Searching for a new job Avoid these 6 LinkedIn mistakes Viewpoint careers advice blog

Searching for a new job Avoid these 6 LinkedIn mistakes Theres no escaping it, hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates. Savvy and experienced candidate screeners can spot a false claim on an online profile very quickly, so make sure you can back up every  statement you make. Here are six of the most common LinkedIn mistakes to avoid: 1. Giving yourself a retrospective promotion It can be tempting to go back in time to give yourself a promotion. You may well have taken care of managing a broad range of tasks while working as an accounting assistant but that doesn’t make you an accountant unless you are the real deal. Expert screeners know when something just doesn’t add up and will see you as dishonest. Elevating your title from “Finance Manager” to “Finance Director” because you worked in a small firm and you were the most senior finance person could put your credibility at risk unnecessarily. A fib here or there could see your chances reduced from shortlist to dust bin in a moment. Even if you made it to a shortlist, you’ll be left floundering in a job interview when peppered with questions testing your work history in detail. 2. Taking  credit for the work of others The great thing about LinkedIn is it’s so accessible but this also means any claims you make can be seen by lots of people, including co-workers and former colleagues. Responsibilities tell a potential employer about your job role while achievements describe your job performance, and so both should be showcased on your LinkedIn profile â€" but make sure they really are yours. Claiming an achievement that belongs to someone else is dishonest and will only damage your reputation in the long run. 3. Papering over your job timeline history Where you worked, exactly when and for how long is a key focus for any potential employer. Don’t fudge dates and try and fill gaps with fake employment experience. Also, make sure any claim you make in your online profile is consistent with what you outline in your resume and employment applications. Inconsistencies are a red flag for those screening candidates. 4.  Valuing quantity over quality Whilst it is tempting to try and connect with as many people as possible, the real strength of your LinkedIn network lies in connecting to those in your industry, profession or sector. Accepting every invite that comes your way weakens the quality of your network. Always view the profile of someone asking to connect with you to ensure they are relevant to your network. 5.  Not including an image Ensure you include a professional-looking head and shoulders shot of yourself with your profile â€" preferably smiling. Avoid heavy photo shopping â€" you want to be recognised at job interviews â€" as well as wedding shots with your spouse cropped out or holidays shots showing you in casual gear. 6. Tit for tat recommendations LinkedIn recommendations work best when  they are authentic and given by managers, clients and other people you have provided an excellent service to. Recommendations provided by peers and friends are not a credible way of building your personal brand. About to start your job search? Reading our job searching tips will help ensure it’s a success A simple guide to writing the perfect resume/CV How to impress a recruiter with your resume/CV How to optimise your LinkedIn profile How to make full use of technology during your job search Common cover letter mistakes How to market yourself in your job search Focus your interview on fit Stop making these common job search mistakes Make your interviewer love you