Professional Image Tips for a Virtual World: LinkedIn
In today’s world of Media overload, and virtual footprints – it is more important than ever to manage your professional image. This is Part 1 in a series of blog posts on professional image tips for a virtual world. I will explain how to clean up your page, what to included and what not to include, and finally if you have really left an embarrassing trail I will introduce you to some software, and companies that will for a fee help to restore and defend your reputation.So let’s get started with LinkedIn – It is essentially a virtual resume, and should be treated as such. So here are some tips to look Professional and, Approachable on LinkedIn.
Do:
- Provide your Real Name – never use an alias or a screen name or name of your business
- Use a picture of yourself that you would be proud to frame and give to your grandmother. It doesn’t have to be professionally taken. But it shouldn’t be taken at a Bar either. I would suggest a picture of just you in a friendly setting, with a clear view of your face – your avatar is a part of your first impression so make it a good one.
- Use an application such as box.net to upload your work portfolio – resume, copy creation,photos of achievement, articles you have written, or anything you would be proud of as to mention it during an interview with a potential employer or client.
- Write your profile in the first person, this is first impression on which you are, so write incomfortable tones, and keep it informational in regards to your field, or specialty. Keep it focused. You don’t what to seem to be all over the place.
- Recommend people for their good works. They may repay you with a positive recommendation back.
- Proof read your profile, and all of your information. LinkedIn is a professional virtual setting, somake sure that you are well spoken, and free of grammar mistakes.
Don’t:
- Use information that is out dated, like high school activities – unless you are within 2 years from when you graduated; stir clear.
- Ever LIE!! Never falsify documents or plagiarize. It will be horrible for your integrity, and future digital footprint.
- Speak poorly of others; this may lead to negative feedback, and looks unprofessional to clients and future employers.
Stay tuned for my next installment when I will provide tips for looking good on Facebook.
