LinkedIn is NOT Facebook

I cringed when I first saw it and thought it would just go away. Now, I see it happening everyday. The "it" is people using LinkedIn (a PROFESSIONAL social media marketing tool) just like they use Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram. Yes, many people (I do) market and run their businesses very well using those other sites, but LinkedIn is supposed to be "different", so I thought.

I see personal pictures, like pictures of children and pets, inappropriate and unprofessional profile pictures; political views, opinions and cartoons; random rants and posts that have nothing to do with careers, employment, education or anything of a professional nature.

6 Things No One Wants to See on LinkedIn

1. Inappropriate/Unprofessional Profile Picture: No one wants to see your cleavage, or a picture of you at the beach. Also, your family picture should not be your profile picture. When you go to an interview, does your family walk in with you too? Your interview is about you and you alone. You do not have to spend any money for someone to take a picture of you with your cell phone with a nice shirt and clean background. Remember, recruiters use LinkedIn to do just that, recruit and first impressions are everything.

2. Other Unprofessional/Inappropriate Pictures as Posts: Please, please, please do not post pictures of your kids, pets and what you had for dinner on LinkedIn! No one cares! We see it enough on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

3. Political Views and Opinions: Again, no one cares. But what if that Recruiter or Employer cares and shares different political views than you? You've just taken yourself out of the running for a position with their company.

4. Random Rants or Posts: No one cares that you worked out this morning, no one cares what you ate for breakfast and no one cares that you can't wait to get off of work. Keep your comments and posts on LinkedIn professional.

5. Do Not Argue: LinkedIn is not the place to argue with others online. You shouldn't be arguing with people on any social media platform. I have seen some pretty nasty comments back and forth on LinkedIn about differences of opinions on professional articles and work related habits, as well as the comments from the "know-it-alls". Don't be that person.

6. Don't Post the Same Exact Thing on All Your Social Media SItes: Add some variety. Each social media site is geared for a different audience. Cater to that particular audience. I have some social media friends that follow me on all my sites, so I try not to post the same thing on every site, because that can become mundane and boring and also cause you to lose your following.

LinkedIn is supposed to be professional, a place where you can display your professional expertise, network with other professionals, share professional articles, advice, search for jobs and help recruiters find you. If you need help creating a LinkedIn Profile please contact me and I would be happy to create one for you. I also create Facebook Business pages as well. Email: signatureworkforcesolutions@live.com or you can call (330) 531-8364 to schedule a FREE Consultation.