Cringeworthy LinkedIn Profiles

Is it just me or is it cringeworthy when someone lists experiences such as "Pizza Hut Delivery Guy" on their LinkedIn profile? Or how about that person that has 6 languages on their profile 4 of them being listed down as "Elementary Proficiency". Or those profiles that have hundreds of skills listed on them even though the person is some freshman undergrad.

People should be focusing on the quality of their profiles, not on the quantity of useless experiences/skills. Also, to all of you "Incoming Summer Analysts", seriously just drop that title.

 

Is it just me or is it cringeworthy when someone whose experience is way less impressive than they think makes fun of people for working at places like "Pizza Hut Delivery Guy" on their LinkedIn profile? Or how about that person that has 6 languages on their profile 4 of them being listed down as "Elementary Proficiency". Or those profiles that have hundreds of skills listed on them even though the person is some freshman undergrad who is just young and might not know any better.

People should be focusing on the quality of their profiles, not on the quantity of useless experiences/skills. Also, to all of you "Incoming Summer Analysts", seriously just drop that title because I'm really insecure and have nothing better to do.

 
Controversial
m_1:
Also, to all of you "Incoming Summer Analysts", seriously just drop that title because I'm really insecure and have nothing better to do.

Why does every boomer on this website keep complaing about this. For God's sake, you have to do it because how of how accelerated recruiting now is.

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Not a boomer, but I find it off-putting. I would rather not see that you're an "incoming whatever" because things can change prior to starting. It's a red flag and would keep me on guard as to why. This way if someone sees that you were going to start at X, but end up at firm Y, it opens up a whole line of questions as to what happened that people may not want to answer. Personally, if I saw that on a LinkedIn profile and then had the same candidate interview with me for position at my firm, I would keep pressing until I got an answer I was satisfied with.

 

Oh no! God forbid you dont respond to someone messaging you on LinkedIn!

Also feel like the type of person to put that isnt getting actively messaged by other recruiters, especially as at the time of you have an offer and become “incoming”, anywhere that would reach out has filled their openings.

 

Agree, everyone is doing the best they can. Let the kids be proud of their achievements, they have worked hard to obtain their positions and there's no reason to rain on their parade. I'm not in the business of checking our analysts' LinkedIns, but if I saw an incoming analyst list himself as an incoming analyst on LinkedIn, I'd be happy that he has a sense of pride about coming to work with us. All you young guys need to lighten up on each other and get some sleep, stop being grumpy and talking down to the youngins. It doesn't make you seem anymore competent or accomplished.

 

I find it far more impressive when someone lists their "lesser" jobs on a CV, rather than inflating some bullshit extracurricular activities.

So you played lax during college, or coasted through the board of some minor student club? Who gives a shit. The students that are doing back-breaking work for some extra money are the real heroes IMO (Not saying that those are mutually exclusive, though). Far too many soft college kids that have never done an honest day's work.

The most character building job experience I've ever had, were the 16 to 20 hour shifts of hard manual labor at the docks. Makes a 100 hour week at the office feel like regular 9-5.

 
tackytech:
So you played lax during college, or coasted through the board of some minor student club? Who gives a shit. The students that are doing back-breaking work for some extra money are the real heroes IMO (Not saying that those are mutually exclusive, though). Far too many soft college kids that have never done an honest day of work.

Yeah but it's Wall Street. There's no pride in any of that unfortunately. All of those guys come from Elite backgrounds.

Array
 

I disagree, I love a blue-collar work ethic. All of these "elite" kids are entitled and think they know everything. Give me a guy that knows he overachieved by getting a job in high-finance and I guarantee you he'll do anything to prove his worth.

 

Disagree - best example is Patrick Healy, Co-CEO (and soon sole CEO) of Hellman & Friedman (copied from H&F website). What makes him a BSD is the last line in that CV.

Patrick is Co-Chief Executive Officer of Hellman & Friedman. He is a member of the Investment Committee, Chairman of the Compensation Committee and leads the Firm’s London office and European activities. Patrick joined H&F in 1994. He is currently a Director of [PortCos]. His previous investment activities included [shit ton of deals]. Prior to H&F, Patrick was employed by James D. Wolfensohn Incorporated in New York and Consolidated Press Holdings in Australia. Patrick started his career stocking paint and sundries at Schoening’s Paint and Wallpaper in Rockford, IL

 

Not going to lie I do miss those days. Though my time was building foundations of houses. Like $8 an hour. But I had like 6 weeks to work and was studying abroad in the fall so every dime I could make had some value.

