LinkedIn Etiquette

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know for recommendations. We ambush people, asking for favors before we’ve ever spent even two seconds of time building rapport. We shove our Tweets through our LinkedIn feeds, even though half the people on LinkedIn could care less about Twitter.

You want to use LinkedIn to your massive networking advantage? Then you need to start working strategically and mindfully. And before you even think about logging on next time—you need to digest a few basic rules of etiquette.

1. Generic Requests are for Suckers

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Page 1 of 5Your LinkedIn Intervention: 5 Changes You Must Make - Forbes

7/7/2012http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/07/06/your-linkedin-intervention-5-changes-y...

I’m going to assume that you use care in selecting who you’re going to invite into your LinkedIn network (you should). Why then, do you send them this note: “Debbie has indicated you are a friend?”

This generic invite is a huge turnoff to the majority of LinkedIn users—especially those who get dozens of requests each week, or who don’t really know who you are or why you’re attempting to link up. (Fact: I ignore each and every generic connection request I get.)

You absolutely must send a personalized note to every single person you’d like to connect with, telling them who you are and why you’re inviting them to connect. Sure, some of these people are your pals and they’ll know you right away. But in every instance that you extend an invite to a professional (or relatively unknown) contact? You have to introduce yourself and outline your goals and intentions.

2. When You Ask for a Recommendation, Be Specific (and Know the Person)

Clearly, LinkedIn recommendations can be massively advantageous. Third-party endorsements are job-seeking gold, especially when they come from clients, supervisors, or prominent professionals. So, don’t squander this opportunity by sending a vague or wishy-washy request for the recommendation (and definitely don’t ask people you barely know for an endorsement).

A great request will let the person know why you’re approaching, what, specifically, you’re looking for, and for what you intend to use the recommendation. Example:

It’s also a good idea to email the person directly before you send the LinkedIn recommendation request. This helps ensure that no one feels ambushed or obliged.

3. Avoid the Default Text Like the Plague

LinkedIn has some very nifty templates and default text available, which makes it so easy to do things like request an introduction to someone’s contact. Don’t do it. Just like you’re not going to send a generic connection request, you absolutely cannot use the LinkedIn default text to communicate with professional contacts. Make it personal. Make it specific. Make it clear that you’re not the laziest person alive.

4. Stop Tying Your Tweets to Your LinkedIn Feed

I don’t care how simple HootSuite and TweetDeck make it for you to integrate your Twitter feed into your LinkedIn status updates. Resist the urge. You’re

The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed

are those of the writer.

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“ Hi Susan, I’m currently seeking a new project management opportunity and wanted to ask if

you’d be willing to provide a recommendation outlining your experience working with me. Specifically, I’m looking at positions that require an ability to view the ‘big picture’ and then

assemble resources to ensure a project is completed on time and to budget.

If you could speak to my skills with managing both ‘big picture’ projects and critical details, I would be very grateful.”

The Daily Muse is a career- and lifestyle-focused magazine and community for professional women. We target a tremendously under-served demographic: smart women who want insightful articles and career advice written just for them, who

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dealing with two entirely different audiences, with different personalities, writing styles, and lingo.

Twitter is like a summer cocktail party. In all likelihood, not many people will bat an eye if you get drunk and fall into the pool. LinkedIn is the mixer that follows your big professional conference. Surely, you can be conversational in your LinkedIn updates. You just can’t get drunk and fall into the pool. Big difference—and good reason not to integrate the two.

5. Review Spelling and Grammar Like Your Life Depended on It

I’m continuously simultaneously entertained and horrified by the sloppy mistakes that come my way in LinkedIn requests. You want to establish a great connection or score a favor, introduction, or recommendation? Spell well. Brand yourself right from the start as a smart, articulate, and precise human being.

When it comes to LinkedIn, stop stinking, start thinking. And use these rules as your compass.

This article was originally published on The Daily Muse. For more on using social media in your professional life, check out:

• Effectice (and Non-Creepy) Ways to Stalk People on LinkedIn

• Social Media Scrutiny: How Companies See You

• Start Your Love Affair With LinkedIn

Jenny Foss operates a Portland, OR based recruiting firm, Ladder Recruiting Group, and is creator of the blog JobJenny.Your job search BFF and tough love expert on finding career passion, Jenny recently wrote her first ebook, To Whom It May Concern: Or, How to Stop Sucking at Your Job Search. You may also find Jenny on Twitter @JobJenny.

Photo courtesy of smi23le.

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