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LinkedIn, the only social network geared specifically toward professionals, offers an unprecedented opportunity to connect with the top businesses and individuals in your field. But if you just set up a LinkedIn profile and ignore it, you’re leaving a powerful tool on the table.

Step One: Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your “billboard” on the information superhighway. As a result, your profile should be developed as fully as possible. Areas to focus on in your profile development include:

  • Your photo. Choose a professional photo for your profile – no candid shots. If you have to use a snapshot, edit it so that your face is prominent and other elements, including the background, are eliminated or kept to a minimum.
  • Your headline and summary. These two pieces of information are the first thing potential employers see. They’re also indexed by LinkedIn and used in searches. Consequently, both should include keywords related to the job you’re looking for. The more specific and precise your headline and summary are, the easier it is for employers to find you.
  • Your complete job and education history. Unlike a resume, which requires you to be concise, LinkedIn gives you the space to include details about your job history. Describe your accomplishments with concrete keywords, numbers, and percentages.
  • Your skills and expertise. LinkedIn allows its members to endorse and recommend one another for certain skills. Ask your connections on the site to add to yours, and offer to add to theirs.
  • Your contact information. Make sure your contact information is up to date and includes a professional email address.

Step Two: Putting the “Social” In Social Media

To utilize the LinkedIn social network to its fullest, you’ll need to do more than merely create a LinkedIn profile. You’ll also need to participate in the site’s social life.

  • Build connections. Your LinkedIn connections are your “network” on the site. Build connections by reaching out not only to LinkedIn users you know, but also to other professionals in your field and those who work at companies that interest you.
  • Update frequently. Regular updates make you easier to find on the site. They also pique the interest of fellow professionals, making it easier to expand your connections.
  • Join discussion boards. Like updates, discussion board posts make you easier for the site’s search functions to locate and index. They also demonstrate your interest in sharing your knowledge and learning more about your field.
  • Accept InMail and invitations. InMail is the site’s internal messaging system. By setting your profile to accept InMail and invitations to discussion groups, you’ll make yourself more readily accessible to employers, recruiters, and fellow professionals.
  • Follow companies that interest you. You’ll be notified by LinkedIn when these companies post updates, such as job openings.
  • Follow your recruiter. Your recruiter’s LinkedIn connections and updates contain a wealth of information to help you make the most of your job search.

Step Three: Talk To Your Recruiter

LinkedIn offers you a valuable platform and voice in the social media world. By connecting with a recruiter who specializes in your field, you can learn how to maximize your online presence while also leveraging your recruiter’s expertise.

The experienced recruiters at SMR Group can help you find the sales or marketing job you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more!


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