LinkedIn is different from other social platforms. Of course, it is also social, but still with a slightly different concept: its users are mainly focused on the business sector and searching for business contacts. Communication here is not just a friendly conversation, and sometimes it can even feel a little awkward.
Let's face it: social media etiquette is tricky. The era of handwritten cards, gifts for hosts and opening car doors for young ladies has given way to online rules of social media. And this arch is stunning!
Chances are you're already breaking some of these rules. LinkedIn etiquette provides specific rules that are not spoken about, but apply to communication. I want to finally break the silence and talk about some of LinkedIn's unwritten repositories.
Rule #1: Accept the invitation immediately.
The LinkedIn community's quick answer is in the price. If you (like me) sometimes forget to check your LinkedIn invites, take my friendly advice. A quick reaction on this social network clearly shows that you are on top of a wave and are aware of what is happening around you. Often, after an in-person meeting, you can receive an invitation via LinkedIn. Be ready to answer.
Rule #2: Don't check the "I don't know" box until you're sure this contact is going to hurt you.
The "don't know" option is a 100% way to let the person know you don't want to communicate with them. When someone sends you an invitation, you can ignore it (by pressing X) and then decline the invitation by selecting "I don't know". If the user receives too many of these "unfamiliar" invitations, this can lead to account suspension. Only use this option if you think the inviter is violating network rules. If you are convinced that the profile is not real, select the "Send to Spam" option.
Rule #3: Do not send LinkedIn invitations.
In the People You May Know section, you can access an automatically imported list of people from your Gmail contact list or from other people. If you see a connect button next to a contact, it means they're already on LinkedIn. If instead of "connecting" it says: "add / connect" (add to network), it means that there are no receivers in this social network. In this case, you should refuse the invitation.
Rule #4: Give your invitations a face.
LinkedIn has a built-in template invitation service. For those who don't want to work hard. Give your messages personality, give them a face! This shows you as a power user who is interested in live contacts.
The People You May Know service makes it easy to browse through thousands of potential contacts and send invitations with the click of a button. On the other hand, it makes the invitation impersonal. Instead, find a page with the desired profile and send an invitation there. So you target your requests.
Rule number 5: Send a request once (maximum 2!).
Persistent invitations and requests are perceived as rude or even as an attempt to physically drag someone to their contact list. If you have already sent a personal invitation, do not cancel it and send a new invitation as a reminder: “Here I am! Accept my invitation!"
Rule #6: Check your personal contact information.
The LinkedIn service allows you to customize search options for yourself as a contact (if you're interested). As the network is actively scanned by recruiters, it must keep up with all participants in the process, opening up new opportunities and advanced offers.
Rule number 7: Do not go into the dark
LinkedIn loves active users: they receive more useful invitations and requests, more opportunities and other social benefits of media life.
Post, share useful information, bookmark statuses you like, stay in touch with people you know. Just don't go into the shadows!
Rule #8: One day, one post
Your LinkedIn page can easily become cluttered with information. Most LinkedIn etiquette experts recommend limiting yourself to one post per day. Not Twitter though.
Rule #9: Don't go overboard with affirmations, or too good is not good.
An over-enthusiastic user who gives positive attributes to everyone, it seems that he himself is looking for validation and verification of his skills. Like it or not, just follow LinkedIn etiquette. You don't need to be an expert to understand that behind such services lies the desire to get likes in return.
Rule number 10: Don't be short on compliments.
The opposite of over-enthusiasm and everything mentioned in the previous paragraph is stinginess with praise and support for other profiles. do not mind. Facilitating the promotion of another profile is part of professional ethics. It is only appropriate to provide good references to colleagues and other professionals you know. Of course, this is optional.
Rule #11: Don't feel obligated to leave positive feedback in return.
You may feel indebted to someone who gave you a good grade. These are natural human emotions. But you are under no obligation to mutually support his profile. Only if you really need to support another! Be guided by your inner drive, not by a sense of duty.
Rule #12: Write unique, targeted and meaningful comments on someone else's profile.
When you promote someone else's profile (in other words, comment positively on someone else's skills), be genuine and do it with purpose. Trivial comments show your lack of interest. The expression "a good person in all respects" is not an objective opinion. Much has been said, but nothing really. Targeted reviews are a positive feature. At the same time, the comments should be related to the area in which the person is interested. Write meaningfully based on your own experience.
Rule #13: Ask for positive references from those you know well.
In general, asking for positive feedback on your profile is risky business. However, despite the natural denial of this, this practice is very common in the LinkedIn domain. Here are some tips on how to structure and justify your request:
Specify why you're doing it: Maybe you're looking for a new job or starting your own business.
Specify your requests in the system. Professional queries resonate much more than generic words.
Ask for recommendations from those you know well. Not everyone in your contact list can give you positive recommendations. So surround yourself online with people you have a good professional relationship with.
Rule #14: Your profile picture must be professional.
Your LinkedIn photo can reveal more about you than any other profile information because it's the first thing people see. By looking at the photo, unwanted people make the first assumptions and conclusions about you.
