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Daniel Doubrovkine


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I just mentioned someone’s promotion to one of the person’s colleagues after seeing it on their updated LinkedIn profile. The reaction was not quite what I expected.


It’s tempting to capitalize on the LinkedIn IPO: all eyes are directed towards the site and the company. Naturally, some take this opportunity to update their profile with their new job title. Unfortunately others in their company may find that announcement surprising, given the lack of a public announcement, especially when they work real close to that person. This creates a whole range of emotions from a few chuckles to confusion and outright anger.

Don’t be an asshole. Don’t update your LinkedIn profile unless everyone already knows about your new job and you’ve been doing it for about a month. If you have trouble with this, follow my simple checklist.

  1. Tell your family.
  2. Tell your mentors.
  3. Tell your direct reports.
  4. Make sure everyone above you knows.
  5. Wait for the public announcement to your division or company.
  6. Tell your real, non-internet friends.
  7. Tell your pet.
  8. Update your LinkedIn Profile.