Job searching on LinkedIn offers the job seeker multiple benefits. Most importantly, internal and external recruiters use it to source talent. It is also helps you network – connecting with contacts who may help with identifying job opportunities, referrals, and offer advice and information.
Related:Updating Your LinkedIn Profile When You're Employed
Take care to manage your Linkedin profile properly. Mistakes can hurt your job search and your professional image. Consider these tips on what you shouldn't do on LinkedIn.
1. Don't leave your sub-headline to read your job title.
By default, your current job title is the default sub-headline (the text that appears under your name) for your profile. It typically reads something like
Accountant at 123 Company. That doesn't tell the employer much upfront. The sub-headline is one of several important areas that drive keyword density, so entice potential
employers and recruiters to click on your profile by putting in a personal branding statement like
Tax Compliance Specialist & Strategic Business Consultant for Fortune 500 Companies.
2. Don't leave the Summary blank.
The Summary section on your LinkedIn profile is like the Profile Summary on the resume. It's the section that summarizes your skills and experience and tells employer and recruiters your value proposition. It's an opportunity to further market and sell what you have to offer, so don't skip it.
3. Don't include others in your profile photo.
First impressions are everything and your photo is critical here. Avoid using a profile photo that includes others in it. What you need is headshot image that shows you well-groomed and looking forward (you want eye contact) with a friendly smile. Studies also show that employers and recruiters will more likely click on a profile with a photo over one that does not have one. When there's no photo, it also sends the message that there may be incomplete information.
4. Don't accept every connection that comes your way.
The bigger the network, the better it looks, right? Not exactly when you're a job seeker. Yes, it's good to have a big network of connections, but it also has to be appropriate connections. You want to show potential employers and recruiters that you have
connections in the field and industry. For instance, if you are vying for a job in health care business development but your profile shows 90% of your connections are made up of contacts in random fields and industries, it's not exactly informing employers and recruiters that you're well-connected for the job.
5. Don't make your LinkedIn profile private.
Yes, you don't want your current employer and coworkers finding out about your job search activities, but you can adjust those settings to not show up on your feed. Keep your profile public so that employers and recruiters can access your information.
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. 
