LinkedIn 101

LinkedIn is an excellent tool for all professionals to build their network and maintain professional connections. Today, there are over 90 million users and staying active is important. So if you do not have a LinkedIn account (it’s free!) or are not active, follow these tips on getting started!

Profile

The first place you need to start is your profile. You should fill out as much information as possible. Think of your profile as your online resume so it needs to be complete and up to date. Here are the things you need to include on your profile:

•  Professional looking photo

• Professional Headline

• Summary

• Your current position

• Past experience

• Your education (both undergraduate and graduate)

• Skills or Expertise

When updating your profile, you can add as much information as you like. LinkedIn allows you to customize your profile with information including coursework, projects, and more.

Customize Your URL

Now that you have updated your profile with all of your experience and skills, you should consider creating a customized URL. Having your name in your LinkedIn URL will make employers and potential connections able to find you easier. To customize your URL, you will need to do the following:

• Click “Edit Profile” when you’re on profile

• Look at the bottom of your basic information, click “Edit” next to the URL

• On the right toolbar, click “Customize Your Public Profile”

• Then set your custom URL

Use the LinkedIn App

Stay up to date with LinkedIn by downloading the free app for your phone. It is available on  Apple and Android phones.

Recommendations

Often employers use LinkedIn to research potential employees to find out about their previous and current experience. Having positive recommendations from your past experiences is excellent way to stand out to employers.

You should take the time to reach out to your previous and current employers to seek recommendations. Sending a personalized message to employers asking them to recommend your work is the first step. Ask them to be specific and highlight certain attributes you would like highlighted. You can also drop key words you would like to be included in your recommendation. The more recommendations you have the more likely employers will believe you are the best candidate for the position.

Active Participation

You should join the professional groups on LinkedIn. These groups often have discussion boards and job postings. Actively participating in the group discussion by starting conversations, commenting on postings, and liking posts is a great way to get noticed by potential employers. The more you put into the group the more you will get out of it. The groups are an excellent way to keep in contact with other professionals and keep up to date on your field.

If you have any question on LinkedIn, you contact us by setting up an appointment on Connections!

*The links provided are helpful tips to enhance your LinkedIn experience!