Welcome back to the continuation of Are You Really Linkedin? The previous blog discussed several options you have when requesting and submitting recommendations through Linkedin. This is a great way to add interest to your profile. If you are a job seeker that wants to increase traffic on your page related to your skills, I encourage you to continue reading this blog.
Auto-posting versus proofreading
Linkedin provides ample opportunities to revise and correct recommendations. Arguably, it’s your responsibility to proofread recommendations you’ve asked for. If you haven’t done this in the past, I highly recommend that you do so going forward. Never automatically post any recommendation before thoroughly reviewing it. Printed hardcopies often reveal unfortunate mistakes previously unseen through a computer monitor.
When relying on LinkedIn’s InMail request for corrections, be specific about exactly what changes need to be made. Nothing is more annoying than auto-posting a recommendation and then finding an error after it’s been exposed to the original author as well as the world wide web! Grammatical errors are a direct reflection of both you and your connection. Unfortunately, you are now both being judged.
I encourage you to make it a point to choose to write recommendations for various connections who haven’t asked you for one; especially if you feel comfortable in acknowledging their professionalism in the workplace. The receiver will be both thrilled and honored! Though it is rare that your recommendation will be turned down; know that your connection does reserve the right to either “accept” or “decline” the gesture (Although highly unlikely, it does happen; especially if poorly written or not well-thought-out).
If you would like to learn more about ways to increase the positive impact of your online job search presence, please check the Workforce Solutions schedule to participate in two of our most popular seminars entitled, “Using the Internet” and “Making Connections.” Believe me; both of them come highly recommended!
Frieda Carmouche is a member of the Regional Facilitator team specializing in training, educating and assisting students, job seekers, employers and career center staff throughout the Gulf Coast region, regardless of abilities. She obtained her BFA in Graphic Communications and minored in Psychology from The University of Houston. Frieda, a native Houstonian with a love of training and development, and has been employed by Workforce Solutions for over 10 years.
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