LinkedIn is the professional networking site you need to be on. LinkedIn has evolved and grown considerably over time and is now a platform for all aspects of business. Not only can professionals share their digital story and career path, LinkedIn can also be used to share: news, publications, advertising, career resources, training courses, job portal, plus collaborate on knowledge and tools. Since LinkedIn has grown exponentially, before we connect, follow, comment or share; we look for what we have in common and if we share a similar outlook in business and life.
Here are a few best practices of What NOT to do on LinkedIn:
Unprofessional Photos:
You have to have a professional photo on LinkedIn, it is a MUST. Your photo is one of the first things that people see and it needs to be on a neutral backdrop professional attire. You do see some photos that are more industry specific, which may work for your niche as well. Don’t put your last party or vacation photos on there.
Forget to update your Name:
This may seem odd, but if you had a name change you need to ensure that LinkedIn is current. Recruiters always search on LinkedIn for information on potential candidates, so your name on your profile must match what shows on your resume or any application you would complete for work.
Neglect your Headline:
Your headline is prime real estate in your profile, it along with the 2 above are the items anyone searching see first about you. Do not list in there “actively seeking job” “unemployed looking for new opportunity”, etc. Instead it should have a mix of job titles you are searching on and some key skills.
Neglect your LinkedIn Profile:
Many think that when they are actively employed that they do not need to be on LinkedIn, since they are not looking. You should always keep LinkedIn current, especially with big achievements in your career.
For example if you; get published on a major publication, are on TV or radio, get a big award, write a book, are sharing a new course you designed, earn a major certification, etc. Keeping your profile current, keeps you current in your industry and field.
Connecting without personalizing:
LinkedIn continues to update your platform, so changes do happen to the interface on mobile and desktop often. General rule of thumb is not to send a connection request without a personal message in a note, so that the person knows why you think you should be connected or where you met at etc. The mobile defaults more to without including a note.
Be a serial Liker:
Don’t be a serial liker! This person pretty much likes anything comes across their network feed, without reviewing it for long. They live on social media and often press the thumbs up immediately after you’ve posted something.
Be a Wallflower:
Many individuals are hesitant when it comes to social media and especially if it may impact their careers. LinkedIn is a professional social network and an essential place that you should contribute to your industry, company, associations, or brand. Get engaged and involved by adding insight in groups, comment on other posts, endorse others for skills, give recommendations, give kudos and send messages to contacts you don’t work with as much as you used to.
If you use LinkedIn consistently and in the correct manner intended, it can help build your knowledge and image in your industry immensely. Use it well!!
Here are a few best practices of What NOT to do on LinkedIn:
Unprofessional Photos:
You have to have a professional photo on LinkedIn, it is a MUST. Your photo is one of the first things that people see and it needs to be on a neutral backdrop professional attire. You do see some photos that are more industry specific, which may work for your niche as well. Don’t put your last party or vacation photos on there.
Forget to update your Name:
This may seem odd, but if you had a name change you need to ensure that LinkedIn is current. Recruiters always search on LinkedIn for information on potential candidates, so your name on your profile must match what shows on your resume or any application you would complete for work.
Neglect your Headline:
Your headline is prime real estate in your profile, it along with the 2 above are the items anyone searching see first about you. Do not list in there “actively seeking job” “unemployed looking for new opportunity”, etc. Instead it should have a mix of job titles you are searching on and some key skills.
Neglect your LinkedIn Profile:
Many think that when they are actively employed that they do not need to be on LinkedIn, since they are not looking. You should always keep LinkedIn current, especially with big achievements in your career.
For example if you; get published on a major publication, are on TV or radio, get a big award, write a book, are sharing a new course you designed, earn a major certification, etc. Keeping your profile current, keeps you current in your industry and field.
Connecting without personalizing:
LinkedIn continues to update your platform, so changes do happen to the interface on mobile and desktop often. General rule of thumb is not to send a connection request without a personal message in a note, so that the person knows why you think you should be connected or where you met at etc. The mobile defaults more to without including a note.
Be a serial Liker:
Don’t be a serial liker! This person pretty much likes anything comes across their network feed, without reviewing it for long. They live on social media and often press the thumbs up immediately after you’ve posted something.
Be a Wallflower:
Many individuals are hesitant when it comes to social media and especially if it may impact their careers. LinkedIn is a professional social network and an essential place that you should contribute to your industry, company, associations, or brand. Get engaged and involved by adding insight in groups, comment on other posts, endorse others for skills, give recommendations, give kudos and send messages to contacts you don’t work with as much as you used to.
If you use LinkedIn consistently and in the correct manner intended, it can help build your knowledge and image in your industry immensely. Use it well!!