Tips for using LinkedIn like an expert
Despite being one of the most important social networks in the professional sector, LinkedIn is, to this day, one of the great unknowns. Its complexity may be taking away job opportunities. Professionally speaking, it is essential to learn how to use this tool, not only because of the wide range of job offers available, but also to help ourselves in relation to influential people.
Currently, there is a large number of professionals who do not know how to use LinkedIn correctly and, therefore, do not get the most out of it. Our work objectives can be reflected in this social network, and we must take them into account when designing strategies. LinkedIn should be part of our daily routine to keep it alive and updated.
LinkedIn has multiple functions. Among them, we list the most important:
- Job search / Talent acquisition.
- Creation of a professional profile.
- Personal experience development.
- Personal brand design.
- Company profile linked to the company's website.
- Discussion and debate groups.
- Private and direct messaging.
- Publication of slides.
Everything we can achieve thanks to LinkedIn is not enough if we do not delve into the tool. Why is it so difficult for us to manage this social network?
Perhaps it is due to a lack of knowledge about it. To use LinkedIn, we must know it and discover its secrets. Pay attention to the following tips that will make your LinkedIn profile a professional world open to the job market.
Define yourself from a professional angle
It is not enough to show your profession or your city of residence. Take advantage of the multiple functions of LinkedIn that allow you to show the rest of the world everything you have done regarding your studies and work findings.
Your initial biography and summary will be your best allies. Write a description about yourself that is attractive to others, but always with the truth, of course! Keep in mind that both texts are the first things people see on a LinkedIn profile.
The profile picture does matter
This photograph should inspire confidence in the person viewing it. Try to avoid the typical ID photo that only shows coldness.
The best thing is to find an image that represents you, that favors you as a "human", that shows your best professional profile. And, above all, that reflects reality.
Get recommendations
Always request a recommendation from clients, partners, or bosses you have worked with whenever possible. A profile without recommendations seems incomplete. In addition, it is very important to show the person who may soon hire you what people who have worked with you think of you.
Your achievements should be reflected in your profile, so ask for this recommendation from those people who have marked a turning point (for the better) in your working life.
Be active in the groups
Participation in discussion groups is essential. Join the interesting ones that are related to your sector and contribute useful information to other participants.
Of course, don't overdo it to the point of seeming like a spammer. In information, quality is always better than quantity. Also, take advantage of these LinkedIn groups to ask questions that may arise, as many people may be wondering the same thing as you.
Keep your profile up to date
A live and active profile is synonymous with interest. All those LinkedIn profiles that are kept up to date, that provide information about the sector, that constantly add experience to their professional life, are very well regarded.
And this includes cleaning up your contacts. Keep only those who are influential, those who can contribute something to your career, and discard those with whom you went to high school and never touched a book again.
