Professionals find it hard to talk about their success

Only 35% of professionals feel confident talking about their career achievements.

46% of the professionals surveyed in LinkedIn’s latest “#workstory” study, admitted they would not feel confident describing their achievements if they came face-to-face with their dream employer.

The study found respondents were more likely to share health updates (25%) on social media than news of a promotion (17%).

Catherine Fisher, Senior Director of Member Marketing and Communications at LinkedIn believes that professionals’ reluctance to share achievements is out of fear of appearing ‘overly self-promotional.’

Fisher explained in an interview with Forbes: “More than half of workers admitted that they hold back from sharing work achievements because they feel like they are bragging.

“One of the biggest challenges people face is developing their elevator pitch – a quick explanation of their job and why they are good at it. Across the board, 37% of men and 30% of women surveyed admit that they get tongue-tied when trying to describe what they do for a living.”

She says that a way to resolve this is to think of your pitch as the equivalent of ‘dressing for the job you want.’

The research also showed that 80% of professionals find it difficult to overcome a bad first impression, and 65% of respondents agreed the impression you make online is just as important as the one you make in person.

The study outlined ways to make a good impression via LinkedIn:

Have a profile photo – Members with a profile photo receive up to 21 times more profile views.

Include employment history – LinkedIn members with current positions receive up to 5 times more connection requests.

List your location – Members including their current city stood out 23 times more in searches. 30% of recruiters will search for candidates based on location.

Select at least 5 relevant skills

Draw in connections through a strong synopsis

Add your industry – Profiles including work industry were 31 times more likely to be found by recruiters.

Fisher adds that one way to ease discussing achievements “is to share credit with the team that helped get you across the finish line.”

She also advised that professionals should be updating their profiles regularly, and should not be afraid to showcase promotions and work they are proud of.