Actually got fired briefly from that job. Bossman was sitting in his truck. I got a little lazy...and by lazy I mean it was a 100 degrees out and was getting light headed.

Next day he apologized. Checked out the weather report.

And for what it’s worth. Construction worker jacked is fairly sick. 6 weeks of lifting cement block 8 hours a day beats a gym workout any day. Wouldn’t mind retiring to a bit of manual labor. Something feels great about building something during the day and feeling physically sore after a hard days work.

 
traderlife:
Not going to lie I do miss those days. Though my time was building foundations of houses. Like $8 an hour. But I had like 6 weeks to work and was studying abroad in the fall so every dime I could make had some value.

Actually got fired briefly from that job. Bossman was sitting in his truck. I got a little lazy...and by lazy I mean it was a 100 degrees out and was getting light headed.

Next day he apologized. Checked out the weather report.

And for what it’s worth. Construction worker jacked is fairly sick. 6 weeks of lifting cement block 8 hours a day beats a gym workout any day. Wouldn’t mind retiring to a bit of manual labor. Something feels great about building something during the day and feeling physically sore after a hard days work.

I worked landscape construction digging out huge 150-200 year old clay/brick cisterns in an area where they were common and pouring contrete footings for walls and decks. One of the best summers of my life.

 

I did homebuilding at a small local group throughout college as well, it was hard work in a Florida summer and a year in I jumped at the offer to move to the office to do finance work for em and and just do part time superintendent work. Can't say I miss it too much haha

 

I couldn't agree more. I spent a lot of time in high school and college working jobs in railroad construction and maintenance/grounds at a school. Getting paid after a week of helping lift 600 pound rails off the bed of a truck or getting chopped up by weed whacking shrapnel was an incredible feeling. I still get breakfast with the guys at the diner on weekends and it makes me emotional when they tell me how proud they are that I made it through college and have a solid job.

Dayman?
 

What happened? Cut from your schools club lax team?! Why the shade?

Playing college sports requires far more time and effort as well as physical and mental endurance than two shifts at Dominos for 3 hours each.

 
Yankee Doodle:
Fuck off - my first job on LinkedIn is the retail job I had in high school. I'm proud of it.

You should definitely be proud of your first job, I get that. I think the problem I have with the retail jobs is, I have to ask, is it relevant to your professional ambitions? If it is, then of course include it. If not, should it be there? LinkedIn is about connecting with people professionally for your career. If it doesn't pertain to that, it shouldn't be on LinkedIn. That goes for stupid posts about your personal life too.

 

To some extent, its like listing hobbies. It is always an interesting time filler in an interview to ask about other past work experiences and what they learned. You never know if the guy sitting across the table was also a pizza delivery guy too...

 
iBankedUp:

You should definitely be proud of your first job, I get that. I think the problem I have with the retail jobs is, I have to ask, is it relevant to your professional ambitions? If it is, then of course include it. If not, should it be there? LinkedIn is about connecting with people professionally for your career. If it doesn't pertain to that, it shouldn't be on LinkedIn. That goes for stupid posts about your personal life too.

Kind of depends, right? If you're coming out of college and interviewing for a job, that might be some of your only work experience.

Plus, if I'm sitting across the table interviewing someone, it's nice to know they're willing to do a "shitty" job without complaint and put in the effort. Being a junior person anywhere means doing a ton of shit work, and if you've spent your high school nights getting awful tips from terrible people ordering take-out pizza, you are probably not the person most likely to complain about a late night at the office, or some menial task you've been assigned.

 

I live in a continental European country and nothing bothers me more than when kids who spent a year on exchange in the UK or something put native/bilingual English proficiency on their profile.

 
WChurchill:
To an analyst, "incoming analyst" is probably cringeworthy, to some, it is cringeworthy to even have Linkedin.

Why? Reggie has a LinkedIn. If it's good enough for "Mr. ETF" it's good enough for me.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-m-browne-08617b https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariweinberg/2012/10/03/the-godfather-of-et… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-02-27/cantor-s-browne-wiel…

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

My first Job on my LinkedIn is my summer job in high school where I worked night shift assembling parts in a factory.

