5 Writing Mistakes You’re Making on Your LinkedIn Profile

On Twitter, we let our wit loose into the world. On Facebook, we showcase our social selves. On dating websites, we focus on our romantic side. And on LinkedIn, we carefully construct an image we wouldn’t mind an employer seeing—no photos from parties, no funny cat videos, no wisecracks. After all, it’s the professional social network, and using it means we consent to the general notion that it should be used for serious pursuits. Serious social networks and serious pursuits require serious profiles. Yes, your LinkedIn profile picture counts and you should definitely look professional in it. Words count for a lot on LinkedIn as well. Let’s look at a few common problems and talk about ways to fix them.

Your Style Is All Over the Place

The way you write in your LinkedIn profile should be uniform. You should be able to write consistently in each section, using the same style conventions to avoid inconsistencies. Numbers, spaces after a period, punctuation marks before or after a closing quotation mark—all of these things and many more have to be the same throughout your profile. If you’re having problems with consistency, try using a style guide. Almost any of them will do, so just pick one and stick with it.

You’re Using Too Many Words

Even if you’re a novelist, you shouldn’t write novels in your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is not a place for anecdotes or flowery language. Think about it—the people you want to look at your LinkedIn profile are probably a business owners, managers, or recruiters. Don’t make them slog through a lot of unimportant stuff before they get the information they need (because they won’t bother). Put that information front and center so that it’s clearly visible and easy to read.

You’re Not Proofreading Your Profile

You cannot have spelling mistakes in your LinkedIn profile. We’re not just saying that because this is Grammarly and we have an awesome, free proofreading tool we’d like you to try out. You really can’t have any mistakes. If you can’t take the time to proofread your own profile, or if you’re not willing to invest in software or human proofreaders to look through your profile for mistakes, what kind of message do you think you’ll be sending to potential employers?

You’re Not Thinking About Keywords

Keywords are important. Search engines use keywords to determine whether to include your profile in search results. Keywords are also very easy to figure out—the most relevant ones are usually the title of your profession plus a variation or two, or maybe a word that’s closely related to your field of work. Here’s an example: you’re a flower arranger, and that’s your most important keyword. You can also add “flower arrangement” because that’s what you produce. That’s it—you have two good keywords. Now that you have your keywords, make sure you mention them throughout your profile, but not too many times—it’s counterproductive and it might actually lower your rank in search results. The most important keyword should be listed as one of your skills. It should also be in your headline and mentioned once or twice in your summary. Make sure you include the other keywords here and there.

You’re Not Using LinkedIn to Its Fullest Potential

There are plenty of tricks that can help you make the most out of your LinkedIn profile. You can edit your profile URL so that it contains, let’s say, your first and last names and your profession. You can also edit the anchor text for the blog and website links on your profile. You can rearrange the sections of your profile to put the most important and impressive ones at the top. If you build your LinkedIn profile really well, you can convert it into a resume using the Resume Builder tool. There are plenty of additional tips and tricks for using LinkedIn. The more of them you know, the more useful the website will be for you.

9 Things You Need to Give up to Be a Successful Writer

Written communication isn’t easy. If it was, there would be no misunderstandings on social media, and we would never have to go back and clarify something we’d written after the fact. But that’s not the world we live in.

The need to improve one’s writing skills isn’t reserved only for those who want to be published novelists or award-winning journalists—there are endless benefits to being able to communicate through the written word.

If you want to become a better writer, here are nine things you absolutely need to give up today in order to succeed. We’ve divided them into parts designed to help you do two things—write with precision and write with artistry. Precise writing is technically correct and easy to understand. Artistic writing conveys a message or story in a way that resonates with the reader. Improving both precision and artistry will make you a better communicator no matter what your writing goals are.

Writing With Precision

1Give up your time.

Good writing takes time. The less time you invest in dashing off a quick message, the more likely that message is to be misinterpreted. Slow your roll, wordsmith! Does that text you composed accurately convey your thoughts? Good written communication requires attention to detail. You can’t pay attention to details if you’re rushing.

2Give up filler words.

We sometimes write like we talk. Conversational writing can be good, but writing that’s cluttered with filler words and phrases that we often use in conversation is not. Here are thirty-one to eliminate. And here are more tips for cleaning up your dirty, wordy writing.

3Give up your disdain for outlining

Unless you’re drafting something short and sweet, an outline can be a lifesaver. A builder wouldn’t dream of constructing something as complex as a house without a plan. Constructing any sort of long-form writing is easier with a plan, too. Even the simplest of outlines can save you a lot of time organizing and revising later.

