With the summer job-hunt process already in full swing, it is as important as ever to maintain a professional image online. Watch out for these common mistakes on your LinkedIn profile:
1. Uploading a poorly-cropped or blurry profile photo.
Quite often people upload profile photos that are not correctly sized for LinkedIn. This often results in the “half-head” phenomenon– which is not flattering and seems very unprofessional. Don’t be the person without a forehead in your profile photo! Also, blurry photos are just lazy. Take the time to get a nice professional picture taken for your account. The drunk bull-riding picture of you at Roddy’s and that hot selfie you use for your Tinder account are both a no-go.
2. Not Including a Personal Message. Every invitation you send on LinkedIn should include a personal message. It makes your invitation more personable and genuine. Be kind! Employers like kind and friendly people, always.
3. Not being selective about the connections you accept. Just because someone is your best party friend DOES NOT make them an acceptable LinkedIn friend. Being selective when accepting friends on LinkedIn is important because the connections you make reflect on you. Be particular and keep in mind that LinkedIn is not the same as Facebook. Lots of friend does not necessarily make you popular.
4. Not completing your profile. Nothing screams LAZY more than an incomplete profile. Take the time to finish it to ensure it looks 100% professional. DO IT! Trust me.
5. Not having a Linked In profile. Bottom line, if you don’t have a Linked In Profile by now it’s definitely time… most employers expect you to have one just so they can have easy access to an online resume. If they search you on LinkedIn and no one comes up, you’re already a step behind!