Be Candid Without Burning Bridges: A Guide for Professionals Between Roles
LinkedIn is an incredible platform for job seekers—but it’s also a public stage. Many unemployed professionals turn to LinkedIn to share frustrations about hiring processes. Often, those concerns are legitimate—delayed communication, unclear job descriptions, ghosting, and more.
However, the way these thoughts are expressed can either highlight your professionalism—or signal red flags to potential employers.
Here are 10 smart Dos and Don’ts to help you strike the right balance between being authentic and being strategic while job hunting on LinkedIn.
✅ DO #1: Share Your Job Search Journey with Professionalism
Keep your audience updated on your efforts with a tone of optimism and reflection. Highlight what you’re learning, how you’re adapting, and where you’re headed.
❌ DON’T #1: Publicly Criticize Hiring Processes
Avoid angry rants or calling out specific companies. Valid feedback is better received when it’s constructive and framed as a call for improvement—not blame.
✅ DO #2: Demonstrate Your Expertise and Perspective
Share insights on industry trends, tools you’re learning, or challenges you’ve solved in past roles. Show that you’re still sharp and engaged.
❌ DON’T #2: Overshare or Post in the Heat of the Moment
Your emotional low point may not be the best time to post. Sleep on it. Post only when you’re clear-headed and have something thoughtful to say.
✅ DO #3: Use LinkedIn to Build and Support Community
Comment positively, share leads, and endorse others. Helping others reinforces your value and builds goodwill across your network.
❌ DON’T #3: Burn Bridges or Badmouth Former Employers
Even if you were treated unfairly, keep your commentary professional. Employers fear future blowback. Speak about what you’re looking forward to, not what you’re leaving behind.
✅ DO #4: Ask for Help with Clarity and Gratitude
Let your network know how they can help—but be specific. Whether you’re asking for leads, introductions, or resume feedback, polite and actionable requests get better responses.
❌ DON’T #4: Guilt or Shame Your Audience into Helping
Avoid desperate or emotionally manipulative language like: “I guess no one helps people anymore.” This pushes your audience away instead of drawing them in.
✅ DO #5: Celebrate Progress—Even Small Wins
Finished a course? Got an interview? Had a good conversation with a recruiter? Share it! Progress is attractive. It shows you’re proactive and persevering.
❌ DON’T #5: Make Passive-Aggressive or Vague Posts
“Some companies really need to get it together.” This kind of post lacks context and invites conflict, not support.
✅ DO #6: Keep a Professional Identity, Not Just a Job-Seeking One
Craft a headline that reflects your skills, not just your job-seeking status. For example:
Structural Engineer | Steel & Concrete Design | Open to New Opportunities
❌ DON’T #6: Make Unemployment Your Entire Brand
Being between jobs is just one chapter. If every post focuses only on job loss or hardship, employers may question your resilience or focus.
✅ DO #7: Engage with Thought Leaders and Industry News
React to and comment on relevant industry updates. This positions you as someone who stays informed—even when not employed.
❌ DON’T #7: Argue in the Comments
If you disagree with a post or opinion, respond respectfully—or not at all. LinkedIn debates rarely change minds, but they can easily harm reputations.
✅ DO #8: Share Volunteer Work, Freelance Projects, or Certifications
Whether you’re consulting, taking a class, or helping a nonprofit, share what you’re doing. It shows you’re using your time productively.
❌ DON’T #8: Signal Bitterness or Entitlement
Comments like “I have 15 years of experience and still can’t get a call back—what’s wrong with this industry?” express frustration, but can come off as arrogant or inflexible.
✅ DO #9: Tag People Who Helped You—Respectfully
If someone gave you advice or referred you, thank them. Gratitude and acknowledgment go a long way—and others will see you’re someone worth helping.
❌ DON’T #9: Spam Connections or Repeatedly Post the Same Message
Posting the same “I’m available for work” message every other day comes across as desperate and clutters feeds. Quality > quantity.
✅ DO #10: Be Authentic—But Filtered
You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. Vulnerability builds trust—but filter it through professionalism and purpose.
❌ DON’T #10: Treat LinkedIn Like Facebook or Twitter
Avoid posts that are overly personal, emotional rants, or full of slang and sarcasm. LinkedIn is a professional space—your audience includes recruiters and decision-makers.
Final Thoughts: You Can Be Real and Still Be Strategic
You’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for the right one. Your LinkedIn presence should reflect your values, your voice, and your value.
By following these guidelines, you’ll stand out as someone who’s thoughtful, self-aware, and employable—despite the challenges of the market.
Need help finding your next opportunity?
At DAVRON, we specialize in staffing for engineering, architecture, and construction professionals. Whether you’re actively seeking or just exploring, reach out to us—we’re ready to help you navigate your next move with confidence.