The "Instagram for Careers": Deciphering the Buzzwords on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is often described as the professional's playground, a digital arena where your career accomplishments, expertise, and connections come to the forefront. Chris Donnelly, a voice on startups, AI, and entrepreneurship, succinctly dubs LinkedIn "the Instagram for Careers."

While scrolling through LinkedIn, one might get the impression that everyone is at the pinnacle of their careers. Glossy terms like 'Digital Storyteller,' 'Data Expert,' and 'Strategist' often pop up in profiles, echoing the evolving nature of job titles and the thirst for digital relevance.

Speaking of which, there's a popular league of buzzwords making rounds. The frontrunners in the LinkedIn lingo marathon include Digital Storyteller, Leadership, Skilled, Passionate, Expert, Motivated, Results-oriented, Team player, Problem solver, Strategic, Creative, and Driven. With such an illustrious list, I've pondered adding them to my profile. But where would I fit in my honest tagline: "Talented but can be a big pain"?

Here's some candid advice: quit sounding like a C-suite executive. If you genuinely are one, hats off to you. However, remember a surprising stat from the Corporate Executive Board (CEB): 50% to 70% of executives fail within 18 months of taking on a role, whether they were an external hire or a promotion from within. It's intriguing to ponder how one might elegantly phrase such an experience on their LinkedIn profile.

On a brighter note, amidst the haze of buzzwords, many on LinkedIn genuinely possess the prowess they claim. These individuals stand out not just by words but by the tangible impact they make, the innovative solutions they provide, and the true expertise they bring to the table. They're the beacon of authenticity in a sea of inflated claims.

However, tread cautiously. Just as dating sites have their fair share of catfish, LinkedIn isn't immune to a little... let's say, creative exaggeration. A skillful storyteller might not always be an expert in digital narratives, but perhaps someone is weaving a tale a tad too tall for reality.

Like on Instagram, where everyone's life looks picture-perfect, on LinkedIn, everyone appears to be a champion in their field. But here's the twist: Not everyone is as successful as their LinkedIn profile suggests (as also noted by Chris Donnelly). It is akin to perusing your alumni magazine. Rarely will anyone openly admit their struggles or shortfalls, whether that's the job that fell through, the business venture that collapsed, or the promotion that slipped away. Much like social media, LinkedIn profiles often showcase the highlight reel of one's career, not the bloopers.

Some genuine experts live up to their titles in this sea of buzzwords. Take Scott Gilbert and his team at Penn State Health or Sydney Kurtz at CAI Technologies. Their contributions and insights on LinkedIn provide authentic value, underscoring the platform's potential and building their respective brands.? If you are good at your job, people notice. They don’t need buzzwords.

LinkedIn is undeniably a game changer. The LinkedIn Learning platform has revolutionized the e-learning sphere, setting benchmarks for online courses. With its global reach, the job search feature has upended traditional job boards, making them seem archaic in comparison. From cutting-edge tech insights to seasoned career advice, the platform provides an exhaustive repository of professional knowledge.

For those considering a new job or a career transition, viewing LinkedIn with a discerning eye is essential. While the terminology and self-descriptions might often remind one of the hyperbolic dating profiles or overly rosy alumni updates, separating the wheat from the chaff is crucial. Remember Chris Donnelly's words and approach each profile with curiosity and skepticism.

While "strategist" is a term I am familiar with, I take pride in being a "tactician." It's exhilarating, hands-on, and about getting things done. In the world of strategy and big ideas, the value of execution cannot be overstated. And that's my two cents on LinkedIn – while strategic thinking is vital, the world needs more doers, more executors—those, like me, who revel in turning grand strategies into tangible actions. And yes, while we're at it, let's admit that life, including our ever-evolving careers and occasionally exasperating offspring, can sometimes drive us nuts.

So, the next time you're on LinkedIn, go beyond the buzzwords. Seek authenticity, engage genuinely, and remember that behind every 'Strategist' might be a 'Tactician' waiting to be acknowledged. And if all else fails, I might try one of the online buzzword generators – it's like slapping on a fancy filter on a dating app selfie, so I keep up with the LinkedIn Joneses. Bonnie Timms Hagemann Elizabeth Schenk Chris Donnelly