More and more hiring influencers are not only finding candidates on LinkedIn, but they also use the social media platform as part of their vetting process. Millions of people have joined, intending to establish their personal brand and network online. It’s an effective tool when used properly, but I see these 3 LinkedIn mistakes over and over again.
- Ghosting. If you’re invisible or only partially present, you are missing out. An astonishing number of clients and potential clients signed up with LinkedIn, filled out a small portion of their profile and then disappeared. If you haven’t completed or updated your profile in the last 6 months (or longer), that outdated or missing information is costing you. A full profile with a professional looking headshot and a current list of your skills, experience, and education is key to gaining not only more connections, but interest in you as a job candidate!
Incoherence. Don’t simply paste your resume into LinkedIn. From your headline right through to the bottom of your page, you want to tell a coherent, interesting story about who you are, what you do best, and what you want from your career. Everything should point toward your career goals, presenting you as a perfect fit for your dream job in your ideal organization! If you’re unsure where you want to steer your career, consider consulting an Executive Coach to help you distill what you love about your current job and your aspirations, to create a career map for yourself.
- Flat. Don’t just fill in your profile and stop. Write a few articles about your industry, solutions to common issues in your field, and what’s new in what you do. Add depth, show your ability to communicate effectively, and show off your expertise. You don’t have to become a part-time journalist, simply post something interesting and relevant to your career about once a month. It’s a great way to polish your personal brand AND to remind yourself to examine and update your LinkedIn information as your career evolves.
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