Hi! I’d like to join your LinkedIn network.

Posted on January 01, 2020

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Social media network LinkedIn launched in 2003 and now hosts more than 500 million professional users. According to recent research, more than 44% of users are active on the platform monthly. LinkedIn is a “go-to” networking tool for many of us. While LinkedIn provides an excellent opportunity to connect and stay in touch with your professional network, the platform can be a resource for many other things.

BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Take the time to optimize your personal profile. Adding a photo and including at least two employment positions has been shown to increase traffic to your profile. Create a personal tagline that uniquely describes you and gives people a reason to connect. Customize your LinkedIn URL and share it on other digital platforms like your email signature and resume.

If you are looking for an easy way to start posting content, find posts and articles that reflect your interests and strengths and add comments or share the post to your network.  Additional content might include writing and posting articles or slideshares to highlight your expertise.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Follow influencers. Do you know the current list of LinkedIn Influencers? Their expertise and influence give great insight into today’s global business environment and “hot” topics. Are members of your network following a certain influencer, company, or group? Take a look. Following the same influencer might be a great way to connect with folks on a new level.

Are you connected with your alumni networks? Many universities, schools, even private corporations host alumni networks to help their alumni stay in touch, share valuable information. Be sure that you’re connected to the Bryan School’s LinkedIn page!

LinkedIn now hosts LinkedIn Learning a digital, data driven platform with more than 13,000 Business, Design and Technical tutorials available to subscribers. You can create a personalized development plan around many topics. Popular tracks include Leadership and Management, Data Analytics, Business Software among others.

JOB SEARCH

Looking for a new role or gathering information to make informed career decisions? LinkedIn Jobs and LinkedIn Salary can be valuable tools. LinkedIn Salary allows you to see salary insights for specific job titles, and the different factors that impact pay scale, such as location, years of experience, industry, company size, and education level. LinkedIn Jobs allows you to search and apply for jobs directly from your profile. You can also customize data about your job search to share directly with recruiters.

Remember that alumni network mentioned earlier? Now is the time to use it! Find a connection working at your target employer and ask them to share information about the organization and what might help you stand out in their hiring process. (Remember – when reaching out to someone you don’t know – don’t just use the standard “I’d like to connect” language. Explain why you’re reaching out to that individual.) Once you have a job, return the favor. Be a resource for job seekers considering your workplace.

LinkedIn is a far more robust tool than can be measured by the number of your connections. These are just a few of the ways the platform can add professional value. Build your network, optimize your profile, and take advantage of the available resources. Put LinkedIn and its 500 Million users to work for you!

Written by Bramley Crisco
Employer Relations Specialist
Bryan School of Business and Economics

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