So you’re on LinkedIn, the professional networking platform and you’ve noticed that, when used right, you receive many careers or business opportunities. But if you want to take a break, or you aren’t available do you know how to set up the LinkedIn Away Message?
If you’re not available when someone tries to reach you on LinkedIn you can miss out on potential work, collaborations or job interviews if you don’t respond promptly.
What can you do?
Use the LinkedIn Away Message feature
LinkedIn has an “Away Message” feature so you can let people know when you’re unavailable to respond. You will be familiar with the “Out of Office” feature that most mail systems have.
Also, you can use this feature to let connections know how to contact you urgently or provide support by directing them to your website. Create an inspiring message to let them know their request is important to you.
What Is the Away Message?
Use the “Away Message” if you have a LinkedIn Premium account. Linkedin sends your away message to your existing connections when they message you directly on LinkedIn. It sends it only during the time frame you specify.
You can only set the message for a maximum of 3 months, and if you plan to be away for longer than that you can reset it after the 3 months are over.
Here’s an example of my Away Message over the New Year period at the beginning of 2022.
How to Set up an Away Message on LinkedIn
To set up an ‘Away Message’ on LinkedIn:
- Click the MESSAGING tab and open your LinkedIn Inbox.
- Then click the More (…) button
- Next click on ‘Set away message‘.
- Toggle the button to ‘On’ next to the Set Away message.
- Set the dates that you will be away.
- Type a personalised message and instructions (if necessary)
- Click Save to confirm.
Voilà, you’ve done it!
Now enjoy your break! People will automatically understand why you don’t respond immediately to their messages.
Do you need help to update your LinkedIn profile and attract the career opportunities you desire?
Book an exploratory chat today or visit The Careers Academy where you’ll find my LinkedIn for Career Success online program to help you become an All-Star on LinkedIn and learn to leverage LinkedIn for your success!
