1. Problem
It can be challenging to write in general and especially about yourself. The fact is that the market requires us to have a sharp narrative regarding our profile in order to find a match for a potential opportunity. This doesn’t apply only to employment but also to explore networking opportunities, collaborations & partnerships or to build up our personal brand. This aspect is particularly relevant if you want to work as an entrepreneur, freelancer or create your own company. When you learn to write about yourself it can be also easier to promote a product or service because the mindset is similar.
When starting, it is possible that you struggle to find the right words to write your written presentation. Keep in mind that you will have to make several attempts in an iterative process in order to have a well written version. Additionally, sharing the text with your friends, colleagues and a few contacts from your network, can help you to gather useful feedback that will improve your result.
Finally, this type of work is a constant work in progress. You might have a ready version for a certain purpose but it might be the case that you will have to update it often according to the current need.
2. Solution
Being able to professionally write about yourself is necessary in order to build a Job application, CV, Cover letter, LinkedIn profile or when applying for training or a professional certification.
On LinkedIn profile, a written presentation is usually named as a professional profile or more broadly “the about” section. Most of the application processes or online profiles require a well-written text that can express the best version of yourself, and most importantly, that can engage readers to read more about who you are and what you can offer.
2.1. Before you start
Here are some some suggestions to keep in mind before starting to write.
2.2. How to do it
You can write a personal presentation to be used in the following ocasions or applications:
2.2.1. About section on LinkedIn
Here you should be able to sum-up your experience in about 5-7 lines.
Start by summing up your background according to the relevance regarding the position you are applying for. This text should be customized to each position. This is particularly applicable when you are looking for a job within the same career track and have former work experience.
%EXAMPLES:2%
Focus on tailoring your experience or skills with the job you are applying for. This is relevant when you are in a career shift or when you don’t have work experience.
%EXAMPLES:3%
You can also opt for describing yourself in a more disruptive and innovate way. Here is a longer example:
%EXAMPLES:1%
Resources you might use when writing:
2.2.2. Header section of your CV
The examples above are also valid to be used when writing your CV. You can have a longer text on this medium, as long as you stay focused and don't describe things in excess. Don't forget that people analyzing your CV will spend a minimum time and will tend to judge you based on tghe firts lines they read.
Here are some tips you can follow:
2.2.3. Sending a Direct Message on Linked
Direct messages on chat shoud be more sumarized and specialized thand profile and CV introductions. Just choose an acceptable salutation and try to be as concise as possible in referring to you and what you do. Then let the conversation flow.
Don't forget: