LinkedIn: Make the Most of Your Connections

If you are looking to connect with other professionals, job search, or learn more about companies you are interested in, LinkedIn is a great place for you to achieve all of these tasks, all while creating a professional presence for yourself in the social media world. LinkedIn is an online networking site that is a growing trend in the professional world.

LinkedIn serves as a means to connect professionals by focusing on your career and experiences. Given the fact that the majority of jobs available are made known to individuals through networking, LinkedIn can be a very strong tool for you to take advantage of. With LinkedIn you are able to make connections with others you have worked with in the past.  You never know how you may be connected to someone who has the right job opportunity for you. This professional social networking site provides you with an opportunity to highlight your experiences, receive recommendations from past employers, and connect you to professionals in your field.

In order to begin building your professional LinkedIn profile, here are some quick and simple ways to get started and help your profile stand out.

• Craft an informative profile headline
• Display an appropriate photo
• Show off your education
• Develop a professional summary statement
• Fill your “specialties” section with keywords
• Update your status weekly
• Show your connectedness with LinkedIn group badges
• Collect diverse recommendations
• Claim your unique LinkedIn URL
• Share your work

For more information on all the features of LinkedIn and tips for creating your profile visit the Career Services Handout Library. Here you will find resources on how to build your professional profile, tips for networking, as well as videos to help you get started. Career Services is also hosting a Get Connected with LinkedIn Workshop on November 8^th in Baker 503 at 5:00 PM that will share all this information as well.

—Bethany Powell, Career Services Practicum Student