What are the top 5 mistakes job seekers make when using Linkedin?

Mistakes, we all make them. What really counts is the correcting mistakes, and moving forward. As a job search strategist, and candidate advocate, it is my job to help job seekers put their best foot forward. Linkedin is one of the best places for job seekers to market themselves. Are you standing out as the go-to expert in your industry on linkedin? It’s Brand You. You are the brand, the human product of intellectual capital. You are the reason recruiters and hiring managers want to recruit you. The question becomes: How well are you managing your online brand. How well are you selling yourself? Are you on-message? Are you marketing yourself in a way that makes you stand out, or are you getting lost in the online clutter? What happens to your resume when it goes into a company’s applicant tracking system?

The problem is so many job seekers don’t know how to promote their brand on linkedin (and other online employment networks). Instead of “suggestions,” I’m prioritizing the top 5 mistakes job seekers make when using linkedin.

1. A picture says a thousand words.  If your picture is out of focus, or unprofessional, your profile won’t get a second look.
2. Job seekers leave out industry related key words. If your profile doesn’t include key words that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for, you will not be found.  Often, they use web crawlers, and search engines to do their bidding.  If your linkedin profiled is not search engine optimized, you will not be found.
3. Job seekers don’t participate in industry related groups. If you don’t ask and answer questions, you will not be acknowledged. The point is to position yourself as a thought leader, and an expert.  Participating in linkedin groups enable you to do just that.
4. Job seekers don’t personalize their linkedin contact invitations. Now, you must know that some people on linkedin think that’s downright unprofessional, or worse, creepy.  Always personalize your invitation to make contact.  Make sure you are polite, and show that person relevance, and the value of why you should share your network.
5. Job seekers don’t proof their profile.  It’s easy to get a friend, or colleague to review your profile.  If you haven’t done so, do it now.  If your profile isn’t well written that is a bad reflection on you, and your professionalism.  People want to hire people they like, and trust.  A flawless linkedin profile will either help you get an interview, or make you land in the circular file (trash can).  Don’t be a trash can statistic.  Polish your profile, and enlist  your friends to help you.

HireFriday is filled with people who want to help you. Tap into our resources, and remember tomorrow is HireFriday.  It’s your day to shine, because all of my volunteers will put you in the spot light.  I will personally RT your credentials to all of my contacts–but–if your profile is not credible, I won’t.  If you need help, feel free to email me, or dm one of our HireFriday community volunteers. Tomorrow from 12-1 p.m. est.Josh LeTourneau and I will lead another HireFriday Chat on twitter.  Just follow the stream, and ask your questions.

Your HireFriday Community Manager

HR Margo Rose

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