LinkedIn is more than just a job search and CV hosting tool. Being or getting active on linkedin raises your profile. The problem that many users create for themselves is only being active when looking for work or a new role. LI gives us tools to raise our profile too.
Effective use of LinkedIn requires ongoing balance. When in a stable (employed) role, we often use LinkedIn for connecting, learning and sharing. When needing or seeking new opportunities we can use it to raise our profile even higher.
It is claimed that:
- 1 out of 3 professionals on the planet has a #LinkedIn profile
- 92% of jobs are on LinkedIn compared to just 48% on Facebook
Why have a LinkedIn profile?
Well lets all be honest here. It started out as a CV/Resume store. A place to showcase who we are and what we can do. But it can be so much more to those in the know.
It can act as a useful directory to people we have met in the past. To reconnect with people we used to work with.
The reality is that most people on a day to day basis forget that LinkedIn even exists. Then every now and again we see an email and investigate what Jane Smyth has been up to. What new job that Peter Smith has. Where in the world that Ahmed Khan is working now.
Often the only time that most people go back to LinkedIn is when they are looking for a new role. Having a current and up to date LinkedIn profile helps to build your credibility. These things are easier to maintain in small steps over the long term, than one big update when you MUST do so.
SCREAM to your colleagues that you are not happy and looking to leave so everyone can hear
The default setting on LinkedIn is to tell you contacts that you are adding things or changing things on your profile. Most people only do this when looking for work. It’s easy to see when people are not happy at work. They update their profile. They join industry groups. Connections can see this activity in default settings. As the owner of several groups, I see this pattern every day. Do not kid yourselves, your colleagues and BOSS see it too!
The irony is that it’s this stuff that alerts recruiters that you MIGHT be available. So by hiding this from your connections, you are also hiding it from potential recruiters.
So what is the solution?
Actually it’s straightforward if you think about it. But I will come back to this later in the article.
What else can LinkedIn offer? – Or reasons why non-job seekers should be active on LinkedIn
In years gone by many people belonged to professional forums and chat rooms. Places where they could share ideas. Learn from others about their profession. Many of those groups are not as vibrant as they once were. Why?
Simple – LinkedIn groups.
Linkedin groups for in uninformed are great places to connect online, with like minded people. To share ideas. To learn.
The trick is to find the right groups. The best groups allow no posting of blogs or articles. Do not get me wrong, such groups are OK, but they never feel like a community. Each type of group has its place and way of working. Check out groups that add value.
Visiting LinkedIn regularly, that is at least weekly, can help you grow as a professional (free learning) and maintains a level of activity on LinkedIn.
What groups to join?
If a professional in a stable role, then join groups relevant to your profession. If looking to move, then join groups where your MANAGER might be. The reason for this is to work on building your reputation as a knowledgeable person. Then when it comes to job search later, you already have a profile.
If you are unemployed there is a great group for professionals that is available to premium members only. It’s called Job Seeker, Premium and it is full of useful information. Joining it is by invite only.
Keys to Linkedin Success
The first is to have a complete profile. This includes having a professional photo. Don’t be shy. A good photo can generate 11 times the interest in your profile than no image.
When you have a strong profile, then is the time to market it. Groups like “Pay it Forward” are very powerful as raising your profile in your company and in your profession.
Why stay active on LinkedIn – Get noticed IN your company too.
Simply put. If you are seen by your connections to be a regular on LinkedIn, they wont know if its “normal” activity or job search. One thing for sure. When you need to use LinkedIn for job search, it’s much easier from a “warm start” then a “cold start”. Being active in groups and discussions, keeps your profile “warm” and above the noise.
The average number of profiles a member gets is 10-15 a week. People in the “Pay it Forward” club average over 200 a week. That means they get noticed. If they are employed, having more views raises your profile INSIDE your employer too. Imagine getting more attention than your Head of IT OR Head of Marketing.
What you will do however is change the nature of your activity a little. In everyday life, you will be adding connections as you meet people. Write the occasional blog, and most importantly participate in discussions in relevant groups.
When you are looking for work, you will be looking at jobs, following companies etc. the focus will be different. Activity levels higher. But not 0-100, just an uplift of a few points.
The average user spends just 17 minutes a month on LinkedIn. Imagine how much more successful if you were doing the RIGHT things in the right way for 17 minutes a week… or just 17 minutes a day to put your LinkedIn usage on (legal) steroids!
So there you go, LinkedIn is not “just” for job seekers or consultants, but for all professionals on a day-to-day basis. How you use it will change the results you get.
LinkedIn is more than just a job search and CV hosting tool
Some Facts and Statistics on LinkedIn Usage:
LinkedIn is more than just a job search and CV hosting tool
Source: http://wersm.com/top-linkedin-facts-and-stats-infographic/
There you go. LinkedIn is more than job search CV hosting tool
LinkedIn is more than just a job search and CV hosting tool only being active when looking for work is a mistake. LI gives us tools to raise our profile too
How do you use LinkedIn? Are you active in groups? Which ones? Why?
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