don’t know how to use LinkedIn to get a job. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet then it is time you made one because almost all organisation’s nowadays use it to find suitable candidates for any vacancy they might have.
When it comes to using LinkedIn there are some useless words that you have probably put on your profile that will only serve to reduce your chances of getting a job.
So what are these words that you should remove from your profile immediately?

1. Motivated
2. Passionate
3. Creative
4. Driven
5. Extensive experience
6. Responsible
7. Strategic
8. Track record
9. Organizational
10. Expert

Have you used any of the above? The problem with such words is that almost everyone else on LinkedIn has used them. This means you will not stand out to a recruiter and in the end miss great job opportunities.

How do you sell your skills to potential employers without using these words?

The trick just like in your CV is to show what makes you motivated. As much as the words can be used to describe you they don’t show the recruiter how. So instead of just telling them it is important that you show them.
This is where your recommendations come in handy. Request your former bosses and colleagues to leave good recommendations.
Use examples and tell stories that show you indeed posses the skills required for the job. This will not only make your profile unique but it will show the recruiter that you possess what they are looking for in a client.
READ ALSO >>> 8 Deadly CV Writing Mistakes That Make You Look Unprofessional

What Are Some Other Common LinkedIn mistakes you need to avoid?

1. Not Having a Profile Picture
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving your profile picture blank. Profiles with pictures are more likely to get viewed as opposed to the ones without.
It is important to ensure that you put up a profile picture of yourself the moment you get a LinkedIn profile.
2. Using the Wrong Profile Picture
Other than just having a picture, you need to have the right picture on your profile. LinkedIn is not like other social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter.
This is a professional platform and should be treated as such. The profile picture you use should be a professional one and should be of you. There is no point in using your pet’s picture or a picture of a friend.
3. Using the Default Connection Request
Connection request on LinkedIn is a great way to introduce yourself to people in your industry and create networks. Using the default connection message not only shows lack of creativity but it also doesn’t set you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Imagine sending the MD of an organisation the normal connection message and someone else sending a personalized message, the MD is likely to remember the one with the personalized message as opposed to the one with the default one.
CHECK OUT >>> 4 Unwritten LinkedIn Rules That You Should Never Break 
The whole point of LinkedIn is to stand out in order to get jobs. Therefore, before sending a connection request it is important that you personalize it so as to show your creativity and true interest in the person and position.
4. Not Using the Privacy Settings
If you are currently employed and are looking for another job, it is important that your current employer does not find out otherwise you will be out a job.
Forgetting to put privacy settings on when actively job hunting on LinkedIn will enable your employer to see that you are looking elsewhere if they are among your connections and as such may end up firing you.
5. Not Having A Summary
The summary is an important part of your profile. You should therefore avoid the mistake of not having one. The summary is basically a career objective. Having one will set you apart from the rest who do not.
READ ALSO >>> 7 Things Recruiters Look For In A LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a powerful job search tool that you can also use to network. Just because you are not looking for a job now doesn’t mean you won’t in the future so having good connections can make your job search process easier later on when you do start looking for a job.
By Michelle Wanjiku