Are you effectively using LinkedIn?

I’m sure by now most of you have heard of LinkedIn, a business-related social networking site. Launched in 2003, it has grown to more than 100 million registered users, spanning more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

These figures of growth are staggering, but what is more staggering, is the change from traditional job boards, to new technologies and social tools.  If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, consider the following:

• The traditional job board is on the decline and many experts believe that they are becoming archaic, with a shift to new technologies and social online tools such as LinkedIn.
• Over 83% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source talent for job openings.
• It is estimated that 80% of employers use LinkedIn to screen job candidates.
• Employers list jobs on LinkedIn.

Fantastic –right?  The opportunity to have recruiters knocking at your door and respond to listed jobs.  However, it is not that simple.

Yes, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool, but most registered users don’t use LinkedIn well, in fact many LinkedIn profiles could be detrimental to a person’s job search, with poor profiles and online brands, poor or non-existent endorsements and the failure to effectively network online.

So, if you have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to take a closer look at how you are using it.  If you don’t have an established LinkedIn account, now is the time to develop one (before you need to use it) and learn how to get the maximum benfit from using LinkedIn.

Profiles

There are so many less than inspiring profiles out there, that I’m not sure why people bothered registering in the first place.  Remember this is your opportunity to effectively brand yourself as an expert and highlight what you have achieved.  So take this opportunity to revisit your profile and ensure that it is going to effectively sell you.  Remember to make sure your profile is 100% complete, so recruiters can find you!

Endorsements

Get good endorsements – this is crucial.  It is not about the number of endorsements, but the quality of endorsements.  Endorsements are ‘social proof’ and evidence that you are good and can deliver results.  If you have average endorsements, don’t use them, as vague and general feedback, is worse than none at all.

Look professional

I’m not a fan of photographs on resume (opens people up to prejudices and biases), but I’m not that keen on networking with people who don’t have their photograph uploaded on LinkedIn.  You see LinkedIn is about networking and connections and people like to ‘see’ the other person.  If you decide you are going to use a photograph, don’t just use any ordinary photograph.  Make sure it looks professional and before you upload your photograph, make sure you are looking your best!

Build an effective network

Get active and connect with other members and build your network.  Remember, the more connections you have, the more opportunities you have.  However, make sure you only connect with people you trust and or have a business relationship with.

Get to grips with all the features and benefits

It is no use being on LinkedIn and sitting back and waiting for the jobs to come flooding in (it won’t happen).  To effectively use LinkedIn you need to get to grips with all the features and benefits.  Have you joined any Groups and attained expert status by answering posted questions?  Do you know how to search for contacts at companies?  Are you using the apps to enhance your LinkedIn presence, such as adding your blog?

LinkedIn is not the miraculous answer to your job search and career woes, unless you take action today and exploit the benefits offered by this social medium.