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Stay Connected on LinkedIn With An Away Message

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LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professionals to connect, network, and share ideas. With millions of users worldwide, it has become an indispensable tool for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. However, it’s essential to maintain a professional image on LinkedIn, even when you’re not actively using the platform. One way to do this is by setting up an out of office (also know as ‘away message’, ‘autoreply’, and ‘autoresponsder’).

Why Set Automated Replies on LinkedIn

Setting up your away message on LinkedIn shows that you take your professional image seriously. It lets your contacts know that you’re not available for a specific period and sets clear expectations about when you’ll be back.

Away messages on LinkedIn can also help improve communication. If someone tries to reach you while you’re away, they’ll receive an automated response with details about when you’ll be back. This saves them the trouble of trying to contact you repeatedly, which can be frustrating for both parties.

Setting up an away message on LinkedIn can also help you manage your time more effectively. By letting your contacts know that you’re not available, you can focus on other important tasks without being interrupted constantly.

How To Set Up Your Away Message

Desktop

To set up an Away message:

Click the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Set away message.
Switch the toggle to the right to turn On Away message.
- Switch the toggle to the left to turn Off Away message.
Enter the Start and End date
You can customize your message (optional).
Click Save.

To edit an Away message:

Click the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Edit away message.
Edit your message and click Save.

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Android

To set up an Away message:

Tap the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Set away message.
Switch the toggle to the right to turn On Away message.
- Switch the toggle to the left to turn Off Away message.
Enter the Start and End date.
You can customize your message (optional).
Tap Save.

To edit an Away message:

Tap the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Edit away message.
Edit your message and tap Save.

iOS

To set up an Away message:

Tap the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Set away message.
Switch the toggle to the right to turn On Away message.
- Switch the toggle to the left to turn Off Away message.
Enter the Start and End date.
You can customize your message (optional).
Tap Save.

To edit an Away message:

Tap the More icon at the top of your messaging inbox.
Select Edit away message.
Edit your message and tap Save.

Considerations For YOur Away Message

Please note the following:

Setting up an Away message is currently a Premium feature.
When you set an Away message, the messages are sent till the end of that day.
Away messages can be set for a maximum of three months.
Your Away message will only be visible to your connections on direct messages and not on group chats.

Best Practices for Setting up An Away Message

Be Clear and Concise

When setting up your out of office message, be sure to keep it clear and concise. Avoid lengthy explanations or unnecessary details that could confuse or frustrate your contacts.

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Provide Alternate Contact Information

If possible, provide alternate contact information in your out of office message. This could be an email address or phone number where your contacts can reach you in case of an emergency.

Avoid Overuse

Avoid overusing the out of office message feature on LinkedIn. While it’s important to maintain a professional image, using this feature too frequently can make you appear disengaged or uninterested in networking.

Remember to Keep Your Profile Updated

I recently conducted a survey on LinkedIn asking our community when they last updated their LinkedIn Profile. The results were shocking. Nearly half of all respondents hadn’t updated their LinkedIn Profile in over a year. Use the start of each quarter as a reminder to update your LinkedIn Profile with your latest skills, certifications and achievements. That way you are more likely to attract for more senior opportunities.

Make sure to regularly update your profile with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments. This will keep your profile fresh and ensure that it accurately represents your personal brand.

Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date is important for several reasons:

Professional image: Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression that employers or recruiters have of you. By keeping it up to date, you can showcase your current skills, experience, and achievements, and present a professional image that reflects your current career goals and interests.
Visibility: When you update your LinkedIn profile, it increases your visibility and activity on the platform, making it more likely that you’ll be discovered by potential employers, recruiters, or network connections. Regularly updating your profile can also help you stay top of mind for opportunities and keep your network informed about your career progress.
Job search: Your LinkedIn profile is a key tool for job searching and networking. By keeping it up to date, you can attract more job opportunities and make it easier for employers or recruiters to find you. You can also use your profile to research companies, connect with industry peers, and showcase your expertise in your field.
Networking: LinkedIn is a powerful networking platform that allows you to connect with people in your industry, join groups, and participate in discussions. By keeping your profile up to date, you can leverage these features to expand your network, learn about new opportunities, and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Personal branding: Your LinkedIn profile is also a reflection of your personal brand and reputation. By updating your profile regularly, you can align your brand with your career goals, values, and strengths, and differentiate yourself from other candidates in the job market.

Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date can help you stay competitive, visible, and connected in today’s fast-paced job market. It’s important to review and update your profile regularly, especially when you change jobs, gain new skills or certifications, or achieve new milestones in your career.

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Final Thoughts

Setting up your away message on LinkedIn is a simple yet effective way to maintain a professional image and improve communication with your contacts. By following the steps outlined above and keeping in mind best practices, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise, provides relevant information, and avoids overuse. Whether you’re going on vacation or just need some time to focus on other tasks, setting up an away message on LinkedIn is a valuable tool for any professional. By doing so, you can manage your time more effectively, reduce interruptions, and stay connected with your network even when you’re not actively using the platform.

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Best of luck,

Dave Crumby

Your Career Optimiser | Certified Leadership and Management Consultant

Winner of Most Supportive Career Branding Service 2022