The working population in the UK is just over 38 million (according to the ONS) and according to LinkedIn, over 21 million of those have a LinkedIn. Needless to say, we already know that it is the world’s most popular professional business networking platform with over 450 million users across 200 countries – but how can YOU use it to your benefit?
Through LinkedIn you can gain access to people, jobs, and updates regarding your industry, profession or just general World news. Whatever your profession, LinkedIn is a sure way to assist you with your job searching. Therefore, to make the best impact we have set out 9 quick points to help you exploit the best of LinkedIn:
- Take care of your profile: Having a well written and accurate profile will make sure you come across well. This is your online visible and searchable CV so treat it like that and remember, it should advertise you at your best. Make sure you use the right language and key words for your industry/objective as people search on these words just like Google. It is an excellent way to raise your profile and showcase your skills and experience and potentially be headhunted.
- Regularly update your profile: add any new skills and experience to your profile. There are great options to add for skills, endorsements and projects that will appear in your connection’s news feed encouraging new people to connect with you.
- Ask for recommendations: make sure you get some recommendations on your page. This is a great way to raise your profile, give your profile some creditability and help enhance your chances of success with recruiters or head hunters.
- Follow the right companies: Employees are increasingly using LinkedIn for advertising so follow companies you might be interested in working for so you know when a position becomes available.
- Follow the right Groups: Follow groups relating to your industry so you are up to date with any changes or talking points which will be beneficial in interviews.
- Connect with people via a web browser not your phone or tablet as this allows you to write a short message when making the connection such as:’ it was great meeting with you the other day’. The standard invite makes it look like you have not really made an effort to connect with someone and they are less likely to remember you.
- Become active in your network by making comments on posts (professionally) which will get you noticed within your field.
- Consistency with a CV is important but not word-for-word: Being consistent with your CV and LinkedIn profile is important as employers will check your profile to see what you are like. However, a LinkedIn profile is not a carbon copy and should be presented differently with the same substance. It should show your personality but be professional at all times.
- If appropriate to do so i.e. you have already handed in your notice or you are on garden leave update your status to ‘currently seeking new opportunities’ so your connections know you are looking and employers can search for you this way under your industry.
With the recent purchase of LinkedIn by Microsoft it is likely we are going to have LinkedIn play an even larger role in our professional lives so make sure you spend more time managing it like you manage your career.
We hope that helps and good luck!