2.2 Email Memorandum: Ten Best Practices for LinkedIn Professional Networking

To: Team SJGG (ENGL 301 group)

From: Salma Ismail (ENGL 301 Student)

Date: March 6, 2023

Subject: Ten Best Practices for LinkedIn Professional Networking

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building connections and advancing your career. Using the platform effectively requires more than just setting up a profile and making connections. Here are ten best practices for using LinkedIn as a professional networking site:

1. Choosing the right profile picture: Profiles with headshots are 14 times more likely to be viewed than those without pictures. Choosing clear and professional headshots will create an excellent first impression.
2. Crafting an engaging summary: A concise summary, including a compelling overview of your professional background, skills, and experience, will elevate your profile and viewership. 
3. Using the skills section to increase credibility: The skills added play into the searchability of your profile and help others find you.
4. Removing unnecessary jargon: Instead of using buzzwords such as ‘results-driven’ or ‘team player,’ concisely describing accomplishments retains the reader’s attention. 
5. Personalizing connection requests: When sending connection requests, including a personalized message makes the connection more meaningful and helps build a relationship. 
6. Asking for recommendations: Asking former colleagues or supervisors to write recommendations for you on LinkedIn can help showcase your expertise to potential employers.
7. Using LinkedIn’s job search feature: Using LinkedIn’s job search feature can help you find relevant job openings and apply directly through the platform. 
8. Keeping your profile up-to-date: Regularly updating the profile can reflect the changes in career, skills, and accomplishments.
9. Being an active contributor: Engaging with your LinkedIn network by posting content and commenting on posts helps to connect with professionals in your network and industry.
10. Avoiding “overdoing it”: Being active on LinkedIn is important, but posting too frequently or bombarding connections with requests or messages may discourage others engaging with you. 

By adhering to these best practices, you can maximize your LinkedIn experience and make valuable connections that can help advance your career.

References :

Bernstein, Brenda. “15 LinkedIn Profile Tips to Make Your Profile Pop!” The Essay Expert, 1 October 2020, https://theessayexpert.com/linkedin-profile-tips/.

“Cultivated Culture – LinkedIn Profile Tips: How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile & Land Your Dream Job.” Cultivated Culture, n.d., https://cultivatedculture.com/linkedin-profile-tips/.

Duncan, Kevin J. “10 LinkedIn Best Practices for Professionals.” SmartBrief, 23 September 2020, https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2020/09/10-linkedin-best-practices-professionals.

Kristof-Brown, A. L., Zimmerman, R. D., & Johnson, E. C. (2017). Consequences of Individuals’ Fit at Work: A Meta-Analysis of Person-Job, Person-Organization, Person-Group, and Person-Supervisor Fit. Personnel Psychology, 70(1), 281-342. doi:10.1111/peps.12175

“The Muse. “10 Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile in Under 5 Minutes.” The Muse, n.d., https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-ways-to-improve-your-linkedin-profile-in-under-5-minutes.

“Steps to a Better LinkedIn Profile in 2021.” LinkedIn Sales Blog, LinkedIn, 23 January 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/business/sales/blog/profile-best-practices/17-steps-to-a-better-linkedin-profile-in-2017/.