If you’re like most professionals, you’re on LinkedIn. That’s great. However, did you know that you could be making some common mistakes that could be hurting your reputation and professional brand? To help ensure you put your best foot forward on LinkedIn and other career social media sites, here are a few blunders to avoid:

Mistake #1: Posting an unprofessional image.

You don’t need to spend hundreds on a professional headshot. However, that doesn’t mean the picture taken of you at a backyard barbecue will be appropriate either. Make sure whatever photo of yourself you do post, it’s professional looking and only of you…not you and your three kids.

Mistake #2: Using too much hyperbole.

Skip the adjectives and stick to the facts, just as you would on a resume. That means avoiding words like “expert,” “guru” and “charismatic leader.” Even if those statements are true about you, you should demonstrate it through your accomplishments and testimonials. Let other people do the praising.

Mistake #3: Exaggerating your experience.

If you put information on your LinkedIn profile that simply isn’t true, your boss and co-workers will be able to see it easily enough. They will know you’re lying, which will destroy your credibility and chances of getting promoted. Stay honest instead.

Mistake #4: Sending out generic connection requests.

If you’re looking to connect with someone on LinkedIn, don’t send them a generic request. Instead, it’s smarter to personalize your message and remind them of how you two know each other. You’ll make a better impression and increase your odds of a successful connection.

Mistake #5: Asking for recommendations from those you barely know.

With LinkedIn, you might have a lot of connections – especially 2nd and 3rd degree ones – that you don’t know very well. When that’s the case, don’t ask them to refer you for a job opening or write a recommendation. Asking for a recommendation is equivalent to saying that have direct experience with you and can vouch for your abilities. So when you ask for recommendations from those you barely know, it places them in an awkward spot.

Mistake #6: Overdoing the endorsements.

Anyone can endorse you for anything at anytime. As a result, endorsements via LinkedIn don’t carry much weight with a lot of people. So don’t let your profile get crowded by these “endorsements” for skill sets you may not even have.

Do you need help sharpening your LinkedIn profile so you get noticed by hiring managers? Murray Resources can help. As one of the leading staffing services firms in Houston, TX, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from crafting a strong resume to preparing for interviews to finding Houston job opportunities that are a great fit for your skills and background. Contact us today to get started.