Of course, some writers follow the “pantser” (as in flying by the seat of your pants) method, and that’s okay. Just be warned that if you don’t take time up front to organize your thoughts, you may have to commit to a more grueling revision process after you finish your draft.

4Give up the belief that you don’t need to proofread.

Even seasoned writers need to review their work before they publish that article, post that tweet, or send that email. It’s essential to not only look for spelling and grammar mistakes but also make sure your writing is clear.

Pro tip: Read your writing out loud. Does it read smoothly? If you find yourself stumbling as you read, revise for clarity. Shorter sentences are easier to read and understand than long complex ones. Keep it simple . . . unless you’re striving to be the next Tolstoy.

Writing With Artistry

5Give up the impossible dream of a perfect first draft.

It’s important to write clearly and correctly. That’s a worthwhile goal. But you’ve got to get the words out first. Turn off the oppressive voice of perfectionism while you work on your first draft and focus on flow, instead. Try to write without stopping to make corrections—you’ll do that later. Instead, let the thoughts in your head spill onto the page. You’ll only get at those interesting and artistic thoughts if you stop interrupting them long enough to let them speak.

Perfect first drafts are like mythical unicorns—they exist only in our imaginations. Write first, edit later.

6Give up the belief that good writing depends on talent.

Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Innate talent won’t save a lazy writer, but hard work will help even a struggling writer succeed. If you don’t have a gift for writing, but you’re willing to put in the time to develop your skills, you can’t help but improve.

7Give up the need to talk about writing more than actually writing.

Aspiring creative writers and bloggers are often guilty of this writing sin. We love to talk about the writing we’re going to do and share the ideas we have, but when it comes to actually putting our butts in our chairs and our fingers to our keyboards . . . not so much. If you talk about writing more than you actually write, it’ll be difficult to succeed. See tip number one!

8Give up needless distractions.

Hey! You there! Step away from the smartphone.

If you’re going to write, just write. Silence your phone. Close those unnecessary tabs. Maybe go into full-screen mode to keep your writing space clutter free. You’ll be surprised how clearing mental space for writing allows the words to flow.

Here’s a tip: Try a distraction-free writing platform such as Ommwriter or FocusWriter if you need a little extra help blocking out distractions.

9Give up your excuses.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Writers write.” What does it really mean?

It means that if you want to call yourself a writer, you need to actually be one. If you find yourself making excuses instead of writing, it’s time to take a look at your priorities. Writers prioritize writing time—it’s as simple as that.

The Best Podcasts to Help Your Work Life

Some say you are what you eat. What about what you listen to? Edison Research found that people who listen to podcasts “often take action in direct response” to what they hear. If you have a career goal, it only makes sense that listening to an informational or motivational podcast on the subject will help you. Here are seven of the best podcasts for improving life at work.

Brain Training Podcast

According to its website, Brain Training Podcast is “the daily audio workout for your head.” Just as physical exercise strengthens your body, mental stimulation makes your brain stronger. Rather than a tedious exercise session, Brain Training uses games to get your mind working. Some of the games seem low-impact, such as Order, which asks you put a list of random numbers in ascending order. Others might make you sweat as you try to recite a list of letters and figures, which sounds easy until you realize the name of the game—Backwards.

Happier With Gretchen Rubin

Who doesn’t want to be happier and more productive? In one British study, the productivity of a group of workers rose by an average of 12 percent. Why? They were happier than before and the study’s author, Dr. Daniel Sgroi indicated that this gain is easily replicable if managers create “work practices aimed at boosting happiness.” Rather than wait for your manager, why not take your happiness into your own hands? Writer Gretchen Rubin tackles the subjects in her podcast series. Plenty of topics apply to the workplace. For example, the episode “One of the Worst Ways to Waste Time Is to ______” identifies things that don’t need to be done. With the time you save, you’ll be able to increase productivity and also spend time in the pursuits that make you happiest.

How I Built This

Are you intimidated by the thought of starting your own business or patenting an invention? The How I Built This series follows the stories of successful entrepreneurs from beginning to end. Not every story is entirely rosy; some innovators had as many hard knocks as they had victories. By the time you finish listening, you may be motivated to get started on your goals.

