LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for connecting with people and building your personal brand. Here are some tips on how to use the platform effectively:
Have a strong profile photo.
Having a strong profile photo is important. Make sure it is a good quality photo, not blurry and that you are looking straight into the camera. You should also be wearing business casual attire for this photo. Please also note a headshot is more effective than a selfie for that professional feel.
Make sure your profile is complete, accurate and up to date
Your LinkedIn profile is a reflection of who you are as a professional. It's important that it reflects what you want people to know about you and the skills that make up your professional identity.
Be sure to update any new information regularly, such as job title changes, new qualifications you have achieved, or even just an updated photo of yourself if it’s been a few years!
Make your headline more than just a job title
You can use the headline to say more about your position, instead of just putting your job title or your current employment position. For example you could say 'A college leaver who is looking for a career in Social Media Marketing'.
Add a background photo
Your background header image is one of the first things people see when they visit your LinkedIn page. It should be a high-quality image that accurately portrays who you are and what industry or sector you're in. For example, if you have a side business that you want to promote, add that logo and your contact details so people can get in touch with you and find out more! If you're a school leaver looking for a job, you can mention that you are looking for a role in a certain industry.
Build your personal brand
Make sure you are actively posting and engaging on LinkedIn. It doesn’t have to be everyday, but you should check in and start off with posting once a week. You can share your skills, knowledge and expertise, for example giving your views on a big trend for this year in your industry. We also advise that you regularly comment and like other people’s posts, this is great for exposure and showcasing your profile. People can also like and comment on your posts in return.
Don’t forget about your endorsements
Make sure you use the endorsements section, as it highlights your skills,potential employers will be looking at this when it comes to looking for candidates for their job roles. You can also endorse others if you feel they deserve it, they can also return the favour if they think the same of you!
Make an effort to connect with employers in your desired industries, influencers and anyone that inspires you
Connect with employers in your desired industries: You never know when an opportunity may arise that requires a connection on LinkedIn, so it's always good to have these connections ready.
Connect with influencers: They're often leaders within their fields of expertise and have strong social media presences that allow them to share insights into what they do best--which could be just what you need!
Connect with anyone who inspires you. On your LinkedIn feed you’ll come across lots of different people. Make sure to connect with them if you find their content useful and inspirational.
Engage with other LinkedIn users in your posts, their posts and in groups
Join relevant groups. If you're looking for a job, there's a good chance that some of the groups on LinkedIn are related to your field. Join those groups and engage with other members by commenting on posts and participating in discussions.
Comment on others' posts--and vice versa! As mentioned above, commenting is one of the best ways to get noticed by recruiters on LinkedIn because it shows that you're an engaged user who cares about what's happening in yournetwork. When someone comments on one of your posts or makes a recommendation for something related to your career goals, thank them for taking the time out of their busy day--and then ask them if they'd be willing to connect with you!
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for job seekers and professionals alike. It also allows you to build your personal brand while networking and creating professional connections. We hope these tips will help you use LinkedIn more effectively.
