Your LinkedIn Reputation: Is it Helping or Hurting You?

A CareerBuilder survey found 51 percent of employers who research job candidates on social media said they’ve found content that caused them to not hire the candidate (up 17% in two years). However, 1/3 of employers were actually more likely to hire a candidate when finding favorable social media content.

Perhaps you're self-employed. Customers and clients are researching you, too.

Here are some simple behaviors to build a solid LinkedIn reputation:

Add value.

Contribute content to your network by writing articles in your area of expertise, or sharing relevant content to your connections, and groups you belong to. Add thoughtful comments to discussions, and you will soon develop a reputation as an intelligent and valued member of this community.

Give, don’t just take.

There are people on LinkedIn who are more into receiving, than giving. They become active because they need something, want to sell you something, or need an "in." They focus energy thinking of ways to get. I had a woman contact me recently, telling me things she wanted my help with. I helped her, and she was gone without a thank you.

People are going to be more willing to help you if you are, yourself, a giver, and have an attitude of thankfulness. Endorse people, write sincere recommendations without asking for anything in return, help people network, send job openings that might interest them, and keep your eyes open for someone you might help each week.

Be an encourager.

People are making themselves somewhat vulnerable when they share in a social networking setting. Encourage them by letting them know what you liked about something they shared, or an article they wrote. Supportive feedback makes everyone’s day a little brighter. If you have objective and constructive feedback to share, please do, but send it privately, and only if you have helpful intent, versus trying to be right, or look good.

Be positive.

It’s like mom used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Don’t use the comments section to let off steam at someone else’s expense. There’s a person on the receiving end of your remarks, so be considerate. The tongue (or fingers, in this case) should have three gatekeepers: Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind?

Keep it professional.

Avoid making petty or sarcastic comments, or getting into arguments.

It's not worth the risk to your reputation to associate yourself with online drama, even if you're "right." In fact, you may create a perception you don't have the restraint or self-control to avoid ignorant people. Conflict isn't always bad, and contrary opinion is powerful to drive change, but the person you're arguing with took a lifetime to form their opinions and you're not going to change their mind with a social media comment.

I would also add watch the language you choose; ensure it's appropriate and reflects positively on your professionalism. 

Answer the call.

When people ask for help, and it’s a reasonable request that you’re able to fill, lend a hand instead of scrolling on by.

Be authentic.

Don’t use shady tactics to boost your profile views, such as indiscriminately “liking” every comment under articles to draw attention to you and your profile. You'll get attention, but not the kind you want. If you resort to cheap tricks, it may get you profile views in the short run, but people will regard you as a dirty salesman in the long run.

What behaviors would add to this list?

All the best to you!
Kristin

Kristin Sherry is founder of Virtus Career Consulting
http://www.virtuscareers.com