With thanks to all who participated, here are your responses to my question … How LinkedIn are you? In my latest Weekend Poll, I asked readers a series of questions related to your use of this tool.

The majority of assistants have LinkedIn profiles

Almost 99% of respondents reported having established LinkedIn profiles, and more than 96% of you include profile photos. Did you know that you can include a background photo behind your head shot? While 47% of respondents already do so, 25% choose not to use an additional photo. 28% of respondents said you’d not been aware of this option, and that you’d begin using it.

Like your CV, you should update your profile

Recruiters pay attention, as evidenced by the fact that 75% of respondents reported having been approached by a recruiter as a result of their LinkedIn profile. I know of more than a couple of readers who are in their current roles not because they went job hunting, but because their profiles drew the attention of recruiters who drew them away from their previous roles.

A full 62% of respondents reported having updated their profiles within the last quarter. All but 6% have made updates within the last year.

Since prospective employers pay attention to these profiles, it’s worth considering the benefits of endorsements and recommendations. Do you ever look at these sections within contacts’ profiles? While 92% of respondents reported that they’ve received skills endorsements on their profiles, a lesser percentage – 80% – reported that you’ve provided such endorsements for other contacts.

LinkedIn also provides opportunities to both give and display recommendations. Typically brief narratives, they can be helpful introductions from current or former colleagues who are positioned to speak to your expertise and areas of strength. While 63% of you have received one or more recommendations on your profile, only 44% of readers have provided a recommendation for someone else. Some readers hadn’t noticed this option, and offered that they may begin making recommendations.

It’s worth noting, though, that some employers specifically prohibit endorsements and recommendations by employees. As one reader wrote, “Endorsing or recommending another LI person is not allowed by our firm.”

77% of you turn to LinkedIn for PD

Speaking of professional development (PD), 92% of you belong to one or more LinkedIn group, with the majority of respondents belonging to somewhere between two and six groups.

Readers also rely on this resource for networking, through groups and as a means to facilitate introductions – which a full 55% of respondents reported having done. 

You’ll find all the data below. Are you maximising the potential of your LinkedIn profile? 

THE DATA

Have you established a LinkedIn profile?

• Yes: 98.7% of respondents
• No: 1.3% of respondents

Have you included a photo as part of your profile? 

• Yes: 96.2% of respondents
• No: 3.8% of respondents

Have you included a background photo with your profile?

• Yes: 47% of respondents
• No: 25% of respondents
• I didn’t know I could do this; I will: 28% of respondents

How long has it been since you updated your profile? 

• Within the last quarter: 62% of respondents
• Within the last half year: 18% of respondents
• Within the last year: 14% of respondents
• Um … I have no idea how long it’s been: 6% of respondents

Have you ever been approached by a recruiter as a result of your LinkedIn profile?  

• Yes: 75% of respondents
• No: 25% of respondents

Do you treat LinkedIn as a professional development (PD) resource?

• Yes: 77% of respondents
• No: 23% of respondents

Do you belong to any LinkedIn groups? 

• Yes: 92% of respondents
• No: 8% of respondents

If so, how many LinkedIn groups do you turn to for professional development? 

• 1 group: 9% of respondents
• 2-6 groups: 63% of respondents
• 7-12 groups: 19% of respondents
• 13-20 groups: 0% of respondents
• >20 groups: 9% of respondents

Have you endorsed other individuals on their LinkedIn profiles? 

• Yes: 80% of respondents
• No: 15% of respondents
• It hadn’t occurred to me; I may begin doing this: 5% of respondents

Have you received any endorsements on your LI profile?

• Yes: 92% of respondents
• No: 8% of respondents

Have you provided LinkedIn recommendations for anyone?  

• Yes: 44% of respondents
• No: 51% of respondents
• It hadn’t occurred to me; I may begin doing this: 5% of respondents

Have you received any recommendations on your LI profile?

• Yes: 63% of respondents
• No: 28% of respondents
• No, but perhaps I’ll ask some contacts to do so: 9% of respondents

Have you used LI to introduce contacts?

• Yes: 55% of respondents
• No: 45% of respondents