When I first joined Linked In about 10 years ago, it was a somewhat “exclusive elite professional community”. There was definitely no mobile application and the website was not as advanced as it is today. Nevertheless, it was indeed an attractive networking medium with calibers from all over the world, creating groups to discuss various business topics. Nowadays, Linked In is being treated like a semi-social mimic of Facebook, the bastard son of Twitter and the ugly twin sister of Instagram all at the same time! Before getting into Linked In, you need to put some thought into how Linked In is so much different form all other Social Media channels:
“I don’t need to see your photo posts of “seven rules of happiness”, or photo posts in which you encourage people to “pray” so that God would send them work”
- You should not share you photo in 6IX Degrees on Linked In! No, we needn’t know about your girlfriend’s sexy crop top and the type of booze you like to drink. I sure did not add you to my professional network to get acquainted with your pink rolled up shorts!
- You should not post a status update about your frustration from life, how sad you are and how much you are a heart-broken lonely bird! We are “connections”, not friends. And I definitely do not need to see the Facebook attention grabbing attitude on yet another Social Network!
- You should not post a photo every 2 hours. I do not need you to stamp my timeline with inspiring photos you circulate in tea parties on the wall that is supposed to bring me some beneficial information about a sales lead or a career potential! Why am I seeing posters of blonde toddlers with a very shallow quotation written on it? Why?
- I don’t need to see your photo posts of “seven rules of happiness”, or photo posts in which you encourage people to “pray” so that God would send them work, since they have been looking for a career on Linked In for a while with no luck!
- You should not post a status every other hour. You should not put your political opinions, your mood swings, your food cravings and your personal statement concerning Pokémon hunting on Linked In! No, I would rather use this wall to – perhaps – land a job?
Now that we got basic grips on the uniqueness of Linked In, make sure you are very careful who you connect with on Linked In. The variety of freaks on Linked In is way more interesting than the perverts we are used to from Facebook:
The Freelancer/Influencer: This is an unemployed person who has no business being on Linked In but to waste your time. Someone without a full time job, no part time job and no real record of professional activity does not need to be on Linked In except for mean or twisted purposes!
“Be it global warming or your clogged shower drain, he will definitely comment about how much you represent the contemporary views of a modern woman”
The Stalker: Now that guy will always like any status you post and comment on how much of a great idea it is. Be it global warming or your clogged shower drain, he will definitely comment about how much you represent the contemporary views of a modern woman. Well, he is complimenting your brain to get into your… head! Stay away from this guy, because any moment now he will inbox you some lousy message, trying to pick a private conversation with you. Delete it and move on!
The “Likes Wh***”: this person will post anything to get as many likes and comments as he/she can get! Take this for instance: “a multinational company based in Saudi Arabia is looking for graduates from all majors to join one of its newest projects with attractive salaries and benefits. If you are interested pls like or comment and I will check your profile”. People fall for it every time! I see thousands of likes and comments and I feel sad for the poor calibers waiting for a call, hoping that this will land them their dream job!
Now you know what Linked In is and who you are meeting there, you are free to create an account or review the account you have created as well as your connections. Just remember that it is called “Linked In” not “Link-ked In”. Adieus!
Regina Inani
HR Manager
Twitter: @GinaInani
