9 LinkedIn Profile Faux Pas To Avoid

Since early 2012, LinkedIn has been the number one social media site for professional networking. The platform boasts an active membership in excess of 130 million members. Leading figures and representatives in all major industries are represented. On average the site gains two new members each second of every day. What is perhaps most remarkable about LinkedIn in the face of these facts is that many professionals do not utilise the platform as a tool to advance their careers. Furthermore, of the members with existing accounts, very few take the time to build an account which represents them in a positive light.

As a tool for career progression LinkedIn can be one of the most indispensible tools available to you. If however, the platform is utilised correctly. On the flip side of this statement, a badly designed profile can damage the image of your brand, whilst also making prospective employers and employees view you negatively. Here is a list of 9 key faux pas to avoid on your LinkedIn profile.

A  non engaging or unclear headline on your profile:

Unfortunately, the vast majority of LinkedIn headlines fall into the following categories. They are disengaging, boring, irrelevant or unclear. Your LinkedIn headline is a quality opportunity to advertise you, make the most of the limited 120 characters with which LinkedIn provides. A good headline should be relevant, engaging and clear. One of the largest faux pas you can commit in your headline is stating you are unemployed. If you are unemployed focus on past achievements. Make sure to list your most prestigious past achievements and a short summary (10-15) of how you would be an asset to a business or company. It is also essential to include your email as this ensures that potential employers are able to get in contact with you.

A non professional profile picture:

The vast majority of LinkedIn profile pictures are either not personal headshots, or are personal headshots where the individual looks either unhappy or unprofessional. Since LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, it is essential that your profile picture is also professional. It should be a headshot from the neck up depicting you dressed in professional attire. It cannot be overstated, the importance of appearing both professional and happy.

Not being involved in any groups:

LinkedIn offers its users the ability to join up to 50 relevant groups. It is important in order to maintain a positive appearance to be involved in between 10-20 relevant groups. Mainly because this demonstrates that you are both passionate and interested in the associated topic or field. Furthermore, groups are paramount to gaining and building relationships with contacts. Whilst also provide knowledge into the field or area of expertise.

Appearing not to know anyone:

A profile which has over 300 connections appears to be of much more use, in terms of being connected in the industry or field and a potential future employee, when compared with a profile which has only 30 friends. The level of how connected you are can either be an asset or a factor counting against you. It is not essential to have over 500 connections. Although having less than 100 is a clear indicator against your legitimacy. Simply put it makes you look amateur. If this is the case, networking needs to be given a real priority, both in the cyber and offline realms.

Not emphasising past achievements on your profile:

The majority of LinkedIn profiles are similar to the majority of C.V.s. In that they are either to modest or play down past achievements. The key is to emphasise how you have previously enhanced and boosted the profile or performance of companies, businesses and individuals. This is far more important to future employers than an itinerary of previous responsibilities.

Having an unimpressive profile summary:

The purpose of your profile summary should be to both impress and inform both colleagues and employers, of your expertise. It is essential to include key contact information, a list of key previous achievements, professional goals or ideals, and most importantly an explanation of why these are important to you. It is vital to come across as both enthusiastic and passionate. A good technique is to write your profile in the third person, presented in bullet points. Try to avoid first person as it tends to sound both arrogant and egotistical when you are listing your personal achievements.  The goal of a profile summary is to list assets and achievements in such a way that employers can read it and be clear of exactly how you can uniquely enhance their company or business.

Over generalised specialities:

Over a long and successful career it is most likely you will gather and accrue a wide spectrum of specialities. It is important however to avoid listing every area where you have talent, knowledge or experience. Instead list your key specialities which are most relevant to your field or career. Make sure that they are specific! Plenty of profiles list expansive specialties such as “marketing”, which is too expansive and general have any significant meaning. Also by trying to appear an all round expert you risk being viewed as an amateur aiming to tick boxes.

Not having any recommendations:

It is important to have at least three recommendations. These should be from either employers, clients, co-workers or your peers. Make sure to focus on the quality of the recommendations, although quantity does not hurt. With recommendations it is important to gather ones which focus on past achievements opposed to over generalised statements of your greatness. Key topics for a recommendation are: how you increased a company’s profits, how you gained a company new clients and the skill with which you lead a team or project. LinkedIn provides users with the ability to ask the person writing a recommendation areas or topics to focus on. This has advantages for both parties; it allows you to influence your image and makes their job easier. However some people may find this unethical and you should only do this with contacts you know well.

Not including a “vanity” URL in your LinkedIn account:

It is vital to use a vanity name in your LinkedIn URL. An example of this would be www.LinkedIn.com/in/firstnamelastname. This is a valuable asset to anyone seeking employment. It makes you extremely searchable via Google. Furthermore it is much more user friendly for your C.V. or email signature than the conventional irrelevant URL which LinkedIn provides.