LinkedIn Best Practices

To: The Ramblers Writing Team

From: Matthew Shen

Date: June 29, 2020

Subject: LinkedIn Best Practices

As requested, I have compiled and presented a list of the top ten best practices for using LinkedIn with the purposes of networking and showcasing professional and volunteer experiences.

1. Use a professional photo. Your photo is often where prospective eyes first go. While the photo does not need to be taken by a professional photographer, have a neat photo that presents yourself in business attire (The Muse Editor).
2. Update your experiences regularly. Review your profile monthly to make sure you include any new skills you’ve acquired, or new experiences you have learned from (LinkedIn Etiquette).
3. Keep it direct. When reaching out or responding to potential connections, write your messages with intent. Get to the point! Professional receive tons of messages daily, and they don’t have time to waste beating around the bush (LinkedIn Etiquette).
4. Keep your content positive. LinkedIn is a place to meet new connections. It may be unhelpful to share polarized positions or hurtful criticism, as this can send the wrong image to potential connections (LinkedIn Etiquette).
5. Use visuals where you can. Photos, visuals, diagrams may help to attract attention to your posts. Don’t be afraid to use them (LinkedIn Etiquette).
6. Hashtag. Using hashtags to find connections and drive attention to your posts. This can help you reach connections with mutual interests (LinkedIn Etiquette).
7. Write a comprehensive summary. Your summary will give potential connections an idea of who you are. Try to include things most important to you, and how best you can provide value (The Muse Editor).
8. Define your audience. Similar to any type of technical writing, it is important to understand who your target audience is. Are you looking for professional opportunities? Meeting new people with similar interests? New clients for your business? Make sure your writing reflects who you are trying to reach (LinkedIn Etiquette).
9. Use the alumni tool. LinkedIn allows you to see people who have worked and studied in the same places as you, using this tool can help serve as an ice breaker (The Muse Editor).
10. Ask for recommendations. Ask your current or former managers and colleagues to write recommendations, these can serve as evidence to support you as a potential candidate (The Muse Editor).

With these ten tips, you will be able to build a LinkedIn page that will showcase what you have to offer to potential employers and other important connections. Thank you for your interest!

Matthew Shen

Works Cited

The Muse Editor. “The Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers.” The Muse, The Muse, 19 June 2020, www.themuse.com/advice/the-31-best-linkedin-profile-tips-for-job-seekers.

“LinkedIn Etiquette Rules and Best Practices [20 Do’s and Don’ts].” Top Dog Social Media, 25 Mar. 2020, www.topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-etiquette-and-best-practices/.