Eight LinkedIn mistakes that make you look dumb

Social media sites can sometimes feel like you are in someone’s backyard, overhearing every personal detail of people’s lives; but there is one site that should never fall into that category: LinkedIn. LinkedIn is designed to be a place where employers can find and preview potential employees and employees can network with other professionals, preview employers, find jobs, and join groups of likeminded peers. Unfortunately, some people still do not know how to effectively use LinkedIn and end up jeopardizing their reputation and career.

Here are eight things you need to do to get the most from LinkedIn:

Include a picture. Why bother having a LinkedIn profile without your picture? If you are too lazy, busy or think it’s not important, then LinkedIn is not the social media platform for you. Your photo is part of your brand and a standard expectation if you plan to use LinkedIn.

Dump the suggestive pictures. This is not the place to post pictures with your bare chest, bulging muscles, plunging necklines or that great shot of your rear end with you looking over your shoulder. You are sending the wrong message to employers. Take a simple headshot by yourself and post it. Go easy on the make-up and no rabbit ears or photo bombs.

Use real credentials. The school of hard knocks should not be included as your university. Too many people use made-up university names in an attempt to be funny or look smart.

No one cares about your weekend. Your LinkedIn updates should be posting an article you wrote, reposting articles with some professional value, posting events geared towards professional development or your professional accomplishments. Facebook friends might care about your weekend plans, your health or your latest argument with co-workers, but no employer reviewing your profile will find this appealing. In fact, it’s a red flag to leave your profile and end all consideration for employment.

Not responding to messages. When you send a connection request and the person you are connecting to sends you a message, you need to answer.

It’s not a numbers game. You do not get prizes for having lots of LinkedIn connections. The point is to grow your network with people who can help each other. At the very least, you can learn from your contacts. Congratulate your contacts, comment on their updates, endorse them ONLY if you know they possess the skills. This is all about building professional long-term relationships

Please, no romantic gestures. Hold off on comments and private messages that are not business oriented. LinkedIn is not a place to pick up dates and flirt. Save that for the dating sites.

Happy Connecting!