We often make judgments in less than 7 seconds on a person’s character based on how they communicate, appear, and act (body language, mannerisms, and habits). We decide if they are likable, honest, arrogant, professional, capable, trustworthy, etc.

When looking for a new job, typically the first impression many recruiters and hiring managers get is from a candidate’s resume or LinkedIn profile. If the hiring manager or recruiter’s interest is not piqued in less than 6-10 seconds, they’ll most likely MOVE ON to the next candidate.

Whether you’re looking to connect or engage in-person with someone or pique the interest of the recruiter or hiring manager reviewing your resume or LinkedIn profile, here are 10 tips to help you make a great first impression:

1. Customize your resume (so it’s a no brainer to call you for the interview).
2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile (so it communicates the professional value you can offer).
3. Send error free introduction emails & thank-you notes.
   
4. Prepare...

When recruiters or hiring leaders review your LinkedIn profile, the first area they see is your profile headline. Your LinkedIn profile headline is the very first sentence opposite your photo and under your name. 

Having a well-written profile headline can help catch a recruiter’s attention by giving him/her a clear understanding of the value you offer from a professional standpoint and where you are interested in moving next.

First, let’s look at what not to do when crafting your headline and why. The three examples below are what we (recruiters), unfortunately, see 99.9% of the time.

Example #1 of what not to write in your LinkedIn profile headline: 

‘Marketing Director at X company’ or ‘Marketing Director’ or ‘Software Engineer’

95% of people note their current job title and or place of employment. This is a wasted use of the headline area (you have 117-character spaces to use for your headline). Your current title and place of employment, which is the exact same information, i...