Are YOU making these 7 career-breaking LinkedIn mistakes?
COVID-19 has made ‘working from home’ the new normal. So we’re naturally spending more time on social media to satisfy the need for human connection. We might read the news, watch tutorials to skill up, or just purr along with cat videos … here’s a cool one!???
Add to this the global wave of lay-offs, which has left many of us scrambling for new jobs, and it’s no wonder that?LinkedIn is reporting record-high traffic during the lockdown.?This platform has become a “pandemic sweet spot” to hang out on because it acts both as a professional interaction forum as well as a job-hunting portal.
That is why having a good online presence here is crucial for all of us. So here are seven rookie mistakes to avoid on LinkedIn – if you’re serious about getting noticed and hired in the industry!
The 7 LinkedIn Sins
1. No Custom URL
LinkedIn will assign you a generic URL when you create your profile, and it'll probably look messy like so:?linkedin/in/manikrege-49541323.
But thankfully, you can create a custom link that's easier to remember or share. This detail makes you look professional and feels much neater on your CV than pasting a long-winded web address. So here’s how to?claim your custom URL on LinkedIn:
Do try to keep it as simple as possible, just like you would keep your username on any other social networking website. The result should look something like this:?www.dhirubhai.net/in/manik-rege.
2. Tagline isn’t Keyworded
When recruiters search for new hires, LinkedIn sorts profiles according to your tagline/title (which appears below your name). So if you want to appear in more searches, you need to fill up this block with keywords that people look for.
Here are some taglines to avoid:
Instead, here are some keyword-friendly formats:
3. Irrelevant “About”
Your summary is the first section any recruiter will read. If it’s not attractive and unique enough, they might not even bother to see all the great experiences or degrees you’ve collected.
Unfortunately, many of the “About” sections I see are riddled with cliche and vague descriptions like:
Such descriptions are “me-oriented,” and carry no relevance or value for a stranger. Instead, your summary should answer these crucial questions to grab the recruiter’s attention and make them consider you as a strong candidate. You can try to divide it into 4 paragraphs, like so:
Remember, your job application is not simply about what you can do, it’s about what you can do?that a company really needs.?So you should focus on selling yourself as the solution to common problems. Ask yourself, “What difference can I make here?” And let that question guide your personal branding efforts.
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4. No engagement
Recruiters check your previous activity so make sure you are having productive and positive conversations with other users. A profile with little to no activity might come off as dead or fishy.
When you’re commenting on posts or sharing links/thoughts, try to avoid:
Instead, try to follow these community guidelines:
5. No recommends
Would you go see a movie that nobody has seen or reviewed? The chances are very low. Just as we prefer to check for public approval before buying the ticket, recruiters like to see testimonials from colleagues who can back you up.
So get 3 folks to root for you by endorsing skills and writing a quick recommendation. They can be your seniors, clients, or even classmates.
Remember, there’s no need to feel shy or ashamed when you’re asking for well-deserved appreciation. That being said, it’s helpful to give your referees a guideline on what to write.
Here’s a standard format of 4 paragraphs that you can share for their reference:
6. Generic DP & Cover
Since LinkedIn is a professional platform, your display picture must have an appropriate vibe. Headshots in formal attire are best but if you don’t have one on file, just ensure your face is clearly visible without unnecessary distractions. Give a bright friendly smile so that you come off as approachable and positive.
Conversely, try to stay away from:
Another image most of us overlook is the cover banner. The generic blue one shows a lack of effort and detail.
So get an HD banner that suits your industry and theme. Here are some cool websites to source a ready-made photo:
Or if you’re into icon-based graphics, you could just make?a custom?“1584 x 396 px” banner in?Canva (use this filter).
7. No Files
Having your official documents next to the relevant section makes the recruiter’s task much easier because they no longer have to chase you around. This will ultimately speed up your chances of getting called in for the interview.
So try to upload these files wherever possible:
In summary, here are some pointers for making sure your personal brand on LinkedIn is in top shape:
That ends today’s walk-through on polishing up LinkedIn profiles. Is there anything I missed? If you have more cool tips that might help others grow their digital presence, do share your thoughts in the comments!?Thank you so much for reading, and I wish you all the best.