LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for engineers looking to break into a new market. It can also be a major stumbling block for your career. Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively by knowing what mistakes to avoid when building your online network.
4 Mistakes to Avoid on LinkedIn
- Seeing it as a job search tool. LinkedIn is a powerful networking space that helps professionals find exciting new career opportunities, but viewing it as a tool exclusively for finding a new job limits its impact. To make your LinkedIn account effective you should make connections, endorse co-workers, and engage in discussions on engineering boards at least once a week, whether you’re looking for a new job or not.
- Accepting every connection. The engineers in your network are a reflection of your personal brand. Only connect with people you know and trust.
- Being all take and no give. Did your co-worker endorse your skills? Whether or not you asked for it, decorum dictates that you should return the favor. If there are no skills on their profile you feel comfortable endorsing, write your own. They can choose whether or not to add those skills to their profile.
- Getting too personal. Authenticity helps develop connections, but take care not to get too personal on LinkedIn. Keep photos professional, stay on-topic in your profile, and never share posts that aren’t relevant to your industry. Remember, it’s a professional networking tool, not your personal Facebook page.
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