Do you make these errors with your LinkedIn profile? Do you see yourself in any of these statements? It’s okay – these are common mistakes among LinkedIn users. Read along for suggestions on how to fix any mistakes you might be making.
- Common Mistake: An unfocused profile that tries to be “all things to all people.”
How to Fix it: Focus your profile on a single job target.
- Common Mistake: An informal profile written in third-person, or a formal profile written from the first person point of view.
Write the profile from the correct point of view. Most LinkedIn profiles should be written in first person.
- Common Mistake: Not including information in all relevant sections — i.e., Honors & Awards, Languages, Certifications, Courses, Patents, Projects, Publications, etc.
How to Fix it: Use all the content sections available to you.
- Common Mistake: Putting your contact information elsewhere in your profile, which may potentially put you at risk for having your LinkedIn profile suspended for not following LinkedIn’s rules.
How to Fix it: Use the “Advice For Contacting (Your Name)” section appropriately to give connections an easy way to reach you by providing your phone number and/or email address.
- Common Mistake: Not asking for recommendations or not having enough recommendations on your profile.
How to Fix it: Be sure your profile includes several positive recommendations.
- Common Mistake: Only connecting with people you know. One of the most powerful functions of LinkedIn is helping you grow your network beyond the people you already know.
How to Fix it: Have a sufficient number of connections.
This 8-part LinkedIn Tips series has provided you with an abundance of tips and important information to help you maximize your LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions or would like to speak to me about helping you write a LinkedIn Profile that will help you stand out from your competition, contact me by phone or email.