{"id":22668,"date":"2021-10-13T11:00:54","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T16:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumespice.com\/?p=22668"},"modified":"2024-01-08T21:59:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T02:59:29","slug":"common-linkedin-mistakes-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumespice.com\/common-linkedin-mistakes-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Common LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your LinkedIn profile is akin to your online resume. If you don\u2019t invest some time and effort into it \u2013 or worse, don\u2019t have one<\/a> \u2013 you could lose out on a job opportunity.<\/p>\r\n

So, what are some common mistakes you could be making without even knowing? And how can you craft a LinkedIn profile that leads to results (namely, a new job you love)? The LinkedIn profile writers<\/a> at ResumeSpice offer the answers:<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #1: A lack of photos.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

You don\u2019t have a photo on your LinkedIn profile because you don\u2019t have a professional headshot. This is understandable. However, you\u2019re going to look sketchy to potential employers without one. The good news is you don\u2019t have to hire an expensive photographer to get a great shot. You can use one from your phone. Just make sure it\u2019s clear, paints you in a professional light, and that you\u2019re alone in it.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #2: A grainy or badly cropped photo.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

While no photo is bad, a bad photo can be cringe-worthy. These include anything from a photo that\u2019s been poorly cropped (think a random hand on your shoulder) or are grainy or blurry in terms of visual quality. Again, you don\u2019t need a pricey professional head shot. Simply a photo that\u2019s clear, well-lit, and makes you look professional.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #3: A poor headline choice.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Beyond your photo, your headline can make or break your LinkedIn profile. If it\u2019s awkward, crammed with keywords or missing altogether, you\u2019re not going to be taken seriously.<\/p>\r\n

Keep in mind, your headline serves two purposes. First, it\u2019s how recruiters and potential employers find you<\/a> and should include keywords. Second, it should make it clear who you are and what you do in a professional way. So avoid the \u201cProgramming Ninja\u201d and \u201cHR Superhero\u201d headlines.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #4: A boring About summary.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

While your LinkedIn profile is similar to an online resume,<\/a> you have more freedom to showcase your personality with it. One perfect place to do that is in your About summary. This is where you not only talk about what you do, but what you\u2019re capable of, what you love about your job<\/a>, and what drew you to the industry in the first place. This should not be a dry, cookie-cutter paragraph about you. It should make you shine and stand out to potential employers.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #5: A career history that\u2019s different from your resume.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

If you\u2019re in the midst of a job search, it\u2019s particularly important to ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile<\/a> align with each other. They don\u2019t have to match exactly and, in fact, shouldn\u2019t. You can go into more detail on LinkedIn, for instance.<\/p>\r\n

But if your resume says you\u2019re a manager and your LinkedIn profile skips this, it\u2019s going to make hiring managers wonder. Once you\u2019re done updating your resume, make sure you review your LinkedIn profile and edit it accordingly.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #6: Tasks and duties, not accomplishments.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Don\u2019t simply list all the tasks and duties you\u2019ve handled in past positions. Just as you do for your resume, make sure you\u2019re talking about accomplishments you\u2019re most proud of. Include any awards, big challenges you overcame, or ways you went above and beyond for a client. Wherever you can, add numbers and quantify your achievements.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #7: No recommendations or endorsements.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

It\u2019s important to have a robust LinkedIn profile and this includes asking colleagues in your network for recommendations and endorsements. Not comfortable asking? Start leaving them for people you know. Once some time passes, reach out and ask them to do the same for you.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #8: No skills.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Another area you should focus on filling out and keeping updated is the Skills section<\/a>. This tells potential employers and recruiters what you\u2019re capable of and whether you have the skill set that is right for them.<\/p>\r\n

Since this isn\u2019t a professional resume, you can be a little more casual about the skills you list here, particularly if you work in a creative industry. Remember your goal here is to stand out and to differentiate yourself, not list the same old skills everyone has.<\/p>\r\n

Mistake #9: Boring, cookie-cutter language.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Creating a LinkedIn profile might not be your favorite way to spend an evening or a Saturday. However, don\u2019t cut corners and copy and post text from the web. You want to make your profile uniquely about you.<\/p>\r\n

You can and should certainly look up LinkedIn profile samples for ideas and information. However, you want visitors to your LinkedIn profile to see what you do well, what makes you unique or different, and things that make you an interesting individual. Write the way you speak and avoid the \u201cresults-driven professional\u201d language.<\/p>\r\n

Experiencing writer\u2019s block with your LinkedIn profile? Get professional help.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

At ResumeSpice, we\u2019re experts when it comes to writing LinkedIn profiles<\/a>. We will work with you to learn about your background, skills, and unique personality and then craft a LinkedIn profile that stands out. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us<\/a> online to get started.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your LinkedIn profile is akin to your online resume. If you don\u2019t invest some time and effort into it \u2013 or worse, don\u2019t have one \u2013 you could lose out on a job opportunity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1900,"featured_media":51488,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[713,712,359,32],"class_list":["post-22668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-linkedin-tips","tag-how-to-use-linkedin-to-find-a-job","tag-linkedin-profile-mistakes","tag-linkedin-profile-writers","tag-linkedin-tips"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t