Can a LinkedIn Profile Accurately Predict Job Performance?

Wouldn’t it be great to know how a job candidate will perform on the job? A recent Mashable article reports on a study that states future job performance can be predicted from a person’s Facebook profile. Researchers graded Facebook profiles based upon openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. “Six months later, the researchers compared the evaluations of the 56 users’ work supervisors and found a strong correlation for traits including intellectual curiosity, agreeability and conscientiousness.”

Eric Qualman stated in his 2011 Social Media Revolution video, “80 percent of companies use social media for recruitment, and the percent using LinkedIn is 95 percent.” And why not? As a hiring manager, if you could tap into a database of professionals and learn more about a potential candidate’s career history, see their picture, look at their network, and read recommendations given to them by past colleagues… WHY WOULDN’T YOU?

What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About YOU?

A savvy professional (whether they are employed or seeking employment) understands the importance of a strong online presence. It’s just as important as your physical appearance. You wouldn’t walk into a client meeting or job interview in tattered jeans and a Hawaiian shirt, would you?

Perception is everything.

Here’s what your LinkedIn profile tells the world….

A missing profile picture says… I am shy. I am ashamed of how I look. I don’t take my professional image seriously.

A professionally taken profile picture says… I take pride in how I look. I strive to present myself well. I respect other people.

Less than 100 connections says… I am unfriendly. I don’t understand the importance of networking. I don’t think beyond myself.

More than 100 connections says… I am friendly. I value other people. I enjoy networking and helping people.

A missing summary or a summary copy and pasted from a resume says… I am not creative. I have nothing to say. I don’t have any communication skills.

A complete summary, written in first person as a narrative says… I am interesting. I have something to say. I am able to communicate and get my point across easily.

Missing specialties say… I have no strengths. I am lazy. I don’t want to be found.

Targeted specialties say… I know what my strengths and skill sets are and I am proud of what I can accomplish.

Incomplete experiences say… I don’t value my company/companies/experiences. I just do my job and no more.

Complete experiences with accomplishments and results listed says… I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am proud of where I have worked and I am a results-oriented person.

No recommendations mean… I don’t stand out from the crowd. No one wants to say anything nice about me.

More than 3 recommendations mean… I pride myself on doing my job well. I help and inspire people. People like me and want to say good things about me.

No honors and awards listed says… I haven’t put enough effort into anything. I haven’t made any connections. I do just enough to get by but no more.

Honors and awards listed proudly says… I work hard and I made an effort. I am respected and valued.

No groups and associations listed says… I am not part of my community. I am not interested in my career/industry once 5pm rolls around.

Industry and community group affiliations listed means… I am INVOLVED in my community. I am interested in staying up to date with what’s going on in my industry and community.

No contact information says… Don’t bother me.

Contact information listed says… Let’s connect! Let’s talk! I am open to opportunities and possibilities!

And so I ask you….“Who would you rather hire? Who would you rather be?”

Your LinkedIn profile is your first impression and digital introduction with the world. This is your chance to showcase your strengths, abilities, and achievements. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

If you need help creating a strong LinkedIn profile, you can learn everything I know for less than $30 by reading my book or you can hire me to help you personally.