5 tips on how to properly use business social networking websites
- Let others know why they should meet you. Your job is not everything. Most users enter their current job title and company in the headline that is displayed under their name and surname. However, we do not recommend that as if you want to take full advantage of search engine algorithms and the methods that are used by recruiters who are looking for candidates with certain competencies. To make your profile more interesting, you should consider writing a short summary of your professional experience, e.g. "Accounting team manager with fluent knowledge of German and French", "Brand management expert in the financial sector, new media enthusiast" or "Freelance graphic designer with experience in corporate projects". Decide which keywords or phrases you should use so that recruiters will be directed to your profile when they use a search engine. A good headline will answer the following question: "How can this user help me?".
- Take care of your profile as you would take care of your appearance before a business meeting. First impressions are important in both cases. Take care to ensure that visitors to your profile will see you as a professional. Upload an appropriate photograph. You should not use a sterile passport photo or a cropped part of a group photo. Choose a high-quality business photograph. Proofread the contents of your page for spelling and grammar errors (if your page is in a foreign language, ask a native speaker to proofread it for you). Create a personalized URL, i.e. an internet address that will direct people to your profile (when applying for jobs in the future you will be able to send recruiters a short and simple link).
- Be an expert on your industry. The most common misconception in Poland is that all people who use business social networking websites are looking for a new job. However, more and more professionals and managers are discovering that such websites are great for expanding your knowledge, keeping up with the recent developments and meeting your colleagues online. Sharing knowledge, e.g. interesting opinion pieces or market research, in the form of popular statuses is a good thing to do. You should search for groups that focus on a given profession (we have to admit, however, that the most heated discussions take place in English). Those who wish to express their thoughts at length should check out LinkedIn Pulse, a blog website that is part of LinkedIn (to be able to publish an article you must first change the website language to English).
- Think before you post. The previous point applies only to conversations on professional topics. Business social networking websites are plagued by users who think that they are the perfect place to share funny riddles or family vacation photos. Sharing such content may result in negative feedback from other users and a hit to your professional image. "That's what Facebook is for" – say the LinkedIn purists. And they are right.
- Reply to messages in line with business etiquette. This may sometimes be irritating as your inbox will often be filled with messages inviting you to recruiting processes that you are not interested in. However, replying to messages is a habit that will pay off in the future. Why? Mostly because you are very likely going to end up looking for a new job even if you are not thinking about it now. Answer the messages, be honest and say that while you are not interested in a new job now, they might want to keep your contact data. Say which jobs you might be interested in if the position that was offered to you did not meet your expectations. If the offer was an obvious mistake (e.g. the job was in another sector or it was an offer to take part in a student internship programme and you have been a manager for several years), consider if it really is a good idea to share it along with a sarcastic comment. Of course, you may get lots of comments and likes from other users, and you may "teach the recruiter a lesson", but such snarky posts may also deter other recruiters from contacting you. And maybe their project portfolio includes offers that you might be interested in. Therefore, you should treat each attempt at getting in touch with you as a networking session. When someone approaches you and asks you a question at a business event, you do not turn your back on them and walk away. The same should be the case with business social networking websites. The sooner you accept it, the better off you will be.
