Just like everything else in life, there is a code of etiquette online. LinkedIn, which is known for being the professional’s social network, tends to be more conservative than the others. On LinkedIn you are often connected with your co-workers, management, and other business professionals. For this reason, you will want to manage your reputation closely, and really monitor what you share. We have come up with a few tips to prevent you from doing anything too embarrassing.
Not sharing enough
LinkedIn is not a place you want to look mysterious. You want to show that you are active on your page. This indicates that the information on your page is up-to-date and that you are available to engage with people.
Sharing too much
This tip relates more to your personal profile than anything else. When you are creating or updating your profile do not put any information that you wouldn’t want a future employer to see. Unlike other social media websites, LinkedIn requires your profile to be accessible (to a degree) to everyone, so keep that in mind when you are putting in your personal information.
Social Media Connections
LinkedIn gives you the option to add your Twitter and website URLs. If you plan on connecting your LinkedIn page with Twitter make sure that it is professional. The same goes for any other websites that you add. If these websites do not represent the image you want to portray about yourself, it is often better to leave them off all together.
Picture says a thousand words
Make sure your picture is professional and represents you well. Even if you don’t think you are a photogenic person, it is important to have a picture of yourself. It shows that you are comfortable with yourself and adds a personal touch to a sterile profile.
Choose your friends carefully
People can see who you are friends with, so make sure that they don’t misrepresent you. Some people are very picky about who they are ‘seen with’ as friends on LinkedIn. I say, it is good to keep it in the back of your mind and use common sense, but don’t go overboard.
Choose your words wisely
Once you have posted a comment or status update, it can never be erased. When writing comments on your LinkedIn profile, make sure you to check your spelling, grammar and slang before you post. Your posts should be appropriate for all audiences. Remember, people are often connected with their old bosses, current bosses and future bosses who may be looking. For that reason, make sure not to bad-mouth
previous jobs or your current one. It can get you in hot water fast, and make you less desirable to a future employer.
