LinkedIn no-no's during a search

I often see comparisons between LinkedIn and Facebook when reviewing candidate and company feeds for relevant updates.  We have all seen those images of LinkedIn not equaling Facebook.  Which I agree with, but today I am only going to focus on the LinkedIn part of your social media marketing plan as a candidate especially.

In our era of quick-clicks, "likes", and "now following", it is easier than ever to fall into the trap of being reactionary when you see something you like or dislike online.  One of the worst things you can do, however, is "like" the wrong thing.  Some are obvious, some are not so obvious.  Take, for instance, someone "liking" an article or a feed about PPACA (i.e. Obamacare).  This is a lightning rod issue and most people fall on one side of the spectrum regarding their thoughts and reactions.  So if you are out "liking" posts, articles, or even funny pictures about this topic you in theory have a 50/50 chance of offending someone that may see that on your own feed.

Or how about that individual you know that crosses the line and uses LinkedIn to post all kinds of stories about their favorite sports' team.  While not completely egregious in any manner, again remember that you are likely to upset someone with that.  I wouldn't say to completely go away from this, but there are particular groups where your topics can be discussed among fellow fans.  Alumni groups, team pages, and like-minded groups are where you might get bang for the buck.

Social topics are a big trap on LinkedIn.  Local, regional, and national news while intriguing and even possibly important are not going to serve you well in your search if you are talking about them on your LinkedIn feed.  Opinions can vary widely on controversial issues in the news, and employers or hiring managers could be quickly turned off if you are spouting opinions about something that has nothing to do with your ability to be a good employee.

Lastly be sure to make anything you follow, like, re-post or share is more professional than personal.  Employers certainly want to get to know you through the interview process, but they are most interested in your work product and abilities rather than where you had supper last weekend.  Save that for interviews when you can lighten the mood, perhaps put on Facebook, or even share through a tweet.

Remember that what you are doing on LinkedIn is public forum and can be tracked.  In the past few weeks I have seen some unbelievable stuff which has led me to dis-connect from some people.  While wanting my network to be as big as possible I don't ever want to be associated with someone who is completely mindless to decorum with LinkedIn.  You should remember the same when you are in an active search or feel you might be in the future.

Any other no-no's you have seen on your LinkedIn feeds that would be helpful for others to know about?