Nowadays, we’re all on social media. We’re on Facebook for our friends, we’re on Twitter because we have too much to say, and we have Instagram to keep a visual record of our social lives. Not to be forgotten is LinkedIn, the social media key to our careers. LinkedIn is fast becoming the world’s one stop shop for new talent and new business opportunities, so it’s more important than ever to steer clear of mistakes commonly made on social media.
1. Don’t post a bathroom selfie
…or any selfie at all for that matter. It may be a flattering angle, and your outfit might be well coordinated, but LinkedIn is a platform for building your brand as a professional. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t wear it to a job interview, don’t put it in your profile picture. This may be the first picture that your potential employer sees of you, and like any first impression it’s important. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend (or mother) to stage a photoshoot. Put on your best suit and smile!
2. Don’t treat LinkedIn like other social media pages
While it is acceptable practice to share photos from your weekend via your Facebook account, your colleagues don’t want to see them on their LinkedIn feed. Keep in mind that your audience is comprised of your colleagues, your clients, and your employees past and present – so try to limit LinkedIn activity to developments in your industry or workplace.
3. Don’t humour your inner keyboard warrior
In the past Insights has emphasised the importance of staying active in your LinkedIn network through participating in groups relevant to your industry. Regular participation means you will be in a position to find like-minded people in your field – people that could become valuable contacts. As such, when it comes to LinkedIn, the old rule applies: if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. Positivity and optimism makes you an attractive candidate and conversely, negativity may close doors that would otherwise be open to you.
4. Don’t be needy
It’s always good practice to follow up job applications with a phone call or email but the same doesn’t necessarily apply for LinkedIn. Connections are the aim of the game, but you aren’t winning any recommendations by targeting strangers from unrelated industries who have simply viewed your profile. If you don’t have enough in common to craft a personalised invitation to connect, you need not connect with them.
The same goes for posting in groups. There’s a difference between discussing your work and achievements and tooting your own horn.
5. Don’t leave people hanging
Once you’ve perfected your profile picture, demonstrated your professionalism, and created a stable and positive presence in your LinkedIn circles, the time will be right to connect. But that’s just the first step. If someone has decided to connect with you, it’s going to be worth your while to send them a personalised message. Who knows what may come of it?