MEMORANDUM

TO: What The Spell Writing Team

FROM: Katherine Chan

DATE: February 22, 2022

SUBJECT: Ten Best Practices for Professional Networking on LinkedIn

The purpose of Assignment 2.2 is to research and share network and resume building strategies on LinkedIn. LinkedIn can help professionals stay connected, explore job opportunities, and advertise their resume. Please find below ten best practices that can strengthen and maximize connections on LinkedIn.

1. Use a professional photo (Shore).
   • The profile picture should be high-quality with flattering lighting. Additionally, it is important to project a neat and professional appearance.
2. Add a background photo (Deehan).
   • The background photo is at the top of the profile page and can engage the audience’s attention.
3. Keep updating profile (Shore).
   • Review each section to make sure the current job, skill set, and professional details are updated. This is especially important before connecting with other LinkedIn users.
4. Promote positivity and professionalism (Dodaro).
   • Keep in mind that LinkedIn is a professional social network. Therefore, consider the audience and use judgement when posting personal opinions and pictures.
5. Be intentional with connections (Shore).
   • A brief message accompanying a connection request can help create a great first impression. Additionally, a message with an introduction highlighting mutual interests or similar backgrounds is a great conversation starter (for example, same alumni or follow same blog).
6. Transform the summary into a story (Deehan).
   • Integrate character into the LinkedIn summary by writing a personable story instead of listing skills and job titles. It’s an opportunity to be memorable and showcase unique personality traits.
7. Reciprocate endorsements (Deehan).
   • Identify connections that merit endorsements and practice writing feedback and compliments. Moreover, initiate endorsement requests from others by politely requesting from valued connections. Proactively manage the endorsement list by selecting endorsements that highlight current relevant skills.
8. Be active (Dodaro).
   • Promote conversations by posting regular status updates and sharing valuable articles and videos. This increases visibility on LinkedIn and fosters community engagement.
9. Pursue professional development (Deehan).
   • There are a variety of courses on LinkedIn Learning, which can be showcased in the Learning History section. Leverage this opportunity by sharing updates on course progress.
10. Build relationships (Dodaro).
    • Pay attention to newsfeed to trigger events and reach out to connections to build rapport (for example, congratulating a new job or promotion).

Understanding LinkedIn best practices enable professionals to successfully build their resumes and networks. I hope the ten tips I shared above will help you on your journey. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have feedback or questions.

Citations:

Deehan, Jane. “20 Steps to a Better Linkedin Profile in 2022.” LinkedIn, 1 Jan. 2022, https://www.linkedin.com/business/sales/blog/profile-best-practices/17-steps-to-a-better-linkedin-profile-in-2017.

Dodaro, Melonie. “LinkedIn Etiquette and Best Practices [20 Do’s and Don’ts].” Top Dog Social Media, 20 Apr. 2021, https://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-etiquette-and-best-practices/.

Shore, Jennifer. “17 Linkedin Marketing Best Practices.” Inbound Marketing Agency, 16 Jan. 2020, https://www.smartbugmedia.com/blog/17-linkedin-marketing-best-practices.