Memo for LinkedIn Etiquette

To: Members of the SuBaoJang Team
From: Zhe Su
Date: 29 June 2020
Subject: Summary of Best Practices on LinkedIn

This memo aims to highlight some important things to note when setting up a LinkedIn page for career-related social networking. Please see below for a summary of some important etiquette for LinkedIn, which will hopefully be helpful for creating your own LinkedIn Career Page over the next few weeks.

1. Respond on a Timely Basis. This rule should apply both to requests for connection as well as comments & messages. You should continue to check your LinkedIn regularly even if you’re not looking for new opportunities.
2. Personalize Connection Requests. Avoid sending generic connection requests without a personalized message, particularly to those that are not in your immediate circle.
3. Upload a Professional Head Shot. Avoid posting “casual” or “fun” pictures that you would normally use on your Facebook or Instagram. Instead, opt for a picture of your face taken from the front, while dressed professionally. On a side note, you should also comb through your other social media platform to ensure that there are no questionable photos of you on any social media platform (such as photos taken after a few too many drinks, or other goofy photos that may leave a negative impression for a potential employer).
4. Keep Your Profile Up-to-Date. Make sure you always have your resume, skill list, and other relevant information (such as projects and certifications) up-to-date.
5. Be Polite and Keep Things Professional. Be sure to thank others who have given you recommendations, or reached out to you regarding job opportunities. Make sure you say please when asking for recommendations, connections, and other requests. Keep in mind that this is a professional tool and should be treated as such. Avoid using casual language.
6. Avoid Spamming Messages or Connection Requests. If a contact you wish to connect with doesn’t respond right away, do not bombard them with messages. Instead, give it an appropriate amount of time before following up again. If they don’t reply after you’ve reached out more than once, then they probably didn’t want to reply – take the hint. On a side note, make sure you go through the contact’s page carefully – sometimes they might specify a preferred contact method.

The above list is in no way exhaustive of all the recommended etiquette for LinkedIn. Please feel free to refer to the work cited below for more recommendations and reach out should you have any questions.

Works Cited

Dodaro, Melonie. “LinkedIn Etiquette: 20 Do’s & Don’ts.” LinkedIn. N.p., 17 Apr. 2014. Web. 29 June 2020. <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140417174121-34888774-linkedin-etiquette-guide-20-do-s-don-ts/>.

Frost, Aja. “24 LinkedIn Rules You Might Be Breaking.” The Muse. The Muse, 19 June 2020. Web. 29 June 2020. <https://www.themuse.com/advice/24-linkedin-rules-you-might-be-breaking>.

Linnemanstons, Greg. “Top 10 LinkedIn Etiquette Tips to Connect Like a Pro.” Weidert Group Is a B2B Inbound Marketing Agency for Industrial Manufacturers. Weidert Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved., 29 Jan. 2020. Web. 29 June 2020. <https://www.weidert.com/blog/top-10-linkedin-etiquette-tips-to-connect-like-a-pro>.

Patel, Neil. “15 Surprising Rules You Should Know Regarding LinkedIn Etiquette.” Forbes. N.p., 21 May 2015. Web. 29 June 2020. <https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilpatel/2015/05/21/15-surprising-rules-you-should-know-regarding-linkedin-etiquette/>.