5 Mistakes you’re making on your LinkedIn Profile
Maybe you use it to find a new job. Or search for potential
hires. Or to simply connect with colleagues on a professional level. Whatever
your reason, we can all agree that LinkedIn is a helpful tool—but only when
used correctly. Here are five mistakes to avoid.
1. You click on
everyone’s profile. It’s one of the only social media platforms
(besides Snapchat) that alerts users to who’s viewed their profile.
So you may want to think twice about clicking on the page of that awful
employee who got fired a few months back. Or you can change your settings by
going to the “Privacy” tab, selecting “Profile Viewing Options” and opting for
“Private Mode.”
2. Your profile
picture is blurry or casual. This is a résumé, people. You wouldn’t
bring a picture of yourself in a sombrero from your cousin’s bachelorette to an
interview, so don’t select it as your lead photo. Ask a friend or co-worker
to snap a picture in front of an uncluttered background with some good lighting
when you're already done-up and use that instead.
3. You “connect” with
everyone who adds you. Just because Dr. So-and-So requested you on
LinkedIn doesn’t mean you should accept. Just like with any social network,
there are fakes, phonies and scammers. Our rule of thumb? If you don’t know the
person, don’t add them. They can always reach out to you via messages even if
they aren’t a connection.
4. You don't
reciprocate endorsements. When a connection endorses you for a skill,
it's polite to return the favour on their profile under "Skills and
Endorsements." The more endorsements, the more credibility you gain for
your expertise.
5. You never post or
interact through the site. We’re not saying you have to, but
it definitely can only help as long as you’re keeping it work-related. When
prospective employers (or employees) see that you posted a relevant article you
found intriguing, for example, they’ll recognize your enthusiasm and passion
for your craft, and it’ll set you apart from others.
Nope, LinkedIn is not like a second Facebook, so don’t treat
it like one!
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