If you’re applying for jobs and want to help recruiters avoid an awkward moment as they struggle to pronounce your name, a new LinkedIn feature can help.
It just takes a minute to record the proper pronunciation of your name and add the audio clip to the networking and job-search platform. Here’s how to do potential recruiters a solid — and how to have a little (possibly ill-advised) fun if you dare.
After testing the new name-pronunciation feature with a subset of users, LinkedIn is rolling it out to everyone now. It’s easy, but it requires an iPhone, iPad or Android device. You simply can’t do it from the LinkedIn desktop site yet.
How to add your name pronunciation to LinkedIn on iOS
- Download the LinkedIn app if you haven’t already. Obviously you’ll need to set up a LinkedIn account, or log in to your existing one, before you can get started.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper left corner. Then tap View Profile.
- Tap the edit icon (it looks like a pencil).
- Tap Record name pronunciation. (If you’ve never granted the LinkedIn app access to your device’s microphone, iOS will ask if you want to. Tap OK to do so.)
- Tap and hold the record button, then pronounce your name clearly. Note: The recording must be at least one second long, but no longer than 10 seconds.
- Give it a listen to see how it sounds. Tap the big blue play button to listen to your recording.
- If you like what you hear, tap Apply.
- If you muffed the recording, tap Retake to give it another shot.
- Once you’re satisfied with your recording, tap Save.
After you go through this quick setup, the LinkedIn app will display a small speaker icon next to your name. (It shows up on the LinkedIn website as well.) Tapping the speaker icon will play your recording.
Note: Android users can find step-by-step instructions to add name pronunciation to LinkedIn here: Record and Display Your Name Pronunciation on Your Profile.
You really shouldn’t but …
Remember how I said the recordings can last up to 10 seconds? If you really want to make an impression, you could take this opportunity to get creative.
Assuming your name doesn’t actually take the full 10 seconds to pronounce, you could augment your recording to stand out from the crowd of job seekers. Sound effects … a breakneck career highlights reel … channeling the late Robin Williams with a hearty “good morning, LinkedIn” … the sky’s the limit (as long as your recording comes in at 10 seconds or less).
If nothing else, adding a creative clip could provide a crucial icebreaker to take the edge off that high-pressure interview for your dream job.
Via: The Verge
