LinkedIn Redefined: Building a Professional Presence in a Sea of Noise

While specific data on the prevalence of inappropriate or overly personal posts on LinkedIn is limited, there is significant anecdotal evidence and professional discussions that highlight a shift in how some users approach the platform. Many users have noted an increase in posts that resemble content more suited to personal social media platforms, like Facebook or Instagram. These posts may focus on self-promotion, unsolicited life advice, or even humble bragging.

I will share some of the key concerns about the platform, things you can do to maintain professionalism and use LinkedIn effectively.

Here are some of the key concerns:

1. Self-Aggrandizing “Look at Me” Posts
   Posts that focus on exaggerated personal achievements or bragging without substance have become increasingly common. Instead of providing value to the professional community, these types of posts often come off as self-serving.
2. Inappropriate Content for a Professional Network
   LinkedIn is a professional platform, but many users treat it like a personal diary, sharing overly personal or irrelevant life details that do not add to their professional credibility. Emotional rants, unprofessional behavior, and irrelevant life stories dilute LinkedIn’s value as a space for industry insights and networking.
3. Overuse of Engagement-Baiting Tactics
   Some users post content designed to drive engagement at any cost, such as overly emotional or controversial posts meant to go viral. These posts often do not provide meaningful value and may turn off professionals who seek to keep LinkedIn a constructive platform.
4. Professional Humble bragging
   There’s also an uptick in posts that appear to be humble brags, where users disguise self-promotion as humility. Examples include sharing a “failure” that still somehow leads to a success story or fishing for compliments on minor achievements.

Overcoming the Noise: How to Stay Professional Amidst LinkedIn Foolishness

Given that LinkedIn is a critical tool for personal branding and career growth, it’s important to navigate the platform carefully to avoid getting lost in the sea of inappropriate content. Here’s how to maintain a strong, professional presence:

1. Focus on Value-Driven Content
   To stand out on LinkedIn in a meaningful way, focus on adding value to your network. Share insightful articles, industry trends, and thoughtful commentary that contributes to professional conversations. Avoid sharing content for the sake of engagement; instead, provide actionable insights that help others.
2. Use Professional Tone and Approach
   Treat LinkedIn like you would a business meeting. Use professional language, avoid over-personalizing your posts, and be mindful of what you share. Keep the tone of your posts professional and solution-focused. Ask yourself if what you’re sharing would contribute positively to a conversation in a boardroom.
3. Engage Thoughtfully, Not Emotionally
   While it’s important to engage with others’ content, it’s equally important to do so thoughtfully. Avoid knee-jerk reactions to emotional or controversial posts. Instead, participate in discussions where you can add value, or engage with posts that align with your professional goals.
4. Lead by Example
   By consistently posting valuable, professional content, you can set an example for others in your network. Rather than falling into the trap of chasing likes and shares, demonstrate what constructive, insightful, and helpful LinkedIn behavior looks like. Your influence can inspire your connections to follow suit.
5. Manage Your Feed
   If certain types of posts or users are consistently distracting or lowering the quality of your LinkedIn experience, don’t hesitate to manage your feed. Unfollow connections who post irrelevant or unprofessional content, or simply hide their posts. This will allow you to focus on content that adds value to your professional life.
6. Build a Strong Professional Network
   Be selective about the people you connect with on LinkedIn. A strong professional network will naturally filter out much of the noise. When you engage with people who are serious about their careers, you’ll see more meaningful discussions and less irrelevant content in your feed.

Why It Matters: LinkedIn as a Professional Branding Tool

Remember, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional brand. Every post, comment, or interaction reflects your professional values and mindset. Engaging in meaningful ways, avoiding the pitfalls of “look at me” culture, and contributing to professional discussions can boost your credibility and attract the right opportunities.

I admit that I left LinkedIn because of the large number of inappropriate posts. It just became too much. I recently decided to try LinkedIn again. I realize that, in essence, LinkedIn is what you make it. If you focus on creating, sharing, and engaging with content that aligns with your professional goals, you’ll naturally rise above the noise. With the advent of AI using platforms like LinkedIn to find, filter, and recruit candidates, LinkedIn can be an effective career tool.

By steering clear of the inappropriate social media-like behavior that’s creeping into LinkedIn, you can preserve your professional reputation and make the platform work for you.