Don’t Dismiss
LinkedIn as Something Only for People Who Are Looking For a New Job. The best time to build your LinkedIn profile, connect with people, and
participate on LinkedIn is now — before you need it. If you find yourself
suddenly unemployed and decide that now is the time to start using
LinkedIn, you’re going to be playing catch up. Instead, take time to “dig
your well before you’re thirsty,” as author Harvey Mackay says.
Don’t “Set it
and Forget It.” Your LinkedIn profile is an evolving snapshot of you.
You should be updating it regularly with new connections, status updates
and/or LinkedIn Publishing articles, and other activity (such as
commenting on other people’s posts).
Don’t Ignore
It. Check in on LinkedIn regularly — at least every other day if you
are in active job search mode; at least once a week for passive
jobseekers. Plan on adding a new status update each time you log in.
Don’t Be A
Wallflower. LinkedIn is most effective when you participate. Seek out
opportunities to connect with thought leaders in your industry.
Participate in conversations. When you comment on connections’ updates,
that activity will be visible on your profile, so speak up!
Don’t Be
Selfish. You will get more out of LinkedIn if you focus on how you can
help others, not how they can help you. The phrase “give to get” is very
powerful on LinkedIn. You can earn the respect of your peers and people of
influence if you “help enough other people get what they want,” in the words
of Zig Ziglar.
Don’t Wait For
Others To Find You. Use the LinkedIn search function to look for
people you know and invite them to connect with you. You should aim to add
2-5 new connections each week if you are a passive job seeker, and 6-10
connections a week if you are actively searching for a new job. Build your
network slowly, not all at once.
Don’t Forget
to Explore the People Your Connections Know. One of the most powerful
functions of LinkedIn is the ability to connect you with people who are
connections of the people you know (using the “six degrees of separation”
principle). Follow LinkedIn’s guidelines on connecting with these folks
(using InMail or requesting connections through your mutual friend), so
that your account is not flagged for spam.
Don’t
Indiscriminately Try to Connect With People. One of the strengths of
LinkedIn is the connections you make, but it’s not a race to get to 500+
connections. Have a reason for each of the people you connect with —
either it’s someone you already know or are related to, or someone it
would be beneficial to connect with. If you don’t know someone, get to
know them a bit before sending a personalized connection request. (You can
do so by seeing who you have in common — or who they are connected to,
checking out their LinkedIn Summary and work history, visiting their
website or blog, and seeing what Groups they belong to).
Don’t Restrict
Your LinkedIn Networking to Online Only. Use LinkedIn to connect with
people — but then request in-person get-togethers, when possible. Meet for
coffee, or lunch, to catch up.
Don’t Forget
to Check Your Settings Regularly. LinkedIn sometimes makes
behind-the-scenes changes that can affect your existing privacy and
profile settings. Make it a habit to check your settings to make sure
you’re showing — or not showing (or sharing) — what you want.
