Tom Sorensen | NPAworldwide

The LinkedIn profile red flag that makes me skip senior candidates (it's not what you think)

I hope this is not you! Many senior executives spend years building their careers, only to destroy their first impression within five seconds on LinkedIn.

I skip more senior LinkedIn profiles because of poor presentation than most candidates probably realize.

One of the biggest red flags on LinkedIn has nothing to do with experience, education, or job titles.

♥ It is better not to be on LinkedIn at all than to be there with an incomplete and amateur profile.

You can jump straight to the full blog - click here.

Probably, the biggest mistake people make on LinkedIn is ignoring the banner image at the top of their profile. In my opinion, it is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood parts of the entire platform.

Many people leave it blank. Others upload a generic skyline, a mountain photo, or a random holiday picture that has absolutely nothing to do with their professional identity.

Time and time again, the banner space is wasted. Your Instagram-like photos may look attractive, but they tell the visitor nothing useful.

• There is so much more in this article that is important; don’t skip it. The headlines are:

A strong LinkedIn banner is strategic

Your LinkedIn banner is not decoration

Introducing: LinkedIn Shop Window

A weak LinkedIn banner makes me skip your profile

There are also practical details people often forget

Ask yourself: If someone only saw my banner, would they understand what I do?