LinkedIn Etiquette in Networking

In today’s culture, having social skills is not only the ability to interact and communicate with people but also how to behave and interface in the digital world. When you are job searching, this becomes extremely important. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool when used for networking, research, business development, and transitioning into a new position. However, there are rules of etiquette which we should all keep in mind as we navigate our way along the job search journey.

Building quality relationships is a goal of networking. Beginning with current or former colleagues and friends is a great way to build your connection list. Adding people that you’ve met at meetings can also increase your connection number. But, inviting people who you do not know or have no other relationship with is called blind networking and should be avoided. Concentrate on quality connections - not quantity. When researching someone on LinkedIn, don’t focus on the connection number. The person with a LinkedIn profile of 500 or more connections is no more educated, experienced, skilled, or connected than a person with 150 connections.

Once you’ve established a network, be a considerate connection. Don’t ask people to recommend you for something they have little knowledge of. Recommendations should be from legitimate sources - those you give and receive. Ask former colleagues and managers to endorse you. Friends and relatives who are able to comment about your work can also give their support in the form of a recommendation. When you are writing about a connection, make sure you have first-hand knowledge of the person’s work. Remember, not only do the recommendations you receive reflect upon your profile but those that you give do as well. If you give a recommendation to someone who ends up not being a credible connection, your reputation may be at stake. Recommendations are a valuable component on your LinkedIn profile and should be taken as seriously as your reference list.

Use common sense and consideration when networking on LinkedIn and respect your connections. LinkedIn is a professional tool we all use to communicate with one another. Whether you are a job seeker, employed in a position, recruiter, or a hiring manager, it will behoove us all to use basic etiquette to ensure that the profiles we view today are relevant and legitimate.