Why You Should Delete Half Your LinkedIn Connections

Join Isaiah as he examines the importance of quality and LinkedIn connections – and how to tell who is who

In this week’s episode…

• First, Isaiah explains that smart PhDs should have a minimum of 500 LinkedIn connections
• Next, he breaks down why not all connections are created equal
• Finally, Isaiah reviews which connections contribute to your success and which ones you should consider letting loose

A Strong Professional Network Takes More Than Just Making Connections

When you’re looking for job opportunities, it makes sense to focus on making new connections. 

Having a scarce network tells recruiters two things: a) you’re scared of technology and social media and 2) you are not good when it comes to meeting new people. 

That’s why so many of us tap the blue “Connect” button repeatedly and try to amass as many contacts as possible. 

But did you know that the quality of your connections can matter just as much as the quantity?

There Are 4 Types Of Connections That Undermine Your Professional Reputation

Recruiters can see your connections. 

When they do, they’re looking for a combination of quality and relevance. 

For example, if you have 500 connections but most of those contacts don’t work in your target industry, that doesn’t provide an employer with much insight about you. 

Or worse, it shows them you’re not serious about the industry you’re trying to get into. 

The best thing they can infer is that you’re in the process of changing careers. 

You DO want 500 connections or more, without a doubt. 

But once you’ve surpassed that number, consider cutting out the ones that don’t add value. 

That said, let’s look at four different reasons to selectively delete contacts that may be preventing you from getting hired. 

Are Your Connections Lifting You Up (And Vice Versa)?

First, ask yourself if any of your contacts post controversial content? 

If you have a connection that is attracting the wrong kind of attention, that’s a great reason to consider cutting ties. 

You should be connected to trustworthy industry professionals whose behavior doesn’t call your own character into question by association. 

A second reason to remove a connection on LinkedIn is if that person never responds to you – or, you never reach out to or respond to them. 

If you’ve never had a conversation with your connection, or haven’t had one in a long time, they aren’t a quality connection. 

They’re just taking up space.

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** For the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.