How to Convert Your LinkedIn Profile to the Functional Format
How to Convert Your LinkedIn Profile to the Functional Format
Converting your functional resume into LinkedIn is possible, and if you’re one of the perhaps 1% of job seekers for whom the functional resume style makes sense, then this strategy is for you. You might have been frustrated by the fact that the LinkedIn interface does not lend itself to the functional format. Use these strategic tips to get around this “lack” in the LinkedIn platform.
First Things First
The first thing you need to do is determine whether you truly need a functional resume for your job search. In most cases, if you believe your resume is failing you, it’s because your existing reverse-chronological resume does not successfully reflect your brand or your accomplishments. This is not a problem that converting to a functional resume can solve. It’s a strategic question that an expert executive resume writer can solve for you using a more standard format 99% of the time.
However, if you believe that your career history and aspirations demand a functional resume format, read on to learn how to convert your functional resume to the LinkedIn platform.
Step 1: Save a Copy of Your Existing LinkedIn Profile
If this is your first attempt to change up your LinkedIn profile, you would be wise to save your existing content. In fact, it is always a good idea to save your LinkedIn profile to Word to text, because you might want to tweak it offline before uploading it. If this functional strategy turns out not to work for you because it is so nontraditional, you will want to have a copy of your prior profile to which you can easily return.
Step 2: Rewrite Your Summary with Functional Categories
Review your existing reverse-chronological resume and identify the functional areas of expertise you are representing. Group your accomplishments within functional headings under each job description, so your audience knows your pitch at the highest level. This makes for a great keyword strategy as well.
Step 3: Rewrite Your Experience with Functional Categories
Although you cannot get out from under LinkedIn’s requirements that you include titles, companies, and dates for each position you’ve held, you can tweak the plan to accommodate a functional strategy. Divide up each position’s accomplishments according to the functions you want to highlight. Then, put each “function” into its own job, along with your job title, company, and years. You thus will have multiple entries for each role you’ve held, but each area would focus on a different functional area. Remember, you have 2000 characters, including spaces, for each new “position,” so maximize your audience’s experience by using as much of the space allotted for your accomplishments within each function.
Step 4: Measure and Test Your Success
After you load in your refreshed functional LinkedIn profile, keep track of your profile views. If you are getting more views and more contacts, then your profile revamp can be considered a success. If you are not getting any of the results you expected to get, you might wish to revert to a more traditional LinkedIn profile style.
