A guide to LinkedIn etiquette

LinkedIn isn’t like other social networks. While it’s social, it has a distinct professional tone where people act with purpose and business-like polish. For many seasoned professionals, particularly those in the 40-plus range, the rules of LinkedIn can feel unspoken and occasionally elusive.

So, let’s break down a few of the unwritten etiquette rules of LinkedIn that every senior professional should know.

1. Respond promptly to invitations

In the LinkedIn community, a prompt response signals reliability. After an in-person meeting or networking event, an invitation may follow. Aim to respond swiftly to stay connected and show that you’re engaged. A late or ignored response could inadvertently signal disinterest, which could close the door on potential opportunities. On the other hand, if you don’t know the person that is sending you the invitation and would rather not connect, that is okay too. 

2. Avoid using “I don’t know” unless necessary

Marking someone as “I don’t know” is stronger than simply ignoring a request; it can lead to penalties for the person sending the invitation. Use it only if the person seems suspicious or could negatively impact the network. For suspected fake profiles, the “Report as Spam” option is a more direct route.

3. Personalise your invitations

LinkedIn’s default connection message may be convenient, but it lacks the professional touch expected from seasoned networkers. When reaching out, take a moment to personalise the invitation, perhaps referencing a recent event, shared connections, or industry interests. A tailored message conveys that you value genuine relationships.

4. Respect connection limits

Repeated connection requests are the online equivalent of interrupting someone at a business function. If your request is not accepted, resist the urge to “remind” by resending it unless you have a legitimate reason to follow up.

5. Follow contact preferences

LinkedIn allows users to set contact preferences to signal their openness to new connections. Take a moment to review these before reaching out, especially if you’re a recruiter or business development professional. Respecting someone’s boundaries is essential in building trust from the outset.

6. Maintain an active but professional presence

LinkedIn rewards activity, so regular posting or engagement with your network is valuable. However, a balanced approach is best: limit posts to once daily (ideally three times per week), focusing on quality over quantity. LinkedIn isn’t Twitter; excessive posting can overwhelm your connections, detracting from your key messages.

7. Keep endorsements meaningful

Endorsing a skill on LinkedIn can be an effective way to show support, but endorsing excessively can come across as insincere or self-serving. Aim to endorse only those skills you know a person genuinely possesses. When giving endorsements, be specific and highlight the person’s unique contributions—it reflects your experience with them and makes your endorsement more valuable.

8. Request endorsements selectively

Asking for endorsements is acceptable, but only when relevant and from connections who truly understand your expertise. For example, if you’re venturing into a new role or industry, request specific endorsements from close colleagues who can speak to your relevant skills.

9. Choose a professional profile photo

Your profile photo is the first impression people get on LinkedIn. A professional headshot helps convey credibility and approachability. Avoid personal photos – LinkedIn isn’t the place for casual images, as a polished look reinforces your brand.

Equally important is to avoid not having a photo at all. Profiles without a photo can seem incomplete or even untrustworthy, as it leaves a critical part of your professional identity blank

10. Engage with posts thoughtfully

Thoughtful engagement on posts, whether through insightful comments or by sharing relevant articles, builds your credibility and increases visibility within your network. Aim for interactions that add value, like industry insights or constructive perspectives, rather than simply “liking” everything in your feed.

Conclusion

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for senior professionals to stay connected, share expertise, and open doors to new opportunities. By following these often unspoken rules of LinkedIn etiquette, you can create a polished digital presence that resonates with your experience and reinforces your reputation.

**What are some other LinkedIn etiquette tips that you’ve found useful?**