Here are our top 10 tips for creating a standout digital profile.
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10 Top Tips for Creating a Standout Digital Profile
If you’re writing your digital profile for the first time and need some top tips, this is just what the doctor ordered. And if you’ve already got one, consider this a friendly reminder to dust it off and double-check to make sure it’s going to help you lock in your dream job. 👀
Let’s cut to the chase. A good digital profile can make or break your job application – and we want to help you land on the shortlist. While some of these tips are more obvious than others, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to jog your memory. ✍️
1. Spelling mistakes
We’re not, in any shape or form, saying you need to be a spelling bee world champion. But there are so many resources at your disposal, such as spell-check, there’s no reason to make careless slip-ups. 🫣
The truth? A digital profile littered with spelling mistakes, at best, looks like you’re not big on attention to detail, and at worst, gives the impression that you don’t give a monkey’s about the job. Neither of these will look good when you’re trying to impress your potential future boss. 😳
2. Too long
Employers don’t have time for rambling. With that in mind, the perfect digital profile is one-two pages long. So if yours goes over the two-page cut-off point, you’ll be at risk of setting foot in waffling territory. Enter at your own risk. ⚠️
Our advice? Don’t include empty words to get the count up. After all, a digital profile that’s as long as the Nile River will put off the hirer and you won’t get the results you’re hoping for.
Remember that less is always more. Your best bet is to get to the point. 🤝
3. Too short
Keeping your digital profile short but sweet is the secret to success. But be warned, it’s all about finding a balance. For context, it’s a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You don’t want your digital profile to be too long or too short. You want it to be just right. 🐻
You’ve probably realised this by now, but getting the perfect length is a minefield. Too short will look like you don’t have much to say for yourself, but too long is just as bad, if not worse.
So focus on quality. The best are clear and concise. 💎
4. Jumbled layout
First impressions count. We’re not the first to say that having a disorganised layout won’t set the best first impression, and we won’t be the last. The layout is one of the first things your employer will notice. So a jumbled format will stand out like a sore thumb.
Having information all over the shop will send out red flags to the hirer. They don’t have the time or patience to pick out the bits worth reading. So, to avoid this and make your digital profile as clear as day, you should signpost the different sections. Putting a heading above each will make it a lot easier to read. ✅
5. Bending the truth
Don’t find out the hard way. Lying (even just a little) will do far more harm than good. Dishonesty will come back to bite you when you get caught red-handed.
The harsh reality is that bending the truth can have serious consequences. What might seem like a harmless white lie at first, could snowball. So, we strongly advise that you make sure every piece of information is correct and isn’t a fabrication. The truth always comes out in the end. 🤥
6. Get someone to proofread
Everyone, at every level, needs a second pair of eyes to proofread. Having a professor, friend or mentor, proofread your digital profile is a smart move. They might see something, big or small that can make a huge difference. They’ll also thank you and appreciate that you’ve asked for their input.
A lot can be missed even if you’ve taken your time or in your haste to finalise everything. A fresh set of eyes will solve this problem. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your go-to person can give you helpful advice or constructive criticism on what to include and what not to include. 💡
7. Irrelevant experience
Another common mistake is filling your digital profile with irrelevant information and experience. ❌
It will look like you’re not qualified enough for the role, and also a sure way to end up with a ‘no’ faster than you can say, Jack Robinson.
Could you do with having some more real-world work experience under your belt? 💻
You’ve come to the right place. The roles on Unibeez can transform your digital profile into an impressive document that wows your future employer. You’ll be the talk of the office. And in the best possible way.
8. Casual tone
There’s a fine line between marketing yourself and being full of yourself. One wrong move and you’ve fluffed it. So, tread with caution. 🍌
Writing in an unprofessional tone of voice is one of the worst things you can do. Really. In fact, it’s on par with using clichéd phrases and including the odd slang word here and there.
And while it goes without saying that you want to be engaging, you should hold back on sounding too informal. It’s a much better idea to let your personality shine through later on when you land the interview. 😍
9. Quirky font
Did you know that it takes the average recruiter just eight seconds to decide whether or not you are a contender for the position? 😬
With that in mind, your digital profile shouldn’t look like a GCSE art poster. There’s no need to go OTT on the font OR with colours. Using wacky fonts (and more than two) will make it difficult to read and will mean that your employer will most likely take one look at it and then look the other way. 🏃
Another pro tip, steer clear of comic sans and opt for fonts such as Arial, Verdana, Helvetica or Times New Roman instead.
10. Including controversial hobbies and interests
Although they’re not essential, including your hobbies and interests on your digital profile can help you to stand out and make your application more engaging.
But, they are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they could take your digital profile from mediocre to memorable; on the other, if your hobbies or interests are controversial, they could sabotage your chances of getting to the next stage. For example, writing that you enjoy shooting over the weekends wouldn’t be wise. Your employer might be a vegetarian or may not share the same values as you. 🥦
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