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16 de November de 2023
Red Flags in Your LinkedIn Profile
You’ve surely seen this: you head to the beach with plans to swim in the sea, and there it is; the red flag signals danger. So, you step back – it’s not a good idea to go in.
However, red flags -or warning signs– also appear in everyday situations, such as when we meet someone and observe behaviors that make us uneasy, or when we’re planning to make a restaurant reservation and notice multiple negative reviews on Google.
Of course, red flags also show up in the professional world and they become noticeable on platforms like LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with over 300 million active users per month. But what does ‘red flag’ mean here? And what are the things on your LinkedIn profile that might scare away recruiters, executives or HR teams from the company you want to join?
If you’re actively looking for a job, you not only want to know the answers to these questions, but you need them. It’s possible that, without realizing it, you’re pushing away the job you want so much.
What are red flags?
Red flags are signals of potential trouble. This term has gained popularity lately, especially on social media, and is often linked with romantic relationships. In this context, it refers to behaviors or attitudes of someone you’re connecting with or getting to know, indicating that the relationship might not be healthy.
However, nowadays, this term has broadened its scope beyond romantic relationships and is used to identify negative signs in various situations. It has even found its place in the professional world, which is what this article is about: the red flags on your LinkedIn profile that you might be overlooking.
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Red flags on your LinkedIn profile you should avoid if you don’t want to scare away recruiters
No providing the job title and not explaining what were your roles
A major red flag for recruiters is when they can’t figure out what you do, your experience, your responsibilities and your career path. You should be clear, straightforward and concise. Your job title and role should be crystal clear since they’re the first things recruiters notice.
In journalism, they put the most important things upfront and, then, content should follow a hierarchy of importance. Likewise, a recruiter should find answers to their questions while reading your content. If your role isn’t clear, it can cause confusion and waste their time.
Not highlighting your soft skills
Another common mistake is solely focusing on your technical and academic background. These days, companies and HR professionals also place a high value on soft skills.
According to a report from iCIMS Hiring Insights, 94% of recruitment professionals believe that profiles with strong soft skills have better opportunities than employees with more experience but less developed soft skills.
We recommend including proof to back up your statements. Simply stating that you work well in a team, for example, isn’t enough. It’s a good idea to add contact information for references, like your former boss or past employers, to support your claims. If you emphasize empathy and sensitivity as soft skills, you can mention volunteer work you’ve done as evidence.
Demanding remote work
Flexibility is a great asset at work and in life. That’s why we recommend not explicitly mentioning remote work in your LinkedIn profile. Instead, demonstrate that you’re open to various options and adaptable.
If remote or hybrid work is important to you, consider that down the line, after you’ve joined the company, you may have the chance to discuss your work arrangements with your manager.
Including non-relevant information
Make sure the information on your profile adds value. Not everything in your work history is crucial or useful. Your content should align with the roles you’re pursuing and the industry you want to work in.
Review your profile content and ask yourself: Does what I’m sharing offer valuable information? Can I back it up with strong arguments that support these skills, experiences and achievements?
Not paying attention to your writing
Not minding spelling, grammar, style, and words can be a red flag, making you seem careless and unreliable. It’s like going to an interview in inappropriate attire.
Pay attention to your writing: check for spelling and grammar errors, use punctuation for readability and keep your information clear and simple — avoid complicated words. In this case, simplicity is best.
Mistaking LinkedIn for personal social media
LinkedIn is a useful platform for discussing work-related topics and personal experiences that offer professional insights.
However, don’t get it mixed up with Instagram or Facebook. Your LinkedIn profile isn’t the place for personal photos like birthdays or hanging out with friends. Such posts not only lack useful information but can also deter recruiters.
Make sure that the information in your profile and your CV is consistent
It’s important to have consistency between the information on your profile and your resume. Contradictory or mismatched details can make recruiters uneasy.
