What is LinkedIn’s New ‘Cover Story’ Video Feature?
On March 30, 2021, LinkedIn released information about their new ‘Cover Story’ feature through a blog post titled, “Bring Your Professional Story to Life on LinkedIn”.
LinkedIn developers have “re-imagined how you can bring your professional story to life on LinkedIn and are introducing tools to help you create a more expressive and inclusive Profile”.
They even provide a fancy video showcasing the new feature through three folks (Emory, Leanne and Stephanie) utilizing different features/reasons for being on LinkedIn. Emory is looking for a new job, Leanne wants to get more business leveraging her marketing expertise and Stephanie is looking to grow her following.
What is a Cover Story?
When someone clicks on your profile pic, you can choose to have a short video about yourself, your skills, what you are looking for and how you want to connect. This brings your professional story to life. The three examples given in the LinkedIn blog were more organic (i.e. filmed on a phone in front of a blank wall) versus an uber polished, edited video you’d find on a portfolio website. To me, I enjoyed this more laid back, natural approach of videoing as I felt these were real people, really.
How to use a Cover Story
For job seekers, it is a great way to introduce yourself to hiring managers by providing a peek at your personality and showcasing your communication skills. For many, the how to pronounce your name feature was our short term hack to being able to have a more expressive profile introduction until the cover story hit.
For freelancers, you can attract new clients by using a Cover Story to talk about your services. From web designers and coaches to virtual assistants, if you offer a service, a Cover Story is your sales pitch. It’s where you can humanize what you do with a why. Why are you the best marketer? Why are you the fastest assistance and how does that help your client’s succeed?
For employers, you can talk about what you do, how you do it and why it matters. Job seekers are thirsty for behind the scenes information about potential employers they can’t read on your website. If you are a recruiter, a Cover Story is a great way to talk more freely and openly about what kind of candidate you are really looking for. Think of what you would say at a career fair or hiring event about the company, the role and culture. Now say that in your Cover Story!
Should I Have a Cover Story?
Yes. The simple answer here is yes. The LinkedIn example/explainer video does a great job of clarifying how one might go about setting up their Cover Story focusing on the three big areas of LinkedIn engagement/use: job seeking, freelance sourcing and growing your network.
99% of people fall into one of these three categories at some point in their LinkedIn user journey. The other 1% haven’t checked LinkedIn since Freshman year of college after they completed the required build a profile assignment.
Remember, people hire people. People don’t hire resumes. The more personal and human centric you can make your LinkedIn profile, the more folks will take a genuine interest in getting to know you more. Whether that be for a job opportunity, opportunities for business collaboration or simple networking, it’s a win across the board to use every feature LinkedIn offers.
Related:
Why LinkedIn Isn’t Working For You: 4 Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now
5 Tips To Elevating Your LinkedIn Profile Headline To Get Noticed Fast
To Follow or Connect? Simple Tips to Navigating LinkedIn Networking
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
