LinkedIn is a professional platform. There is a certain expectation for how sales professionals should act when interacting with others.

As sales recruiters, we have observed various behaviours on LinkedIn that can potentially hinder a sales job candidate’s professional image and hurt their prospects of getting a job. Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity or interacting with prospects and clients, there are certain actions you shouldn’t do.

Here’s a list of behaviours to avoid on LinkedIn:

1. Sharing inappropriate or unprofessional content

Refrain from sharing or engaging with content that is offensive, controversial, or irrelevant to your professional image. Maintain a professional tone and ensure that your posts and comments align with the expectations of your target audience and potential employers.

2. Neglecting your LinkedIn profile – keep it up to date!

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital representation to potential employers. Avoid neglecting it or leaving it incomplete. Ensure that your profile is up-to-date. Include accurate information about your work experience, skills, and achievements. A neglected profile can give the impression of disinterest or a lack of attention to detail. People could also assume your account is fake.

3. You are overly sales-focused

While LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, it is crucial to strike a balance in how you communicate. Avoid overly sales-focused messages when reaching out to potential employers or connections. Instead, focus on building relationships, offering value, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

4. Spamming or excessive self-promotion

Bombarding your connections with excessive self-promotion or unsolicited messages can damage your professional reputation. Avoid sending repetitive sales pitches or mass messages. Focus on providing value and building authentic relationships rather than solely promoting yourself or your products/services.

5. Ignoring engagement and interaction

LinkedIn is a platform for networking and building professional relationships. Avoid being a passive user by simply consuming content without engaging with others. Take the time to comment on and share posts, join relevant discussions, and respond to messages in a timely manner. This will help you build relationships with prospects.

6. Overstepping professional boundaries

While it’s important to be proactive and assertive in your job search, it’s essential to respect professional boundaries. Avoid excessively contacting or pursuing individuals who have shown disinterest or declined your offers. Persistence is admirable, but crossing boundaries can harm your professional reputation.

Also, remember that LinkedIn is not a dating site. It’s not a place for you to engage in professional contact for personal matters.

7. Sharing confidential or sensitive information

Social media is not the place to share sensitive information. Be cautious about sharing confidential or sensitive information about your current or previous employers. Maintain professionalism and respect the privacy of others. Sharing proprietary information or sensitive details can raise ethical concerns and jeopardize your chances of securing a job. It could also make you a target to have your account hacked or compromised.

Always present yourself as a professional sales job candidate. This will help you enhance your credibility, and increase your chances of attracting the attention of potential employers and networking effectively within the sales community.

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