How To Geek On

I originally posted this article in October.  Since then, it’s become the most viewed post on this site.  Additionally I’ve learned that the #1 worst mistake you can make on LinkedIn is to attempt to connect to people you don’t know without an introduction.  Enjoy… again.

LinkedIn is an awesome tool.  Make sure you’re using it to your advantage.

Generic Headline

I made this mistake in my last transition, but didn’t notice it until recently.  My headline read “Software Professional”.  My thinking was that this would let people know that I had a broad skill set and I was available for a variety of jobs.  I thought this would be to my benefit.  It wasn’t.

Instead, what it did was keep me from a lot of jobs that would have been a great fit.  People don’t know how to interpret “Software Professional”.  It’s too generic.  It makes them think.  They have to read your entire profile to see what you do.  They have to consider whether you can help them.  Do you know how many busy hiring managers will do this?  That’s right, zero.

If you’re a Project Manager, say it.  If you’re a J2EE Expert, go with that as your headline.  If you’re an Automated Testing Guru write that on your headline.

No Picture

How often have you gone looking for old co-workers and found one whose name you didn’t remember… until you saw their picture!  How many people are avoiding connecting with you because they don’t quite remember who you are?  If you have a common name, this is especially important.

Not Connecting with Former Co-workers

If you’ve had even one year in a position, there are probably dozens of people you worked with.  Make sure to connect with them.  If you’ve been in your career for 10 years there are hundreds and hundreds of people you’ve worked with.  Connect with as many as you can as early as you can and then keep up with them.

Each of these people may have worked at the same company you used to work at, but with a 27% turnover rate amongst software engineers and programmers, chances are they are at a different company now.  Who knows, maybe they’re hiring.

Not Joining Groups

Groups are a great way to expand your network.  Check to make sure that you’re in company alumni groups as well as the alumni group for your college or university.  Also, there are groups for regions, specialties, and interests.  Join them to meet more people and find more great opportunities.

Letting Relationships Atrophy

Each of the people in your network is someone who you can either help or be helped by.  As much as we technical folks would like to believe that the world is a place run by great code, it’s actually run by “who you know”.  Keep up with the people in your network.  Check in from time to time.  Keep your relationships fresh.  One day, it will pay off.

Status: “Looking for work in Raleigh, NC”

You don’t have to say this.  People will understand that you’re looking for work when they see your activity on LinkedIn skyrocket.

Plus, this sounds too much like “I need a paycheck”.  Even if it’s true, employers are looking for excitement and passion for the job.  They want to know that you really want to do this.  Your status, if you’re going to use it to get across the point that you’re looking, needs to reflect that passion.

I hope these mistakes are ones you can learn from before making them!