​LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers and professionals looking to connect with others in their industry. However, it's easy to make mistakes on the platform, especially if you're new. Here are four rookie mistakes you need to avoid on LinkedIn:

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Using a low-quality profile picture

Your profile picture is the first thing people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, so it's important to choose a high-quality, professional-looking photo. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, and opt for a headshot that shows your face clearly. It's also a good idea to smile in your profile picture, as this can convey friendliness and approachability.

A professional photo helps to establish your credibility and can make you more trustworthy to potential connections, clients, or employers. It will also help you make a positive first impression, which can be important in networking or seeking job opportunities.

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Having an incomplete profile

A LinkedIn profile that is incomplete or lacking in detail is less likely to be noticed by recruiters and other professionals. Make sure to include information about your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, and be sure to highlight any relevant projects or achievements. You should also consider including a summary of your career goals and a description of your professional brand.

LinkedIn's search algorithms prioritize profiles that are more complete, so a fully filled out profile is more likely to show up in search results.

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Ignoring the "skills" section

The skills section of your LinkedIn profile is an opportunity to showcase your expertise and highlight any specialties you may have. Be sure to list any relevant skills you possess, and consider getting endorsements from colleagues or clients to help validate your abilities.

Further, endorsing and being endorsed for skills can help build credibility and trust with potential connections, clients, or employers.

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Not networking

LinkedIn is a social platform, so it's important to actively engage with others in your industry. This could involve joining relevant groups, commenting on industry-related articles, or reaching out to people you admire or hope to work with. By networking on LinkedIn, you can make valuable connections and potentially land job opportunities.

Connect with people you know, including colleagues, classmates, and friends. You can also join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests to connect with like-minded professionals.

By avoiding these rookie mistakes, you can improve your LinkedIn profile and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and other professionals.

LinkedIn has over 875 million users as of early 2023, and that the platform is used by job seekers, hiring managers, and recruiters around the world. Many professionals have reported success in finding jobs, growing their businesses, and building meaningful professional relationships through LinkedIn.