5 LinkedIn Mistakes You Are Probably Making

LinkedIn has grown to be an invaluable tool in job searches and in harnessing professional connections.

Today’s employers use LinkedIn to headhunt for candidates during the recruitment process. Having your LinkedIn profile updated will always give you an advantage over other candidates.

When your LinkedIn profile is your silent job hunt avenue, it needs to make a positive impact on prospective employers and/or recruiters. You will need to steer clear of these mistakes that many candidates are making.

Here are 5 LinkedIn Mistakes You are Probably Making

1. Unprofessional profile photo
Before someone gets to read your entire profile, your profile photo is what they get to see first and will even go start judging you from what they see. Ensure that your photo paints you in a good light as the professional you are.

Save the dog ears and rabbit nose filters for Facebook. Your professional image is worth so much more.

2. Not updating your profile
You have been in the same position for the longest time and you are wondering what you should update? Whatever the case, don’t neglect that profile.

Publish any professional trainings you have attended, articles you have read that speak to your industry or even reports in your industry that you find interesting. Don’t let your profile become dormant.

Show that you are up-to-date with your industry happenings and developments. This goes a long way in setting you apart from other candidates.

Related Article>>> 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Using LinkedIn for Jobs

3. Too many irrelevant connections and joining wrong groups
LinkedIn is not Facebook where quantity surpasses quality. Instead, the quality of your connections is what matters more than quantity. Groups on the LinkedIn forum are vital as you get to interact with people in the same industry as you, as well as share insights.

Don’t just join a group for the sake of being in one. Get to know the value you will derive and the value you will offer. Only targeted connections and groups will help you get recent industry information and become the effective tool for achieving your career goals.

4. Using generic connection requests
Have you have been sending connection requests but the conversation is a non-starter? Your connection request message is not customized and you always use the LinkedIn generic message?

Take time to draft a professional message that speaks to what you have in common with the person. That is the only way you will elicit interest from the connection.

Highly Recommended>>> Understanding The Hidden Job Market

5. Not engaging with your network
You have connected with people, joined groups, but have stopped at that. You don’t take the time to interact with your connections to share a thought every now and then. If this is you, don’t wonder why LinkedIn is not working for you.

Maximize the notifications that inform you on what is going on among your networks. Congratulate someone on a work anniversary, a promotion, or even a new job to lay some groundwork for future engagements.

See Also>>> Job Application Checklist: Where Are You Going Wrong?

Bonus Tip: Don’t shy away from asking for recommendations on your skills and experiences, be it from your past or present employers or colleagues. Get those endorsements.

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice.  Email: Elizabeth@corporatestaffing.co.ke 

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