5 Common Mistakes on LinkedIn

If you’re on LinkedIn looking for a job or seeking to connect with colleagues and associates, it can be a powerful tool to expand your career horizons. However, there are a few mistakes many make on the platform. Here are five common mistakes on LinkedIn. 

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 activities (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’ll get more out of LinkedIn if you focus on helping 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.