14 Important Do's and Don'ts of LinkedIn - Women Communicators of Austin

Written by Riley West

As communications professionals, you probably already know the professional value of having a LinkedIn account. It is a free and easy way to make professional connections in your industry. However, merely creating a LinkedIn account isn’t enough to provide you with the benefits LinkedIn has to offer. Below is a do’s and don’ts guide to using LinkedIn that will enable you to get the most out of it.

Include a profile picture – make sure it’s a professional photo or use a headshot if you have one.
Clearly state your position on your professional headline – after your profile picture, this is the next item people will look at so make sure it’s updated.
Fill out your profile complete and update regularly – unlike a hard copy of your resume, you have unlimited space to list your experience on LinkedIn…use it.
Add links – add links from your other social media handles such as Facebook and Twitter (as long as your content is professional), your online portfolio, website or blog.
Join groups in your industry – this is not only a good way to learn more about your industry, but it will put you in touch with other people who could be valuable connections.
Put your LinkedIn profile on everything – put at the bottom of your email signature, business cards, website, and other social media accounts.
Ask close colleagues for endorsements – since they work with you, they know the quality of your work so capitalize on it. Offer to endorse them in return.

Don’t

Add people to your network who you don’t know – don’t treat LinkedIn like Facebook or Twitter where it’s somewhat socially acceptable to add people you have never met nor spoken to. It’s “unprofessional” to add someone to your LinkedIn connections that you have no preexisting relationship.
Spam your connections – LinkedIn is not a place to sell, it’s a place to build professional relationships. Post meaningful content on your feed such articles you have written or find interesting in regards to your industry.
Use the default connection request – When asking to add someone as a connection, personalize your message. Again, LinkedIn is about building relationships so starting things off on a generic note is not the way to establish a relationship.
Leave sections blank – especially your professional headline and summary. Leaving sections blank will either make it seem like you don’t have a lot of experience or don’t update regularly. It doesn’t reflect well either way.
Have typos – your page should read like a resume, typo-free.
Ignore privacy settings – especially if you’re looking for a new job, be mindful to not leave a digital trail of recruiters you have been connecting with to your current employer.
Do nothing – do more than just create a profile. Join groups, get involved in discussions on the Answers sections. This is how to start networking through LinkedIn. Don’t expect people to come to you.