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MAXIMIZING LINKEDIN TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL

Aug 01, 2019

MAXIMIZING LINKEDIN TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL

LinkedIn is so much more than professionals looking for jobs. It has evolved into a networking “hub” of sorts. So, we thought it’d be useful to provide a few tips to make sure you’re maximizing LinkedIn to its full potential.  
WHY USE IT?
If you’re unfamiliar with LinkedIn or do not yet have an account, getting started is free and easy! We suggest that everyone, regardless of current employment situation, has a LinkedIn account. The reason being is that of its 575 million users and counting, there are 260 million active monthly users. Talk about networking on a larger scale, LinkedIn makes it possible to do so! 
With LinkedIn, you can view people’s resumes, work experience, interests, & even see what skill endorsements they have achieved. Now you may be thinking, “why would I want to know this information”, and to that I say, why would you not? This information is incredibly useful for gaining quality contacts, broadening your interests, and even considering a new job or hobby to pursue. Think of it as an online destination with everything you need to showcase your own personal brand, for free. 
HOW TO USE IT:
When creating your LinkedIn account, it’s important to focus on the basic looks of your account before diving into all the neat things LinkedIn has to offer. To start, your head shot should have professional quality to it, but by no means needs to be professional. For example, my favorite head shot was taken in my backyard, by my college roommate. If you choose to have a background image, my only advice would be to make it relevant. My background image for LinkedIn is a picture of the city where I work. Simple, yet relevant. 
Next, you want to include your current job title. Provide some description to your job, don’t just list it out. Give some highlight points that will make your profile stand out in a search. If you do not currently have a job, this is where you can get creative writing a summary. This summary should answer the question of why someone would want to hire you, want makes you stand out from the competition, or what added value you bring to the table. 
A world of networking at your fingertips. Imagine that.
All forms of media, whether social or professional, have one thing in common. First impressions are huge. So, by strengthening the basics of your LinkedIn profile, people will be more inclined to connect with you. You want to connect with people that will benefit your network. Consider connecting with pages & people: 
  • With shared interests.
  • In the same career.
  • With significant mutual connections.
  • Who studied at the same school.
  • You look up to / admire.
  • Companies you’re interested in.
KEEP USING IT:
Once you’ve spruced up your LinkedIn profile, don’t just leave it stagnant to sit & rust. If you aren’t stagnant in your career pursuits, that should translate through your LinkedIn profile as well! Maintaining your profile lets others know that you’re “in the know” when it comes to all the business happening around you. Find a time during the day where you spend 10-15 minutes actively engaged on LinkedIn. Devote that time to networking, reading content, and engaging with other professional’s content. You’ll be surprised how much your network can grow!
My last word of LinkedIn advice is if you are “open to opportunities”, keep your profile up to date. As your profile information changes (job, job title, location), your LinkedIn should reflect these changes. And even if you aren’t necessarily looking, keeping your profile up to date will help recruiters find you, and who knows, they may have an opportunity to jump for!
Be sure you’re maximizing LinkedIn to its full potential by applying these tips today! While you’re at it, we’d love for you to connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to check out our blog for more employment tips.

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