How to Make the Most of Linkedin

With a little time and effort, you can use LinkedIn to your advantage.

Whether you are looking for a permanent job, freelance work, speaking opportunities or a way to expand your professional network, you can use LinkedIn to make the most of your expertise and connections. In 2003, LinkedIn officially launched as an online forum for professionals to build relationships. With more than 120 million members as of August 2011, the site provides a unique forum for you to showcase your qualifications, keep in touch with important contacts and interact with other professionals.

Instructions

1. Fill out your profile completely, highlighting your most relevant experience. According to an August 2011 article in Careerbuilder, you should include job history from the past 10 years and be specific about your duties and what you accomplished. Treat your LinkedIn profile just like a resume by keeping the tone and information professional. Be sure to post a photo as well.

2. Showcase your previous work. LinkedIn has applications available for you to download to your profile to display your portfolio including any presentations, design work and Web projects. These applications give you the opportunity to show, rather than just write about your accomplishments.

3. Update your status and share it with your other social networking accounts. Like many other social networking platforms, LinkedIn provides you with a space to keep your connections up-to-date. Use your status update to share links, mention any speaking engagements you have coming up or conferences you will be attending and to highlight your current projects. You can also join your LinkedIn account with sites such as Twitter and Facebook to make even more people aware of what you have going on in your professional life.

4. Interact with your connections. After you have begun to build a network of colleagues, classmates and associates, you can make the most of your connections by seeking out recommendations and paying attention to their updates. Be selective about whom you ask for recommendations, reaching out only to those people who can truly speak to your experience and character. When asking for a recommendation, do so in a professional manner and be clear about why you are seeking their support. Also take the time to communicate with your connections by commenting on their status updates.

5. Contribute to groups to demonstrate your expertise. LinkedIn features a wide variety of groups based on profession, interests, location. Seek out and join groups and make the most of them by offering your professional opinion in discussion groups. You can gain new connections and begin to build relationships with others who may be able to introduce you to new opportunities.

References

• LinkedIn: Press Center: About Us
• Keppie Careers; How To Ask For LinkedIn Recommendations; Miriam Salpeter; January 2011
• LinkedIn; 5 Ways To Make The Most Of LinkedIn; Lindsey Pollak; October 2010
• Career Rocketeer; 4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of LinkedIn; Jessica Holbrook Hernandez; July 2011
• Careerbuilder; How To Get The Most Out Of LinkedIn; Alina Dizak; August 2011