Like any social network, having a LinkedIn profile means that you are putting yourself out there for the world to see. Especially because a person's professional reputation can be very sensitive and have far-reaching repercussions, be very very careful about what you say online.
And here are some pointers about what to watch out for while using LinkedIn
- Don't use LinkedIn like Facebook. LinkedIn is an entirely professional social network. Where Facebook lets you be in touch with family and friends, LinkedIn connects you with your colleagues and business associates. The netiquette for LinkedIn is entirely different. So do watch out.
- Don't display the wrong kind of photograph: Whenever you are working with LinkedIn, remember, Professional, Professional, Professional. That means that if you are putting up a photograph of yours, it has to be a no-nonsense photograph of your face. It helps if your features are clear in the snap– it can help people who've met you only once, or a long time ago, place you immediately.
- Don't collect connections indiscriminately. There are users who go around sending connection requests to people they've never met, or have no connection with. This is absolutely unpardonable. Similarly, don't accept connections that you don't recognize.
- Don't send connection requests without an introduction. In a professional scenario, there are chances that the other person doesn't really remember you immediately, and might need a bit of a memory jog. So always include a personal message introducing yourself, giving a reference as to where you've met or how you know each other.
- Don't send unsuitable recommendation requests – Don't ask for recommendations when the other person hardly knows you, or you haven't worked together, and especially if your work hasn't been exactly stellar. It can put your contact in an uncomfortable place. Also don't sound like you are grovelling for a recommendation. It can create an unpleasant impression.
- In the same way, don't write recommendations for people you don't know too well. Refuse politely but firmly. Also, if it turns out that you have written a glowing recommendation for a sloppy worker, just to be nice, it won't reflect well on you.
- This is not a forum for airing your thoughts. In the section "What are you working on now?" include a small relevant sentence or two, and update it perhaps a couple of times in a week or ten days. Don't keep updating your status multiple times a day. There is already information overload in the virtual world, and people might not take too kindly to constant bombardment from you.
- Do not join just any group for the sake of increasing the number. Join only relevant groups, only those that have a direct connection to your career or to your field of interest.
- Lay low on the self-aggrandizement on your profile. Even if you are a terrific worker, and you know it, keep your tone moderate. Let your worth be shown by your recommendations!
- Don't lie on your profile. The same rules apply as of the resume.
- Check, double-check your language for grammar and spelling errors.
- Don't copy-paste your profile from your resume, or from some other profile.
- Tempting as it might be, don't use LinkedIn for making friends or for dating. Use Facebook for that.
- If you have created a group, be sure to moderate it regularly, and be active on it. If you let yourself go slack, it won't show you in the best light.
- Not updating your profile regularly is as bad as maintaining a sloppy profile.
Please add your own tips in the comments section!
So there you are, everything that you need to know about using LinkedIn effectively - how to maintain a good profile and how to use LinkedIn for your job search, and what to watch out for!
LinkedIn is a great tool for enhancing your professional life, so use it wisely and well.
LinkedIn is a great tool for enhancing your professional life, so use it wisely and well.
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