If you’ve ever scrolled through LinkedIn only to feel you are suddenly falling behind, you are not alone. The site is full of people posting about small achievements they have made – online courses, attending a workshop, even applying for something in the first place. But there are only so many times you can read “I am so honoured to announce…” before even the most hardworking person feels they are standing still. So does this digital self-promotion actually open more doors, or is it just making more noise?
LinkedIn started as a place for professionals to connect and broaden their horizons. But let’s be honest, LinkedIn is still social media – a space that does not reward modesty. Instead, it’s become a never-ending highlight reel, thriving on the humblebrag: celebrating success while downplaying how much these achievements mean to the poster.
And, like any social platform, it comes with its own pressures. For example, you can see who has viewed your profile, and others can see when you’ve viewed theirs, turning what should be professional networking into a slightly stressful game of trying not to come across as if you’re stalking someone’s profile. What’s more, the coveted label of ‘500+ connections’ has become a kind of status symbol, adding pressure to your engagement with the site. Even when we know many of these ‘connections’ are superficial, it’s hard not to compare ourselves with people who already seem established in their areas of interest.
Don’t get me wrong, it is important to celebrate every win, no matter how small, but there is a fine line between sharing your accomplishments and unnecessary bragging.
Why we post on Linkedin
Let’s be honest: self-advertisement works. As the job market becomes even more crowded, recruiters are far more likely to notice people who put themselves out there. Posting your projects, volunteering, or academic achievements shows initiative and engagement.
If you are looking for some volunteering opportunities, St Andrews has so much to offer! Have a look and sign up for the St Andrews Voluntary Service for local projects, and don’t forget about the many charity shops around town! There are also so many academic opportunities that you can take part in through the university, from essay competitions to online courses.
There is also a growing focus on company culture and values. Employers don’t just look at your CV anymore. They also want to know who you are, how you interact with others, and what you care about. This makes posting on LinkedIn a good move to demonstrate your most employable features. Worst of all, staying silent could even make you come across as uninterested.
But there’s a catch! If you come across as too self-congratulatory or disingenuous, you could as easily decrease your chances of employment. It’s a tricky balance, not helped by the comparison and jealousy that LinkedIn fuels. It’s hard not to feel a twinge when someone just as qualified as you lands a ‘dream role.’ In the end, it starts to feel less like a professional network and more like a competition.
The Art of the Subtle Brag
Next time you’re going to share your achievements, follow this simple formula. Try setting out your post in terms of your aim, obstacles you overcame, and the outcome. It’s less about a personal story and more about highlighting your skills and ability to reflect. It’s also important not to forget to give credit where it’s due. Thanking others who helped you adds warmth and credibility that employers want to see on their team!
Keep it short and remember not every experience needs to be a public post. Often, the best networking happens in private messages or in person. When you send a message on LinkedIn, it’s a good idea to be as clear and concise as possible. Make a short introduction about yourself and your reason for reaching out, a few key details why you are a good match for the job, and finally politely ask for a reply or feedback, and provide a time frame of when you’d be able to chat.
Self-promotion isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it can open doors, but only when done thoughtfully. The trick is to balance pride and perspective. You should feel proud to share your wins and celebrate your progress, but don’t lose sight of honesty and authenticity.
So go ahead and post about your latest workshop, experience or opportunity. Just don’t pretend to be humble; when you are proud of what you’ve done, it’s better to be honest.