Searching for a
new job?
Avoid these 6 LinkedIn mistakes
There’s no escaping it, hiring managers and
recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates. Savvy and experienced
candidate screeners can spot a false claim on an online profile very quickly,
so make sure you can back up every statement you make.
Here are six of the most common LinkedIn
mistakes to avoid:
1. Giving yourself a
retrospective promotion
It can be tempting to go back in time to give
yourself a promotion. You may well have taken care of managing a broad range of
tasks while working as an accounting assistant but that doesn’t make you an
accountant unless you are the real deal. Expert screeners know when something
just doesn’t add up and will see you as dishonest. Elevating your title from
“Finance Manager” to “Finance Director” because you worked in a small firm and
you were the most senior finance person could put your credibility at risk
unnecessarily. A fib here or there could see your chances reduced from
shortlist to dust bin in a moment. Even if you made it to a shortlist, you’ll
be left floundering in a job interview when peppered with questions testing
your work history in detail.
2. Don’t take credit for
the work of others
The great thing about LinkedIn is it’s so accessible
but this also means any claims you make can be seen by lots of people,
including co-workers and former colleagues. Responsibilities tell a potential
employer about your job role while achievements describe your job performance,
and so both should be showcased on your LinkedIn profile – but make sure they
really are yours. Claiming an achievement that belongs to someone else is
dishonest and will only damage your reputation in the long run.
3. Papering over your job
timeline history
Where you worked, exactly when and for how
long is a key focus for any potential employer. Don’t fudge dates and try and
fill gaps with fake employment experience. Also, make sure any claim you make
in your online profile is consistent with what you outline in your resume and
employment applications. Inconsistencies are a red flag for those screening
candidates.
4. Quantity is not quality
Whilst it is tempting to try and connect with
as many people as possible, the real strength of your LinkedIn network lies in
connecting to those in your industry, profession or sector. Accepting every
invite that comes your way weakens the quality of your network. Always view the
profile of someone asking to connect with you to ensure they are relevant to
your network.
5. Include an image but
make it real
Ensure you include a professional-looking
head and shoulders shot of yourself with your profile – preferably smiling.
Avoid heavy photo shopping – you want to be recognised at job interviews – as
well as wedding shots with your spouse cropped out or holidays shots showing
you in casual gear.
6. Tit for tat
recommendations
LinkedIn recommendations work best when
they are authentic and given by managers, clients and other people you
have provided an excellent service to. Recommendations provided by peers and
friends are not a credible way of building your personal brand.
http://social.hays.com/professional-development/searching-for-a-new-job-avoid-these-6-linkedin-mistakes/#.VN3a_-aUcRk
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