If you have not joined the 58 Million (and growing)
professionals on LinkedIn, that is very bad. If you do happen to boast a
profile on this influential network, but are not consistently checking your
page, updating information, or are in fact guilty of committing a certain eight
faux pas (according to Forbes.com), then that is even worse.
While LinkedIn may not be—or sound—as glamorous as Facebook,
Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, or Instagram, it is distinguished from its sassy and wild brethren as a purely professional site for career networking. To do this
successfully, job hunters must understand the system and their roles within it.
To be more specific, they need to make their public profiles a beautiful,
functional, and unique sight to behold.
Checking your profile every once in a while, when the mood
strikes, is not going to cut it. In fact, it can be detrimental to your career!
If you have not accessed your account in two weeks, Versa Creative recommends
that you immediately log in and shake your profile free of those pesky virtual
cobwebs intent on ruining your chances of employment, or upward mobility.
While you’re at it—here are 8 things, according to www.Forbes.com, that you should avoid at all
costs. We have summarized the main points for your viewing pleasure:
1. The Mystery Photo – LinkedIn users who actually
have a professional looking photo are more likely to be viewed than those who
do not. No photo these days equals suspicious, especially to employers on the
hunt for attractive (and skilled!) team members.
2. The Inappropriate Photo – Even worse than no photo
at all is a profile pic that includes your 3-year old son, your pet parakeet
(although, he does look cute on your
shoulder), or the 30-year-old version of you. This last point is only a faux
pas if you are actually, say, 47, 53, or 61…You should never misrepresent
yourself, your age, or your appearance.
Just show the world your winning smile and a carefully crafted profile
that represents your invaluable skills and experiences.
3. Keeping News to Yourself – We recommend that you
update your status at least every few
days. What, you may ask, should I include in my status? Share a recent
promotion, a restaurant blog you contribute to, a huge account you just landed,
a new intern you just hired, or a training course you successfully completed. Stick
to professional accomplishments and progress (Forbes 1) and be sure to include
eye-catching photos.
4. Using General, Boring Connections – You can go crazy with connecting to everyone you
went to high school with, but is that really going to help your career in the
long run? We think not. When connecting, the point is to build valuable
professional relationships (Forbes 2). When you reach out to another
professional and ask them to “connect,” customize your message to them and they
will be impressed and more likely to accept.
5. Privacy Schmivacy – So, you’re connected to your
current boss on LinkedIn, but you’re desperately searching for a new gig.
Thanks to the world of LinkedIn Privacy Settings (which should never be
ignored!) you can scour the planet for new jobs without them ever knowing. To
adjust these, simply choose “Settings” from the top drop-down menu.
6. I Cannot Possibly Summarize Myself – Oh but you
can! The LinkedIn world is ruthless and competitive. It’s up to you to optimize
your public profile in a way that will give you that edge you need to seal the
deal. The summary section of the LinkedIn profile affords you with the perfect
opportunity to do just that.
7. There is NO Past; Only the Future – While this is
a romantic notion, you need to make your LinkedIn profile as robust and
comprehensive as possible. That means including the titles and related
responsibilities of your last four to five positions—at the very least.
Prospective employers want to see your experience and diverse skills. If this
so happens to include your time flipping burgers at Whataburger, then so be it.
8. I am Not Obsessive or Sneaky – “Profile stalking”
may be frowned upon (but often done) in the Facebook world, but it is a must
when it comes to LinkedIn. Beyond joining groups related to your area of expertise
or personal interests, make your presence known to companies you are genuinely
interested in. If they see you consistently engaging with their updates and
checking in, they will notice. We know this because we are watch-dogs of our
own LinkedIn company profile. The bottom line: don’t be afraid to be a little
obsessed.
Source:
Kane, Libby. “8 Mistakes You Should Never Make on LinkedIn.”
Forbes. 4 Mar. 2013: 1-3. Forbes.com
LLC. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.