Daily Archives: October 7, 2014

5 Linkedin Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making

Posted: October 7, 2014 at 3:12 pm

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One of the best social media sites for professionals is Linkedin. Here you can provide information about who you are and what you’re capable of doing in order to network with others and find new opportunities. Take time to review what you post carefully because often even professionals have weaknesses in their online persona. Here are five Linkedin mistakes you may not realize you’re making.

Mistake #1: Incomplete Information

The main goal of setting up an online professional profile is so that others can get to know you and network with you. Linkedin makes it easy for you to do this. There are options to share a profile picture, your current and recent jobs, your interests, your skills, your education, and background. Depending on whether you use the free version or a paid subscription, there is a lot you can share about yourself to help others get to know you.

Leaving any of this information out is a mistake. How will others get to know you if you don’t share information with them?

Mistake #2: Inappropriate or Inaccurate Information

On the other hand, avoid the opposite pitfall: inappropriate or inaccurate information. Your profile picture should look friendly, but professional. Avoid the classic blunder of sharing that picture of you partying with your friends. Be honest about your jobs and job titles as well as your interests, skills, and the other information you share.

It’s easy for a potential employer to search your name and affiliations. Don’t make the mistake of losing out on an opportunity because you weren’t honest with your information.

Mistake #3: Stagnant Presence

Prospective employers and others looking to network want Linkedin connections that are active and dynamic. Why connect with someone who rarely signs into the site? You also need to give to receive. Therefore, try to do something each day with your account to show that you are that active, dynamic individual. Endorse others for a skill. Post recommendations. Share articles. Congratulate others on anniversaries and other career milestones. Participate in groups or even lead one. Keep all information about you current.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is becoming stagnant in Linkedin. Taking action with your account daily will keep you high on the list of people others want to get to know.

Mistake #4: Aggressive Presence

However, don’t make the mistake of going overboard with your online presence. Avoid connecting with anyone and everyone Linkedin suggests for you. Don’t randomly endorse others for skills they may not have. Refrain from pestering others into giving you endorsements, recommendations, or other accolades, especially if you do not know them or they are not aware of your abilities. Be careful not to relentlessly post and share articles in rapid fire succession.

Having an aggressive presence in Linkedin is a bit like being the obnoxious drunk at an office party. The best you can hope for is a few laughs. It’s better not to make this mistake at all.

Mistake #5: Lack of Personalization

The old adage, “to have friends, be friendly” is especially important online. The black and white print can quickly make a site like Linkedin feel impersonal and isolating. Therefore, be friendly. Smile in your profile picture. Share a couple of appropriate personal interests. Send a personalized message to your contacts. Few people want to network or hire a robot, so be sure to share a bit about yourself appropriately as you would if you worked in an office with others. Don’t make the mistake of being a two-dimensional figure.

Overall, these five common Linkedin mistakes can be avoided simply by being appropriately engaged in the site on a daily basis.