Forbes Coaches Council. | Dec 7, 2016

If it seems like everyone is on LinkedIn these days, it’s because they probably are. With the median number of years at one job at 4.2 years and 94% of recruiters using LinkedIn as a tool to vet candidates, it’s no wonder LinkedIn has become an active professional hub.

But don’t just slap your profile together and hope for the best. Below, members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss 10 common mistakes to be aware of so that you can rise above the competition.

From left to right: Casey Carpenter, Adrienne Tom, Shannon Bradford, Julie Bondy Roberts, Cherly Lynch Simpson, Erin Kennedy, Mo Chanmugham, John O’Connor, Shauna C. Bryce, Leslie Mizerack. All photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Writing Using ‘Resume-Speak Vs. Authentic Language’ 

A common mistake is to use canned “resume-speak” words that may be made up or overused. Why say, “Our cross-functional team implemented, proceduralized, and metricized our program under my leadership?” How about, “I lead the team that initiated the project, and we saw it through to completion. We came in ,000 under budget, three weeks prior to the deadline.”   – Casey Carpenter, The Sales Breakthrough Coach 

2. Content Misses The Mark 

Failing to demonstrate value to the target audience can cause confusion and lack of interest. To garner attention from prospective employers, job seekers must be selective and strategic in profile details, peppering in keywords and quantifiable evidence that is well-aligned with reader requirements. Robust details are great, but tailored content will boost visibility and reader retention.   – Adrienne Tom, Career Impressions 

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