Mistakes Job Seekers Make on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Mistake 2: Not Stating Your Intentions Up FrontA few weeks ago, I received the following LinkedIn In-MailHi Joshua, I obtained your name through the Boston University MBA LinkedIn Group. I graduated from the School of Management last year and I am in the process of making a career transition.  It would be helpful for me to ask you questions about your experiences as an Sales Account Manager for Cisco.  I am not expecting to discuss a particular employment position but I would appreciate being able to talk with you on an informational basis. I thank you in advance. Regards,This is the perfect email format. Lets look at the key elementsShe told me how she found me, the BU Group.She gave me just enough background info about herself so I can know why she chose to reach out to me, her graduation date and her career transition.She told me the topic that she wanted to discuss with me.She made sure I knew she wasnt trying to solicit me for a job, and she didnt sound desperate.The email was short and to the point, clearly respecting my time.I got back to her right away and made sure to answer all of her questions. I suggest your requests for info interviews keep to a similar format.LinkedIn Mistake 3: Letting a Robot Speak with Your VoiceLinkedIn does a fabulous job telling you who you might know. When I log into my account, I can see old colleagues whom I havent spoken with since 2006 or earlier. I can see some jerks I used to work with who took pleasure in kicking puppies. But I dont see people whom Id like to connect with in order to grow my business.The direction of your network is in your hands. You need to make sure that you steer it in a direction that is strategic to your job search. Make sure to connect with people who are in industries that interest you, in companies you might like to learn more about or even in geographies that you would like to move to.On a similar note, when connecting with folks, NEVER use the built in message:Id like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.You are not a robot. Dont talk like one! Use your voice and personalize your request to connect. Not doing this is the fastest way to banality. To stand apart from other job seekers, you need to be different in ALL of your communications. Use every chance you get to demonstrate your personality and motivation.Where those tips useful for you? Do you have more tips to share? LinkedIn pet-peeves? Please comment below to share with me and the other readers.