Is it meaningful for my current job? No.

Does it make any difference for someone viewing my profile? No.

But I am way more proud about the fact that I started as an actual machine replacement, assembling shitty door handles every night at the age of 16, then of my oxbridge type of undergrad.

TLDR: Go fuck yourself

 

When someone has “enthusiast” in their title... like “AI enthusiast” or “Fintech enthusiast”. I guess it’s a way for people looking to get into those areas to catch people’s attention... but I think a more genuine thing would be to showcase interaction with local ecosystem via meet ups, volunteering, mentorship, etc.

Maybe it’s just me, but I also don’t like linkedin descriptions of yourself written in third person, especially with over exuberant adjectives.

 

"[Data Science / AI / Machine Learning / Tech Buzzword] enthusiast" translates to "I don't really have any formal degree in the field, but I would enjoy to work with it. After people heard stories about others getting paid $150k / year to make nice graphs in R / Python / etc., everyone and their sister wants to become a buzzword scientists, hopefully after a 3-month boot camp

Never mind the fact that the professionals usually have a Masters or Ph.D in their fields.

Bonus points if they also have "data evangelist", "machine learning ninja", etc.

 

Last night, I had a mentoring session with one of my client's kids. His family is involved in real estate development. The kid (age 23) just finished school and want to be a real estate developer without any prior experience. I spent an entire two hours walking him through all the steps that he needs to take to become a real estate developer. In the end, the conversation ended with, "Man, that was such a pain in the ass. All that work for so little money. I am the creative kind and not interested in dabbling into menial details. I want to make 10x over my initial investment without taking any risks or doing any real job. Can you help me find a project like that?" I think this sort of conversation is actually very normal. Most of my mentees who are in their early 20s are all like that. Perhaps it has to do with the age that they grow up in 1) instant gratification, 2) super connected via social media, and 3) the anxiety to become successful without actually doing any real work. I can understand where they are coming from, but every day, they never cease to amaze or surprise me.

 

Its less common but its funnier when they have "BA", "BBA", or "BS" after their name. Like getting your Bachelor Degree warrants a suffix.

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 

The whole site is cringy now with the Facebook-like feed. Every once in a while I make the mistake of reading comments to an article or post, and I think, wow, you work for a respectable company, and you're using your real name to write that?!

 
Scott Irish:
The whole site is cringy now with the Facebook-like feed. Every once in a while I make the mistake of reading comments to an article or post, and I think, wow, you work for a respectable company, and you're using your real name to write that?!

I’ve thought the exact same thing....you know other people can see your comments, right people???

 

I used to think negatively about the "incoming" title people had on LinkedIn until I saw TWO occasions where buy-side recruiters used that to poach kids who ended up reneging their bank. Unusual, yes but the reality is that personal branding becomes more important as competition intensifies.

To quote a great line: "The illusion has become real, and the more real it becomes, the more desperate they want it."

Created a 1-step skincare solution for men. Purchase + reviews appreciated: www.w34th.com
 
ferraripal:
That's a bold move by the kids. What kind of fat offer did the kids get to burn the bridge with their incoming banks?

What kind of fat offer? The chance to go straight from school to buy-side. It's a lot nicer when the other guy picks up those $600 15 martini tabs.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

I agree the crummy teen job is cringeworthy because it's likely not authentic, they're only listing it to project some sort of faux humbleness. Asian Tiger Parents have been making their Tiger Cub kids get crummy part-time jobs for the last 10 years because they know it's a 'hook' with elite college admissions. And obviously it at times plays well in IB recruiting, MBA and law school admissions.

 

Putting a lot of (the right kind of) detail on your LinkedIn profile actually significantly increases your chances of finding and getting the job you want, and connecting with the kind of people you want to connect to.

Those familiar with e-commerce and online businesses/marketing will know the concept of SEO and how this helps you get better online traffic. Basically having the right key words etc in your website helps search sites find you and direct people to you.

Same thing with LinkedIn, you'll get good job suggestions, and relevant recruiters (who will search for key terms) getting in touch with you with job vacancies.

My current CorpDev role, it was never advertised. A recruiter sent an InMail to me on LinkedIn, and the rest as they say is history (actually there was a nice story - for another time).

