11 Things to Avoid on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social site — the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Both job seekers and the gainfully employed need to get in the habit of using LinkedIn on a regular basis to make connections and master its offerings. Yet using the site incorrectly could generate lack-lustre results.
11 things to avoid on LinkedIn include:
1. Don’t dismiss LinkedIn as ‘Something Only for People Who Are Looking For a New Job’.
The best time to build your LinkedIn profile, connect with people, and participate on LinkedIn is before you need it. If you find yourself suddenly unemployed and decide that now is the time to start using LinkedIn, you’re going to be playing catch up. Instead, take the time to “dig your well before you’re thirsty,” as author Harvey Mackay says.
2. Don’t “Set it and Forget It.”
Your LinkedIn profile is an evolving snapshot of you. Update it regularly with new connections, status updates, and activity (within LinkedIn Groups in particular). Keep your profile professionally polished and current. If you get a new job, earn a new certificate, or secure a special award – add it to your profile.
3. Don’t Ignore It.
Check in on LinkedIn regularly – at least every other day if you are in active job search mode and at least once a week for passive jobseekers. Plan on adding one new status update each time you log in.
4. Don’t Be A Wallflower.
LinkedIn is most effective when you engage with it. Seek out opportunities to connect with thought leaders in your industry. Join 3 to 5 Groups and participate in conversations. Respond to, or ask, questions. Curate and share content well-aligned with your expertise.
5. Don’t Be Selfish.
You will get more out of LinkedIn if you focus on how you can help others, not how they can help you. Earn the respect of your peers and people of influence if you help others, encourage others, or offer your expertise.
6. Don’t Wait For Others To Find You.
Use the search function to look for people you know and invite them to connect with you. Reach out to people of interest, people you’ve worked with in the past, or people you admire. Create a custom invitation to improve the connection request.
7. Don’t Forget to Explore the People Your Connections Know.
One of the most powerful functions of LinkedIn is the ability to connect you with people who are connections of the people you know. Explore your 2nd and 3rd degree connections and reach out if reasoning allows.
8. Don’t Indiscriminately Try to Connect With People.
One of the strengths of LinkedIn is the connections you make, but it’s not a race to get to a certain number of connections. Have a reason for each of the people you connect with — either it’s someone you already know, or someone it would be beneficial to connect with. If you don’t know someone, get to know them a bit before sending a personalized connection request. (You can do so by seeing who you have in common — or who they are connected to, checking out their LinkedIn summary and work history, visiting their website or blog, and seeing what Groups they belong to).
9. Don’t Forget to Check Out The Newsfeed.
On your homepage is a roundup of stories that LinkedIn thinks may interest you. Check out daily headlines and posts to stay abreast of important information in your industry. Share and comment on posts of interest to increase engagement.
10. Don’t Forget to Give Recommendations.
Acknowledge and recognize the contributions of people you know by providing unsolicited, genuine recommendations for them. Reach out and request recommendations of your own.
11. Finally – Don’t Restrict Your LinkedIn Networking to Online Only.
Use LinkedIn to connect with people but request in-person get-togethers, when possible. Meet for coffee, or lunch, to catch up. Need more tips on LinkedIn? – Let’s connect! Send me a personalized invite and I will gladly accept. I post daily articles and tips on the site and love to engage with job seekers.
