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Don’t judge a book by its cover. That is exactly the advice I would like to give to all visitors and potential employers! Every time they come across my LinkedIn Profile.

Those who regularly follow my columns under #AskATHC or #ATHCOriginal know that I often write reflective pieces on LinkedIn. However, professionally, I am a B2B and SaaS content specialist with experience across technology-focused sectors, including healthtech, edtech, IT, banking, and finance.

When you read my reflective posts or LinkedIn columns, you may wonder whether the person behind the words is the same in real life. That is where many people make a mistake.

In fact, if my writing captures your attention for a few minutes and makes you question whether the person who writes these pieces is the same individual behind them, I consider that a success. It means my writing has managed to leave a distinct impression on its readers.

On LinkedIn: The Writer and the Person Are Not Same

However, it is important to understand that the person I am and the thoughts I put on paper are not always the same thing. If you ever meet me in person, you may find me to be a quiet, reserved, and somewhat timid individual. Yet on LinkedIn, I rarely hesitate to express my thoughts openly.

For instance, in many job interviews I may come across as a nervous candidate, while in my LinkedIn columns about careers and employment I may appear far more confident.

That is why I would urge employers not to judge me solely based on my LinkedIn posts. The writer you see online and the professional you may work with are not necessarily identical in every respect.

If you truly wish to assess my abilities, I would encourage you to review my portfolio, speak with people I have worked with previously, or arrange a conversation with me. Whether in person or virtually, a direct interaction will always provide a more accurate picture than a collection of social media posts.

Why I Continue to Write On LinkedIn

At times, I have even considered deleting all of my LinkedIn posts—not because I believe they are wrong, but because they often involve speaking honestly and directly, without the pretence that sometimes characterises social media platforms.

To provide some context about who I am, writing has always been a part of my life. As a five-year-old child, the sight of the moon would fill me with excitement. The cool breeze, green banana leaves, and the smell of wet earth fascinated me. I loved talking about such things, and eventually I began writing about them as well.

Over time, books entered my life, and short stories became trusted companions that often kept me awake late into the night. As the saying goes, old habits die hard. Even today, I use LinkedIn as a platform to write about whatever first comes to mind.

My intention is neither to target anyone nor to vent frustration. Writing is simply my way of expressing myself—always within the boundaries of the law and with respect for others.

LinkedIn: Choosing Authenticity Not Pretence

At times, I feel the disappointment that comes with speaking plainly. I often notice that some of my posts receive limited engagement, even from people I know well. Yet I have also seen how many individuals gradually abandon authenticity in favour of appearances on social media. That is a path I do not wish to follow.

Whether my views are popular or not, I would rather remain genuine than pretend to be someone I am not.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, I do not expect everyone to agree with what I write. Nor do I write to maximise engagement, chase trends, or win popularity contests. I write because writing has always been a part of who I am. My LinkedIn posts are simply an extension of that lifelong habit.

If my words resonate with some people, I am grateful. If they spark disagreement, that is equally acceptable. All I ask is that readers and employers take the time to know the person behind the posts before forming conclusions. After all, a LinkedIn profile can showcase ideas, but it can never fully capture the person behind them.