STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ONLINE NETWORKING
HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE ‘ABOUT ME’ PAGE
- What is an ‘about me’ page
An about me page is a short page or section within a webpage that gives the reader a glimpse into that person’s or organisations background, achievements, and any personal or professionally related goals and objectives. For example, the ‘about us’ page is a common feature found on many business websites, and in the same way, an individual can do exactly the same thing on their own private webpage or social media account. Many professionals and industry experts have ‘about me’ pages profiling their backgrounds and work-related accomplishments. So for anyone who is serious about networking online, this is a great thing to have to showcase your skills and long term career aspirations
There are different ways in which you can write your ‘about me’ page to make it more appealing and enticing to your reader. One of the first things you should decide upon is whether you want to write this in a first person or third person style. While there are no set rules on what you should choose – there are perhaps a few guidelines and bits of advice that can be quite useful. To begin with, most accomplished professionals will normally choose to write this in a 3rd person style. That is because if you’ve got a long work history, or a lot of professionally related accomplishments, or even if you’re just a person who can think of a lot of things to add onto a personal synopsis, such as certificates, volunteer work, or other activities you’ve participated in related to the job field in question, then a 3rd person style is normally the better option. This involves the use of she achieved/ he achieved, he/she/they did, he/ she worked alongside, they worked alongside. In this way, it takes on more of an autobiographical tone which can come across as making you seem much more accomplished and professional. The other way you can write this is in a first-person style. First person style reads as; I achieved, I did, I worked alongside. The first person is much more biographical in tone, and is better used for someone with limited experience or accomplishments. This makes you sound more emotive, and less business-like, which can make you come across in a more personalised and relatable way to the reader
It is important you remember that whatever style you chose that you commit to it and keep the same style throughout
An about me page is more the size of a statement rather than an actual page. It should be less than a single sided sheet of A4 paper. Between 200-300 words is a good size
The tone of your about me page should be factual and to the point. Essentially you want it to read like a synopsis or a personal statement outline, so keep everything positive! Remember this should include past work history, personal and work related accomplishments, hobbies and interests, and a current employment outline
Your about me page should contain a picture as well, and for this you should use a professional headshot photo. (Shoulder length only)
You should also use the same profile picture across all of your online profiles. This helps you with establishing an online image ‘branding’
When you’ve finished with the content for your page, include links to all of your other relevant social media pages and webpages on it. Make sure you have set the privacy settings on these accordingly, and make sure your email address is also set on your ‘about me’ page as a hyperlink
Also add other links too! If you’ve mentioned specific projects you’ve worked on, or organisations you’ve been involved with, add links to them on your ‘about me’ page. Don’t be shy when adding links here! If you’ve mentioned an interest in philanthropy, or science, try to find a suitably interesting news article or blog that reflects your interest, and include a link to it. This will give recruiters a feel for the type of intellect you possess and the type of pursuits you enjoy, which builds up a great depth of character in the minds of those who read it.
The more links you include here the better!
Once you’ve done all this make sure to proof it read as well. Have a friend or family member do this for you too, that way you get a fresh perspective. To the discerning eye, one or two basic spelling or grammatical errors can turn a well written piece of work into an amateurish and unconvincing statement about who you are
Lastly, remember that your ‘about me’ page is a statement about who you are. It will give employers and recruiters a valuable insight into your character and your employability. Make sure you pay close attention to it and update your page along with any link attachments regularly