When to Post on LinkedIn About a New Job?

The million-dollar question, isn’t it? You’ve landed the gig, you’re bursting with excitement, and you’re itching to share the good news with your professional network. But hold your horses! The ideal time to announce your new job on LinkedIn is generally after you’ve officially started and completed at least one full week. This allows you to settle in, confirm the role is as expected, and build a solid foundation with your new team before broadcasting it to the world.

The Importance of Timing Your Announcement

Why the wait? You might think immediate gratification is the way to go, but patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to professional branding. A premature announcement can lead to several undesirable outcomes. Let’s break down why timing is crucial:

• Confirmation is Key: You want to be absolutely certain the job is a good fit and that there are no unexpected surprises. Starting a new job is exciting, but sometimes the reality doesn’t match the initial expectations. Waiting a week gives you time to assess the situation and ensure you’re genuinely happy and settled.
• Respect for Your Previous Employer: Announcing your new job before you’ve officially left your old one (and communicated your departure internally) is a major faux pas. It can damage relationships and tarnish your professional reputation. Always prioritize a graceful exit.
• Internal Communication Matters: Your new employer should be the one to announce your arrival internally before it hits LinkedIn. You don’t want your new colleagues to find out about you via social media. This demonstrates respect for the company culture and hierarchy.
• Building Relationships First: Spending the first week focusing on onboarding, meeting your colleagues, and understanding your role allows you to create a more authentic and compelling announcement. You’ll have anecdotes and insights to share that go beyond a generic “I’m excited to join” post.
• Avoiding Unnecessary Attention: A premature announcement might attract attention before you’re ready to engage with it. Recruiters from other companies might reach out, or former colleagues might flood your inbox with questions before you have all the answers.

Crafting the Perfect LinkedIn Post

Once you’ve decided it’s the right time to post, you need to craft a message that’s both informative and engaging. Here’s how to create a LinkedIn post that gets noticed:

• Keep it Concise and Authentic: Nobody wants to read a novel. Aim for a clear, concise message that highlights your excitement and what you hope to achieve in your new role. Authenticity resonates more than corporate jargon.
• Highlight Your Responsibilities (Briefly): Mentioning your key responsibilities gives your network a better understanding of your new role. Focus on the most impactful aspects and avoid overwhelming details.
• Tag Relevant People and Companies: Tagging your new company and key individuals (like your manager or team members) can boost visibility and show your enthusiasm. Be sure to get permission from individuals before tagging them to respect their privacy.
• Express Gratitude: Thank your previous employer and colleagues for the opportunities and experiences you gained. This demonstrates professionalism and maintains positive relationships.
• Use a High-Quality Photo or Video: A visually appealing image or video can significantly increase engagement. Consider a professional headshot or a short video introducing yourself to your new team and role.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility. Take the time to carefully proofread your post before hitting “publish.”
• Engage with Comments: Once your post is live, be prepared to respond to comments and messages. This shows you’re engaged and appreciative of the support from your network.

Alternative Strategies: A Gradual Approach

While waiting a full week is generally recommended, there might be situations where a slightly different approach is appropriate. Consider these alternative strategies:

• The “Soft Launch”: Instead of a grand announcement, start by updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new job. This allows your network to gradually discover your new role without a formal announcement.
• The “Thank You” Post: Post a thank-you message to your previous employer and colleagues after you’ve officially left, expressing gratitude for the experience and hinting at your next adventure.
• The “Sneak Peek”: Share a post about your first day or week, focusing on your initial impressions and excitement about the new opportunity, without explicitly stating your job title or company.

LinkedIn Announcement: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of announcing your new job on LinkedIn:

1. What if my new company wants me to announce it immediately?

Communication is key! Discuss your company’s expectations with your manager or HR representative. If they have a specific timeline, try to align with it while still prioritizing your own comfort level. Perhaps you can coordinate your announcement with a company-wide press release.

2. Should I announce my new job before my probation period is over?

It’s generally best to wait until after your probation period is successfully completed. This provides an extra layer of security and ensures that the job is a long-term fit.

3. How do I avoid burning bridges with my previous employer?

The best way to avoid burning bridges is to provide ample notice, complete your tasks to the best of your ability, and express gratitude for the opportunities you were given. Your LinkedIn post should reflect this positive sentiment.

4. What if I’m not sure about my new job after the first week?

If you have serious concerns or doubts after the first week, it’s best to postpone your announcement until you have a clearer understanding of the situation. Honesty and transparency are always the best policy.

5. Is it okay to ask my new colleagues to like and comment on my post?

While it’s generally acceptable to encourage your colleagues to engage with your post, avoid being overly pushy or demanding. A subtle request is fine, but let them decide whether or not to participate.

6. How do I handle negative comments or questions on my post?

Respond politely and professionally to any negative comments or questions. Avoid getting defensive or engaging in arguments. If a comment is inappropriate or offensive, you can delete it.

7. Should I mention my salary in my LinkedIn post?

Absolutely not! Sharing your salary is generally considered unprofessional and can create unnecessary controversy. Keep your post focused on your role and responsibilities, not your compensation.

8. Can I reuse the same post on other social media platforms?

While you can adapt your LinkedIn post for other platforms, keep in mind that each platform has its own unique audience and tone. Tailor your message accordingly.

9. What if I’m changing careers entirely?

If you’re changing careers, highlight the skills and experiences that are transferable to your new role. Focus on your passion for the new field and your commitment to learning and growing.

10. How often should I post about my new job in the first few weeks?

Avoid over-posting. One well-crafted announcement is usually sufficient. Subsequent posts should focus on your work and accomplishments, not just reiterating that you have a new job.

11. Should I update my LinkedIn profile before making an announcement post?

Yes, absolutely! Your LinkedIn profile should always be up-to-date with your most recent experience. Ensure your profile is accurate and reflects your new role before making any announcements. This provides context and validates your claims.

12. What if I’m moving to a completely different industry that isn’t aligned to my profile at all?

This is a significant change. If you’re venturing into a new industry, focus on showcasing transferable skills and demonstrate a genuine interest in the new domain. Tailor your profile and announcement to reflect this career pivot. Consider adding a summary section highlighting why you’re making this shift and how your past experiences uniquely equip you for success.

Ultimately, announcing your new job on LinkedIn is a personal decision. By considering the factors outlined above and crafting a thoughtful and authentic message, you can make a positive impression on your network and set the stage for a successful career move. Remember, professionalism and preparation are the cornerstones of a winning announcement. Good luck!