Common LinkedIn Mistakes

It's no secret that many professionals use their LinkedIn profiles to find new job opportunities, maximize their current positions and network with industry professionals. While setting up a strong profile is a great step in reaching your career goals, many LinkedIn users make unfortunate mistakes in filling out their profile information. No matter what you use LinkedIn for, consider the following common mistakes and take steps to avoid them.

One of the most common mistakes found on LinkedIn profiles is the absence of a profile picture. You're seven times more likely to have your profile viewed if you have one. "Like a house that's on sale, the assumption is that if there's no photo, something's wrong," says LinkedIn Career Expert Nicole Williams. A profile picture helps browsers put a face with your name and makes you easier to remember. Not just any photo will do, however; this is a LinkedIn profile, not a personal social media account. Photos of you with your child, significant other or friends are inappropriate, as are pictures of you drinking, eating or being silly. Stick with the most professional photo you have -- a headshot of you, in professional clothing, with great posture, a straightforward gaze and a smile.

Another mistake often seen is in the way people connect with each other on LinkedIn. Normally, LinkedIn provides a generic, canned message when you request a connection with another person. It is in your best interest not to use this standard message and to choose the people you want to connect with wisely. Again, this is a LinkedIn profile, not a social media account, so it's more about quality over quantity. LinkedIn connections can open doors for you professionally, so it's a good idea to take some time and personalize your message to your desired connection. It will make the reader more apt to approve your request and begin building a rapport with you.

Another common error is building a great LinkedIn profile but neglecting to include a summary. Many LinkedIn users just regurgitate their resumes onto their profile and leave it at that, so including a brief but compelling summary automatically gives you an edge with prospective employers. Think of the summary as your opportunity to sum up your resume, career objectives and personality into a brief, impactful paragraph. It's a chance to really sell yourself and display your character, apart from your list of accomplishments and experience. The career summary also gives you an opportunity to inject industry-specific keywords into your LinkedIn profile, giving you greater opportunity for exposure.

Depending on your career goals, creating a strong LinkedIn profile may be enough to get you where you want to go. Using an appropriate, professional profile photo, including a compelling career summary, and being smart about making connections are all great ways to maximize your LinkedIn profile and let it work for you. Follow these tips and stay ahead of the competition.

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