The Tim Ferriss Show

If you eat a tasty dish in a restaurant, you may be able to guess many of the main ingredients. Tim Ferriss attempts find the recipe for success by “deconstructing excellence.” He asks the highest performers of different industries what their daily habits are like and who their role models are. He separates out the main ingredients, sharing tips that anyone can use. He pushes you to question things you never thought about, such as who you sit next to in the break room. According to Ferriss, “You are the average of the five people you associate with most, so do not underestimate the effects of your pessimistic, unambitious, or disorganized friends. If someone isn’t making you stronger, they’re making you weaker.”

Inside Mastery

Most employees would love to increase productivity and reduce stress. Inside Mastery examines performance in the light of neuroscience and psychology. What are the best practices of those at the top of their fields? In each episode, a distinguished presenter shares proven techniques from their own experience or research. For instance, CEO Caroline Webb hosts “How to Have A Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life.” She shares insights from behavioral science such as how implementation intentions affect your work ethic.

Writing Excuses

I don’t have time to learn to be a better writer. In my occupation, writing isn’t very important. What reasons do you give for failing to improve your writing skills? Experienced authors host the podcast each week. The podcasts eliminate the excuses. The audio is short—usually less than twenty minutes—and the methods are for everyone “whether they write for fun or for profit, whether they’re new to the domain or old hands.” Once you run out of excuses, you might find yourself writing better than you ever thought possible.

HBR Ideacast

Sarah Green, editor of Harvard Business Review, hosts this weekly program. It features tips from successful upper managers about everything from dealing with conflict avoiders and seekers to healthy team building practices. Guests hosts include CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and some quite famous names—Greg Louganis, Katie Couric, and Salman Rushdie, to name a few.

Changing from a poor diet to a nutritious one can boost your physical health. Likewise, listening to podcasts can have a strong positive effect on your work life. What are your career goals? Feed them, and watch them grow by listening to one of these seven excellent podcasts today.

8 Ways to Show Gratitude at Work

As published in Glamour magazine, a little thankfulness can make you more successful at work. How so? The article reports that a study by the email scheduling app Boomerang identified three email sign-offs that result in the best response rates—thanks in advance, thanks, and thank you. If a simple email signature has such a profound effect, just think of what you can achieve with a genuine act of appreciation! Here are eight ways to show your colleagues how grateful you really are.

Say It Aloud

Saying thank you will make your coworkers feel nice, but they aren’t the only ones who will reap benefits from a kind word or two. A study from the John Templeton Foundation reported that almost all of the 2,000 participants reported that saying thank you to fellow workers made them feel a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Yes, saying thank you is as important as hearing it at work. The same study reported that only 40 percent of these same workers expressed gratitude at work more than once a year. Why don’t you change the trend today? Reflect over the past few months. Who deserves a sincere thanks?

Friendship

What’s the highest motivator to “go the extra mile” at work? According to Laura Troyani, an employee engagement expert, the majority of employees make an extra effort if they are friends with their colleagues. A Globoforce study suggests three benefits of workplace friendships—improved productivity, higher rates of employee retention, and happier workers. What can you do to encourage social interaction at your workplace? Why not host a social event? Whether it’s a simple lunch out on the town or a company mixer, coworkers might enjoy getting to know each other if you can create a warm, relaxed atmosphere at your gathering.

Pay Increases

Almost everyone would agree that the economy has had its ups and downs. Even full-time workers sometimes complain about how hard it is to make ends meet. In a research study of what high-performing workers want at work, competitive compensation and bonuses topped the list of desirable rewards. Periodically, company leaders should compare how their salaries compare to their competitors. In high-profit quarters, they can consider sharing some of the bounty with the valuable people behind the scenes.

Flexibility

In the same study mentioned above, high achievers also ranked flexibility high on their wish list. To have the flexibility to take their vacation time when they want to is essential to some employees. Others would prefer flexibility in their work hours or in their work location. The only way to find out what appeals to your colleagues is to ask! And if you are an employee, don’t hesitate to make your desires known to your boss. If you prove that it will increase your productivity, they just may be motivated to make all your dreams come true.

Create a Space for Recognition

If you desire to show or receive more recognition for your hard work, you can rest assured that you are not alone. One company gets together regularly for “hatitude.” In a biannual ritual, workers take turns wearing a silly hat during a business dinner. The hat-wearer gets showered with thanks for all the great things they did in the last six months. All it takes is a bulletin board and a few post-it notes to encourage coworkers to acknowledge each other’s strengths and successes. If you are short on space or work in a virtual environment, you can still use technology to spread the spirit of gratitude. A periodic email newsletter or a designated channel of your group’s messaging tool can accomplish the same purpose.

