You already have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even Snapchat and now wonder if it is even worth it to make a LinkedIn account? The constant stream of different social media accounts can get overwhelming to maintain and stay up to date on everything. With so many ways to connect with people already, why would you want to add another?
The answer is that LinkedIn focuses on professional connections. Unlike platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where you pretty much follow just about anyone, your LinkedIn is your virtual Rolodex where you would keep in touch with people like that guy you talked to in a seminar in the past and thought his company was impressive. Those contacts are there for you to use at some point in the future.
Some people have privacy concerns with LinkedIn, which makes sense; there is a lot of personal information on there. However, your LinkedIn account can be made private, and you can easily edit your preferences to decide who sees your account. Don’t let that stand in your way of reaching a larger professional audience to promote yourself and receive the best job offers.
Read on for some tricks and tips to get the most out of your LinkedIn
- Have a Professional Photo
This may seem obvious, but a professional photo can go a long way. Numerous studies have shown that profiles that include an image are more likely to be viewed by potential employers.
It is also essential that the photo you choose is a professional one. While on Facebook, that photo of you with your kids or significant other may have garnered a lot of likes. Employers are looking for a clean, simple picture for which they can gauge your professionalism.
- Write a Summary
You may be confused about what to write in the summary or feel awkward talking about yourself. But a summary can boost your account. Think of it as a way to express yourself and sell your personality to potential employers.
Mention your previous work titles, any projects you have been a part of, awards or achievements and your educational background. This is what helps you stand out from the crowd. And make sure it is free of spelling and grammatical mistakes because employers will notice.
- Make the Right Connections
In LinkedIn, it is all about quality over quantity. It does not matter who has the most connections, but the connections should be with people you would want to associate with, either now or sometime in the future.
Know of someone who is an expert in the industry you want to get into? Great – that’s the types of connections you should be making. Use LinkedIn to keep track of your professional network and make connections that could come in handy for you in the future. This also helps you market yourself to the right people so that they could call on you in the future.
- Join Groups
Not just any groups but groups that are actually of some interest to you. For example, if you are looking for a job with a particular tech company – follow them! This is a great way to stay up to date on industry trends.
Get involved, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas and thoughts, employers see these kinds of things, and it’s a perfect way to showcase your industry knowledge.
- Maintain your account
An issue many people face with LinkedIn is that they make an account, but then they never log in again. Sure, it is not as flashy and exciting as other social media accounts, but it could be well worth your time to log in from time to time to update your profile and share your thoughts.
It is also important to be checking your messages, so you do not miss any job opportunities.
Hiring managers often look at potential candidates on LinkedIn, and your account could help you find your next big job, so don’t miss out! Utilize LinkedIn’s impressive job board and market yourself to potential employers. LinkedIn helps your name get ranked higher in Google searches, and it is a great way to make an excellent first impression on hiring managers. Showcase your unique skills and experience and give yourself an edge over others.
Still not sure where to begin? We can help. Talk to one of our consultants today, and we can get your LinkedIn profile up and running in no time.