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How to Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage

LinkedIn functions as an incredibly relevant and purposeful platform for professionals and corporate executives to network, learn, and grow. And while most people simply use it almost like an online resume, the platform has more uses. And yet many are not sure about how to use LinkedIn.

Why use LinkedIn?

Over time LinkedIn has evolved into much more. LinkedIn offers immense support for job searchers, allows you to grow your professional network, expand your professional interests and knowledge, and more.

So, here is how to use LinkedIn and leverage it to improve and grow your professional profile.

1. Networking

LinkedIn was created to enable professional networking, which generally takes a lot of time and effort when you conduct it in-person. While it does still take some effort on LinkedIn, it is much reduced. Simply uploading material on the platform is insufficient. Rather, you need to also establish meaningful interactions with your peers on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn’s search capabilities can help you identify people in your field and other areas that you might be interested in. Do not interact with people only to increase your network in numbers. In the current market, you need to use your connections more strategically to interact and establish authentic connections. You will find all your connections in a list titled ‘My Network.’

You will gain access to the profiles and their publicly available connections when you build a new connection. These links are referred to as ‘second-degree connections.’ This creates even more opportunities to network. So, that’s how to use LinkedIn to network.

2. Contacting other LinkedIn users

Personalize your LinkedIn connection. It’s important to know how to connect with someone on LinkedIn in a way that makes them feel comfortable. Don’t simply click the ‘connect’ button and send a nonspecific general request when going through LinkedIn’s list of ‘people you may know.’ Rather, go to the person’s profile page and click the ‘connect’ option there. Send them a message to introduce yourself and why you think a connection is a good idea. You can also ask them if making the connection is alright by them.

3. Boost your career

You can use LinkedIn’s job board to find new career opportunities. You can set up email alerts to receive emails with suitable job openings. Since the platform extends geographical borders, you can also apply and get international jobs. You can also research companies and their employees on the platform. This is helpful before you go for an interview or even apply for a new job. If you find companies that you are interested in, you can follow their LinkedIn profile to be updated on their LinkedIn activity. Ask your peers and co-workers or even clients to write you a recommendation on the platform. This helps when recruiters are considering your profile. And, that’s how to use LinkedIn to boost your career.

4. Define your goals

Ensure all the language you put on LinkedIn is in alignment with your professional goals and your professional personality. Your professional goals will also determine the kind of material you share and promote on your LinkedIn profile. So before you start populating your profile with information, work on your goals and objectives as a professional.

5. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated

Make sure you have a suitable profile photograph, preferably with you in professional attire, high resolution, and with your face showing well. Write the summary like you would write a cover letter. Include all your professional highlights and skills. The more comprehensive and detailed your LinkedIn profile is, the more likely you are to be discovered and contacted. Use your LinkedIn profile as an online resume to give specific information about your talents and experience to potential employers. Every time you change your job, get a promotion, complete a particularly challenging project, work with a high-profile client or anything that could potentially be a highlight in your career, add it to your LinkedIn profile.

6. Customize your LinkedIn URL

When you initially join LinkedIn, it provides you an extremely lengthy and generic URL link, just like any other social network. Keeping the auto-generated URL isn’t going to harm you, but it isn’t going to help either. So, update your current URL to match your professional, branded identity. First, click on profile, click edit profile, click edit right under your profile picture and change the information to what you want it to be.

7. Use the headline wisely

The LinkedIn headline is used in their search engines and is a critical part of your profile. Create an SEO-friendly headline that highlights your role and the highlights of your career. If your designation is a creative one, aimed to promote internal morale, then add your role here. This will help recruiters find your profile much better. Use relevant keywords so that your profile will be among those on top when any of those SEO keywords are being searched for. But be sure not to use vague keywords which will have the opposite effect. That’s how to use LinkedIn to stay ahead in the SEO game.

8. List your skills

The platform allows you to mention different skills. Use that space as much as possible. This allows companies to evaluate if you are a good fit. Since this information influences search results, make sure you include a thorough and comprehensive description of your capabilities to attract more relevant potential employers to your LinkedIn profile. Start by looking at job descriptions for your dream jobs or positions to assist you in listing down your strongest capabilities. Create your resume by identifying the talents recognized by recruiters, potential employers, and hiring managers in your sector and list the ones that you also possess.

9. Use LinkedIn groups

All LinkedIn members have the ability to create or join groups to exchange ideas and share industry news. This is a fantastic method to expand your professional network. You can locate new groups by searching for them in the search box at the top of your profile page. Once you have joined a group on LinkedIn, you can participate in discussions, ask questions, and send messages to other members. LinkedIn groups are great places to get information, share ideas, and get support.

10. Share relevant and engaging content

Posting relevant and engaging content helps you attract a significant number of followers to your page. Although, getting a large number of followers isn’t the end of your LinkedIn marketing approach. Take genuine interest and post and share information that your peers and customers can benefit from, such as recent insights by an industry leader. If you are promoting a brand, use visuals, whether images or videos.

Be active and available on the platform. Be genuine and stay current with the latest industry news. The more you interact and post, the more you’ll be seen and gain recognition.

LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for promoting your professional profile. The platform itself gives you a measure of how to use LinkedIn and whether you have used the profile well. It shows you your ‘Profile Strength’ so that you can see how to improve it. So use every aspect of the platform to push your career forward.

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