LinkedIn is a powerful tool for making business connections\u2014but it is just that, a tool. Even the most active users miss some simple ways to optimise the way they use LinkedIn.<\/p>\n
1. Think about your goals<\/strong>. Why are you on LinkedIn? To find new employees, partners, and contractors? To be found? A mix? Your goals should drive your entire presence.<\/p>\n 2. Post a picture<\/strong>. Please. Of your face. You should have a professional looking headshot as your LinkedIn photo so people can put a name to a face. If you\u2019re uncomfortable with recruiters or prospective clients seeing your picture next to your professional credentials (a valid concern), you can change your privacy settings so only your connections can see your photo.<\/p>\n 3. Use LinkedIn to remember names<\/strong>. LinkedIn can help you with offline networking too\u2014simply checking out someone’s profile after meeting them at a networking event, even if you don’t connect, can help you remember their name and what they do. This is another reason why having a picture is important\u2014it will help people remember you.<\/p>\n 4. Make the most of your headline<\/strong>. Your headline does not have to be your job title alone. Job seekers, use “Talented [Your Profession] Seeking New Opportunity” not “Unemployed.” Students, use “Aspiring [Your Profession] Seeking Internship.” not “Student at [Your University].” Keep it concise, but make sure it communicates what you do and what your skills are.<\/p>\n 5. Post statuses<\/strong>. Updating your status gives you visibility on your connections\u2019 LinkedIn home page. If you have found something online your business connections would like, or have good news to share about your work, spread the word by posting it on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n 6. Write a rich but concise summary<\/strong>. Your summary should be about you, not your company\u2014don’t just copy and paste the “about” page of your employer’s website. Your profile should be about what you do at your company, not what the company does as a whole. Tip: use concrete details like results you have generated and tasks you do on a daily basis to show people how awesome you are, rather than just telling them.<\/p>\n 7. Explore LinkedIn applications<\/strong>. If you\u2019re not a big book person, you can still enrich your profile with apps like Slideshare for presentations, WordPress for blog posts, and any number of others.<\/p>\n 8. Add sections to your profile<\/strong>. LinkedIn offers several sections beyond the standards so users can showcase volunteer experience, projects, foreign languages, even exam grades. This is especially helpful for young networkers who may not have extensive work experience, but adding more sections can add weight to any profile.<\/p>\n