 

One of my jobs as a grad assistant is to check on past graduates and see what they’re up to now. I’ve seen plenty of awful profiles, but one guy’s was pretty inspiring. Graduated from college with a worthless degree and played ball in the minor leagues for several years. Left and worked as a dock unloader at Walmart while doing a masters in accounting. Today he’s gotten several promotions at one of the big 4.

 

Sadly that is way too common in the veteran community. I don't know how the administrators at AMU (American Military University) sleep at night.

"That was basically college for me, just ya know, fuckin' tourin' with Widespread Panic over the USA."
 

My parents are immigrants who started a poultry farm from nothing. I grew up on and ran this farm before I moved into the city (did this for 15+ years). Is it on my Linkedin - hell yes.

The only cringe worthy ones I see are those who really stretch the truth, such as those profiles named "innovator" (when they've never invented shit. Heck, I've invented automated water dispensaries for my chickens but i didn't call myself an innovator.

 

I worked optical from 18-21 which paid for my college (sales, optician, lab tech - 3 different opticals). It was a good experience and it's on my LinkedIn profile. Then it's my 3 internships, my first job, and now my businesses and one I work with. Don't have all my high school jobs. I'm not trying to impress anyone with my shit though so think whatever you want.

My response, though, to the general tone of your post is "fuck you". Waking up every morning at 4:30am as a 16-year-old to be kneading bread by 6 to sell everything bagels to office fucks on their way to work builds character. Carrying golf clubs around all day in the sun as a 15-year-old does too. Making coffee, making ice cream, selling books, selling knives, washing dishes, serving dishes - I did all that shit and I'm glad I did. And if you can't see the value in that, then like I said, fuck you.

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

I agree. I worked part time in the grocery store last year while in university and every time some schmuck talked down to me I used it as motivation. I'm glad I've done it, it truly does build character....I haven't listed that job on my LinkedIn bio nor will I probably ever but I have brought up the learning experiences in interview.

Best of luck!

 

Pizza hut delivery or Mcdonald receptionist, are experiences that I see are a lot more useful than a regular office job that does nothing aside from photocopying and buying coffee. In fact, a receptionist who can handle the level of intensity at peak hours is someone who I can have confidence in working as a sales team in capital markets.

At least this is what I would say if the HR gave me a bunch of list of resume to look over.

 

Incoming MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School.... Congrats if you were accepted but remember that an MBA is just a means to an end, not the end itself...Many people seem to want to get an MBA to get external validation and feel they are part of a exclusive group. Congrats, you are smart or have above average intelligence but don't be annoying.

 

Isn't getting external validation and praise via money/fame the reason any insecure overachiever does anything notable? Based on my experiences with people like this it seems to be the number one driving force behind all of these dick measuring prestige contests.

 

The worse that I have seen, was an undergrad with no relevant experience who labeled herself as the missing piece for you to become a billionaire and ranted off about how her skills will make your company rich. Glad she believes in herself, but it was so cringey to read and I still cant believe that she put that on her linkedIn.

 

Nothing cringy about job experience you deem to be inferior.. How elitist to knock a guy for delivering pies..

I find the most cringy posts are those trying to glorify said experience, like putting "investment banking" as a skill under a job in retail banking.. Or ANY word salad behind your name.. Joe Smith, CFA, CHRP, BA.... LOOKS RIDICULOUS GUYS

 
teaktable:
CFA is an actual suffix though

MD for doctors is also an actual suffix, JD for lawyers, and iirc CPA is too?

Also PHD

CFA(R), JD (or Esq.), CPA, Ph.D. and M.D. are always reasonable. I'll also accept CFP for a FA, and certain other designations if they are relevant to a certain field (EA for a tax preparer for example)

I've seen some cringeworthy ones though, like listing four worthless designations after your name. The best was "XXXX X XXXX, QPFC, C(k)P, CRA" for an internal wholesaler in our retirement division who tried to link to me on linkedin. Whenever I see those sort of designations I think to myself that I should add "-BFD, HFS" to mine. I especially like people who list an MBA after their name. While I have nothing against the designation, those that list it, especially if it is from second rate schools, are almost universally asswipes.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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Fuckin my way thru nyc one chick at a time
 

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