Golden Rules for LinkedIn

Posted on May 30, 2011 by MQT Article Team

linkedin1 300x180 Golden Rules for LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social networking website that focuses on business connections to help people “link up” with other people who can assist them with finding career opportunities. Growing your list of contacts is a quick and easy way to put your professional face on the Internet where literally millions of users can view your profile. Employers are even able to search LinkedIn for potential job applicants.

There are a few golden rules for creating and maintaining an effective LinkedIn account, but even if you are completely new to the social networking arena, you should be up and connecting in no time!

1. It is important that you know the people you attempt to connect to on LinkedIn, as if you are inviting people you don’t have a relationship with they can select the “I don’t know” button, which is a negative mark on you and if you receive five “I don’t know” replies your ability to invite other people to connect with you will be limited. Use the Search function to look for companies you have previously worked for and you will likely find some ex-colleagues to connect with.

2. Use your resume to help build your LinkedIn profile and don’t forget to list the schools you have attended. Check your spelling before you post though, as nothing looks less professional than misspellings in your “professional” profile and can cost you a shot at job you might be perfectly qualified for.

3. Add your picture, but make sure it’s not a snapshot of you at the beach or at a party. Try to use a photo in which you look like you are on your way to a job interview. Remember that this is a career-type website and think about how other people will view your invitation if you have an inappropriate picture posted! Nobody wants to be associated with a person who will make them look bad.

4. Before you post your profile on LinkedIn, complete it to the best of your ability. Complete profiles come up first when people search through them, so don’t waste time – get all the information you can onto your profile. Don’t forget to check your LinkedIn account every day after you’ve posted so you can keep track of happenings and stay in touch with your contacts.

5. LinkedIn is primarily for career searching and contacts, but you can still use it in a social way by using the Share an Update button to inform your contacts of what you’ve been up to. Remember though that this is a professional forum and not the spot for inappropriate jokes and such.

Using LinkedIn to help you find and land a job is just one way to utilize this beneficial website. Maintaining contact with previous colleagues, even if you are currently employed, is a great way to ensure you have a “link” to a new job in case you ever in the market again. Remember to follow the golden rules with your LinkedIn profile and you can’t go wrong!

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