LinkedIn has 500 million users, and hosts 10 million job postings. It’s the largest professional networking site in the world. Not only is this platform an amazing resource for finding a job, it’s helpful when it comes to connecting with mentors, getting sales leads, doing industry-specific research, and reading insightful content on how to better yourself in business.
Did you know the majority of LinkedIn users are those with salaries above 70k? If you want to be noticed by recruiters, or get ahead at work, it’s not enough to just have a basic profile. It might seem intimidating to compete with the talent out there, so we covered the four biggest mistakes people are making on LinkedIn and how to avoid hindering your own online presence.
A Bad Picture
A picture is worth a thousand words. No, really. A prospective client or hiring manager can immediately judge your professionalism based on a poor photo choice. It’s not extremely necessary to have a business head shot; however, you definitely shouldn’t crop yourself from a group shot, and don’t even think about using a selfie.
Lacking Professional Tact
There is no place for personal and private information on your LinkedIn profile. There is also no place for typos or inconsistency in explanations and examples. Be diligent in how you present yourself. The last thing you want is a possible connection to get a bad impression of your abilities based on your life outside of work, or an oversight in editing.
Listing Job Duties
To be honest, no one cares what your day to day job duties are or were, but rather what you achieved in said role. What kind of challenges did you encounter, how did you overcome them, and what skills did you gain from those experiences? This is what makes you stand out.
Underwhelming Language
Everyone has read phrases such as “motivated self-starter”, “results-oriented” or “passionate team player” countless times. These fluffy filler words are taking away from your true personality and skills. Avoid this kind of business jargon that you think other professionals want to hear; you don’t have more than one chance at a first impression. Be genuine.
