We live in a serious world, where we confront serious concerns every day. Whether it’s the cost of living or climate change, it’s all too easy to slip into a negative mindset. Let’s be serious about one thing though: while LinkedIn is a professional platform, it does not mean you need to be serious all the time. Injecting a little more of your unique personality into your profile could help you land your next lead.
Kick tradition to the kerb
The traditional notion of maintaining a strictly professional demeanour on LinkedIn is rapidly becoming outdated. While professionalism remains your primary mission, you can easily see how successful professionals understand that showcasing their true personality helps them stand out. When you add a slice of your fun – or funny – side to your LinkedIn interactions, you build meaningful connections, inside jokes, and leave a lasting impression. Let’s remember: behind every LinkedIn profile picture is a person. Don’t be afraid to highlight your personality too.
Build an authentic presence
You’re not always serious in your everyday life, so why should you be on LinkedIn? That’s why it is so important to add a flavour of fun to your LinkedIn interactions, when it’s appropriate. This helps you to build an authentic LinkedIn presence. In an age where personal and professional lives are increasingly intertwined, authenticity has become a valuable currency. People are drawn to genuine people who aren’t afraid to show their true selves. You’re not just a professional, you’re a person too.
Make a memorable impression
Did you know that creating an inside joke with someone creates an almost immutable connection with them? That’s making a memorable impression, whether it’s in person or online. Think about the countless profiles you’ve scrolled through – which ones stuck with you? Chances are, it wasn’t the ones that read like a dry list of qualifications and projects. Instead, it was likely those that made you smile, piqued your curiosity, or resonated with you on a personal level. Add a touch of humour and a little more about your personal life, and you’ll soon see a difference in the way people interact with you. They’ll remember you far more easily as they navigate their LinkedIn feeds, and are more likely to spend some dwell time on your content. When you set out to be human, you create very human points of connection, enabling you to spark conversations and build meaningful relationships.
Get the balance right
Of course, you can’t be a jokester all the time. There is a time and a place for professionalism and personality. The key to getting this balance right lies in understanding your audience and industry norms while staying true to yourself. For example, if you’re in a creative field, you might have more leeway to express your quirky side. On the other hand, if you’re in a more conservative industry, subtle touches of personality can go a long way without compromising your professional image. Be careful not to overshare or breach any professional norms. The goal is to find a balance that enhances your professional image rather than detracting from it. Avoid highly controversial topics, excessive personal details, or humour that might be considered offensive. Remember, LinkedIn is still a professional platform, and your content should reflect that.
Add personality to your LinkedIn profile
Before you head off to make a joke in the comments of a post, think about how you can shape your LinkedIn profile around your personality too. One effective way to inject personality into your profile is through your headline. Instead of simply stating your job title, consider adding a personal touch that reflects your approach to your work or a unique aspect of your professional identity. Consider a headline that reads like “CEO who turns coffee into successful profit margins” or “Financial analyst with a passion for sustainable investments.” Adding a mention of your passion projects or personality can go far in giving people an immediate sense of who you are. You can also consider adding a personal anecdote to your About section while describing your success in a project or two. And, if your headshot seems too formal, consider changing it to one with a warm smile or colourful background – as long as it isn’t too distracting. That makes you appear more approachable while maintaining a key sense of professionalism.
At Prominence Global, we’ve seen how people who showcase their personality as part of their professional image often report higher engagement rates, more meaningful connections, and even unexpected career opportunities. It’s all part of building an authentic, unique, and memorable personal brand. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through – it might just be what brings you the next big opportunity.
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