If you have never heard of LinkedIn, you are probably living under a rock. If you don’t have an active account, you are really missing out.
Whether you are a professional, have your own business, or are a job seeker (or think you might be one day) the power and importance of having an up-to-date LinkedIn account cannot be understated.
Especially for those who are job seekers or who hope to gain an improved status on the corporate ladder, there are things about LinkedIn that you cannot and should not ignore.
Why Bother with LinkedIn?
Some of the most important reasons behind this powerful platform in the world of business include:
YOUR PROFILE BECOMES YOUR OWN “PERSONAL BRAND” TOOL.
When your employer or future employers Google your name, your personal FB page is most likely NOT what you want them to see – your LinkedIn account, however, tells management all of your best features and work experience.
RECRUITERS, HEADHUNTERS, AND HIRING MANAGERS ALL USE LINKEDIN.
When you think about it, why shouldn’t they? They can browse through thousands of “resumes” without anyone knowing.
YOU STAY CONNECTED WITH TOP PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR BUSINESS AREA.
What a tremendous opportunity for everyone to learn and understand more about others in their business! Perhaps their inspiring stories and contributions will help you move up the corporate ladder.
ONLINE OUTREACH.
This platform offers powerful coding unavailable anywhere. For example, if an article posted by Mr. Jones is shared or commented on, Mr. Jones can see all of it.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR NETWORK.
In some ways, this is similar to how FB operates, but this is on a professional level, keeping everyone up to date in terms of news, new products, new or closing companies, not to mention, your own career milestones.
TIPS FROM THE PROS FOR MAKING AN OUTSTANDING PROFILE ON LINKEDIN
It’s all in the details, folks, so keep a few things in mind when creating or updating your profile:
Is all your information up to date? Be certain that any changes are recorded promptly, including training, work experience, or even an employment change.
Triple check for typos, spelling errors, and grammatical errors. You need to look like a professional, so be certain your profile reflects that.
Leave the slang for text messages. It might be cool with your friends but having text abbreviations like BTW or U or even Kewl, is NOT cool on your profile. Just don’t.
Always be honest. Alternative facts won’t fly on your LinkedIn profile. The last thing you want to look like is a cheater.
Be selective with your information. This means that you need to skate that fine line between sharing who you are and what you do without going all out TMI. Talk about your work, your experience, your jobs, training, certificates, and add a little personal information, but don’t go overboard. Oh, and always use an appropriate, professional photo.
The Last Word
Be polite and send a short message to each new connection that is accepted. Don’t forget that the larger your network, the wider potential you have.
Did you know that veterans get 12 months of LinkedIn Pro for free? If you are a veteran, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