Gifts

Nothing says “I appreciate you” like gifts. More than 75 percent of companies provide gifts for high-achieving team members via recognition programs, according to an article in Time magazine. What kinds of gifts are popular? Workers receive office supplies, watches, and even computer software through recognition programs. Some companies allow workers to select from a catalog of gifts while others offer gift cards redeemable at stores and restaurants. The same article quotes the Aberdeen Group: “Being able to track the effectiveness of engagement and recognition efforts can help organizations better align engagement with business objectives and improve performance.” In other words, companies learn from following the proportionate increases in employee production and morale.

Time and a Listening Ear

Though it might be tempting to eat your sandwich at your desk or run out the door the minute the clock reaches closing time, staying a few extra moments is a way to express appreciation. How’s that? Showing that you have time to listen to others indicates that you appreciate their opinion. Spending time with colleagues during free time demonstrates how much you value their company.

Food

Did someone help you out at work? A tasty lunch is a excellent way to express your thanks. To thank a large group, bake cookies, muffins, or a cake for the break room. If baking isn’t your forte, you can easily pick up a box of donuts or a vegetable platter on your way to work. To avoid triggering allergies, display an index card with the ingredients for any homemade treats. Or better yet, send out an email with the recipe.

From email closings to ice cream socials, showing gratitude is an easy and beneficial thing to do. Not only will you make fellow workers feel appreciated, but also you will feel more positive yourself as you actively look for the good in others. How will you display your appreciation for your hard-working associates? You are only limited by your creativity.

Avoidance Tactics: Common English Mistakes

by Laura K. Lawless, writer at eLearnEnglishLanguage.com

Everyone makes mistakes when writing, sometimes due to simple typos, and other times because they just don’t know any better. Most people can spot their own typos when proofreading, but that only works when you know that it’s a mistake—what about when you don’t? Even native speakers mix up words that either look similar or have similar meanings, but there are simple techniques that can help you avoid some of these common mistakes.

It’s vs Its

For some reason, it’s seems to have become the default spelling of these homophones, but there is a difference between the two spellings, and it’s easy to remember. It’s is the contraction of either “it is” or “it has,” so if you can replace the word with either of those two phrases, then you know the spelling must be it’s.

It’s early. – It is early.

It’s been over an hour. – It has been over an hour.

Its is a possessive like “my” or “his.” When you can’t use “it is” or “it has,” you can’t include an apostrophe.

I don’t know its name. NOT I don’t know it is name.

What is its purpose? NOT What is it is purpose?

Its’ does not exist, period.

Your vs You’re

Here’s another common mistake with an apostrophe, but in this case the word without the apostrophe is becoming the default—and often incorrect—spelling.

You’re is a contraction, so you must always use it when you can replace the word by “you are.”

You’re welcome – You are welcome.

I’m sure you’re right – I’m sure you are right.

Your is a possessive adjective, so it can’t be replaced by “you are,” but it can be replaced with another possessive like my, his, or our.

This is your book – This is my book. NOT This is you are book.

Here are your keys – Here are our keys. NOT Here are you are keys.

I vs Me

I suspect the reason so many people don’t know whether to use I or me is that when we were kids, parents and teachers were always correcting us: “No, not ‘Me and John’ —say ‘John and I!'” So we started thinking that whenever we say “John and ___”, that blank has to be filled with I. In fact, it’s not that simple.

I is a subject pronoun, which means it has to be the subject of a verb:

John and I like swimming.

John and I are going to the park.

You know that I is correct because if you take out “John and” you still need to say I, not me.

I like swimming. NOT Me like swimming.

I am going to the park. NOT Me am going to the park.

So when do you use me? When it’s the object of a verb or preposition.

They told me to go swimming. – They told John and me to go swimming.

The park is only for me. – The park is only for John and me.

Again, if you take out “John and,” you immediately realize the right word to use: “They told me to go swimming,” not “They told I to go swimming.”

Between you and I vs Between you and me

Like to, about, for, etc., between is a preposition, which means it must be followed by object pronouns: between you and me.

Since between has to be followed by more than one person, you can’t take out “you and” in order to make it obvious that me is required instead of I, but what you can do is replace it with a plural pronoun: “we” or “us.” We is a subject pronoun like I, and us is an object pronoun like me. Would you say “between we” or “between us”? Of course, you’d say “us,” so of course you need “me.” Between you and me, I’d be thrilled if no one ever said between you and I again.

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About the Author

Laura K. Lawless is a language lover, writer, and online teacher. Her blog eLearnEnglishLanguage.com is full of tips to help native English speakers avoid simple and silly mistakes.