Getting it Right on Linkedin

The popularity of Linkedin among professionals has risen significantly in past years, so much so that it is now an essential part of the job application process. Competition for jobs post economic crisis has meant that more and more people are turning to Linkedin to give them an edge over the competition.

Given the nature of this social network, it would stand to reason that it should display only the very best and professional aspects of a user, in order to secure them the very best employment. You might assume that the format is pretty straight forward for most members of this job networking site, but you’d be wrong...

A common mistake of many hopeful Linkedin users happens when they misinterpret the medium. Linkedin is a networking site for professionals, this means that employers and other users expect your page to look the part. Countless bikini clad photos, blatant ‘selfies’ and cleavages are all over Linkedin, and not one of them is taken seriously. Employers are not interested on how well an employee tanned over their summer break, nor are they interested in hiring the biggest breasts in the office (we hope).  Linkedin photos should be plain portraits which illustrate a workplace persona, in professional dress and with an appropriate expression.

Winking, leering, and closed eyes have all featured on some of Linkedin’s finest profile photo failures, without even considering the appalling choice of outfit and random background location. The key is to get the right balance between ‘passport photo’ and ‘career.’

Black and white, photoshopped, pixelated photos or scanned in prints are not ideal choices for Linkedin either.  A clear digital image is all it takes to impress an employer, while techniques which mask the true image of a person are a hindrance at best. Employers must review thousands of applicants’ sites, which means they need their information clearly and readily available in order to save time and ensure they hire the right person.

Photos with animals, babies or a spouse are also an inappropriate addition to a Linkedin profile photo. Unless you and the baby, animal or spouse come as a twinset in your application (which I would strongly advise against) there is no reason for their image to be there, as it is simply a distraction. Your Linkedin profile is about YOU, and a chance for YOU to shine. Your loved ones will have their day too.

Finally, the worst crime a Linkedin user could possibly commit? Not having a photo at all. This is tant amount to self sabotage, which anyone who is looking for work could do without.