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LINKEDIN DOS AND DON’TS

by Abby Phillips

If you ask my husband what my favorite social media platform is, he will most likely tell you it is LinkedIn. And since we are being honest, he is not wrong.

I like to think of LinkedIn as the “professional Facebook” because I am constantly scrolling and connecting with people in my industry.

I love building connections, learning new things, and finding jobs on the free social media platform.

In fact, I find myself serving as somewhat of a LinkedIn ambassador, if you cannot already tell.

But despite how much I love LinkedIn, it shocks me knowing how many young and seasoned professionals are not using it at all, or at least not using it to their full advantage.

Yes, I know.

I know they are missing out on free connections, unlimited content, and potential jobs.

I know they are intimidated and unsure how to use the platform.

I know.

But, fear not, for I am here to share with all you novice LinkedIn users the Dos and Don’ts of LinkedIn.

DOS:

  1. Post content. This is a networking site, after all. Share updates with your network about your promotion at work, college graduation, most recent certifications, the first day on the job, your professional portfolio, projects you are proud of, company awards, job openings, or anything else you would like to share with your professional network. 
  1. Update your profile. Your profile is the first thing your connections and future employers will see– make sure it looks good! Choose a professional profile photo and attractive banner to personalize your profile. Create a relevant and enticing tagline to draw people to your page. Add value to your profile by writing an exciting and relevant “About” section that explains your professional background, goals, and experience. 
  1. Share relevant documents with your network. Include your resume, work examples, and website with your connections to increase your personal brand visibility. Take it a step further by featuring these documents on your profile. 
  1. Find jobs/companies that pique your interest and connect with people who work there. I will argue that LinkedIn has better job postings than any other website I have been on. Visit the “jobs” tab to see the current job postings in your desired search. 
  1. Respond to your messages. Don’t miss out on an awesome opportunity by not responding to a message on LinkedIn. Respond promptly to every message, whether you are interested or not. 

DON’TS:

  1. Do not at any time ever confuse this professional platform with that of a dating site, or anything suggesting otherwise. This is not the platform for finding any connection other than a professional one. 
  1. Do not be afraid to connect with a stranger! The goal of this platform is to help create connections and grow professionally. This would be impossible if you decline every connection from someone you do not know. 
  1. Do not send irrelevant and unrelated messages to your connections (or anyone!) Always keep in mind LinkedIn etiquette and maintain professionalism at all times. 
  1. Don’t be shy-– ask previous employers, coworkers, and clients for recommendations and endorsements to highlight on your profile. 
  1. Don’t post too often or too infrequently. Maintain engagement with your connections, but be sure not to overload them with irrelevant content. Give your connections valuable information they want to read!

We know that networking is absolutely necessary to escalate your career to the next point. LinkedIn serves as an invaluable asset to professionals if used correctly.

Now, log on to your LinkedIn and start connecting. You can start with me! 🙂 

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