Maximizing Linked In
- 1. Maximizing LinkedIn for the Job Search Presented by Robert Rhodes Contributions from the Community Career Center, Naperville IL (Updated 12/2012)
- 2. What is LinkedIn? • LinkedIn is an interconnected network of professionals • You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with professionals • Over 100 million professionals are on LinkedIn
- 3. What is LinkedIn? • Professionals from every Fortune 500 company are represented on LinkedIn • Half of members are outside the US • LinkedIn is in several languages
- 4. What can LinkedIn do for me? • Increase visibility so you will be found • Find other professionals • Network • Research companies • Ask for assistance from connections
- 5. Connections Networking - Everyone is connected. Six degrees of separation.
- 6. Connections • Former co-workers and supervisors • Friends/associates • Connections of connections • Virtual connections
- 8. Where do you start? • Build a detailed profile • Send invitations to fellow networkers • Join professional and alumni groups • Request recommendations
- 9. Your Profile • Name and professional photo • Summary statement loaded with key words for your profession • All former positions and education • Contact information, including phone number and e-mail
- 10. Maximizing Your Network • LI was originally designed as a way to network with people you know • Overtime, LinkedIn evolved to a network of trusted contacts and their contacts • LinkedIn now accepts the concept of virtual contacts, in my opinion • LinkedIn is divided into 1st level, 2nd level and 3nd level contacts
- 11. Maximizing Your Network • 1st level contacts - Direct contacts • 2nd level contacts - Your direct contacts’ 1st level contacts • 3nd level contacts - Direct contacts of your 2nd level contacts
- 12. How to Maximize Your Network Invitations • Customize invitations Examples: • Met you at the job club • We belong to Greater Naperville LI group • Do not send standard invitation • If you don’t want to connect, better option is to press Ignore • Do not use the spam option
- 13. How to Maximize Your Network Groups • Groups are important for exposure • Want to join numerous groups and participate in these groups • Can join up to 50 different groups • Good way to meet contacts • Some groups have in-person meetings
- 14. How to Maximize Your Network LIONs • Connect with a LION or LinkedIn Open Networker • LIONs have over 500 contacts and are usually willing to accept invitations • There is an option to disconnect without their knowledge • LIONs increase your number of 2nd level connections
- 15. How to Maximize Your Network Introductions • Your direct contact can introduce you to a 2nd level contact • Introductions are a way to be introduced to a contact that could help you • Contact your connection via e-mail before ask for an Introduction • If you want to use Introductions, you must be willing to introduce others
- 16. How to Maximize Your Network Recommendations • Recommendations are important for your profile since they make it believable • Need at least 3 recommendations for 100% LinkedIn rating • Best recommendations are from former managers or co-workers • Don’t ask someone you do not know to write you a recommendation
- 17. How to Maximize Your Network Skills Endorsements • New feature on LinkedIn to endorse specific skills
- 18. LinkedIn Resources • Understanding, Leveraging and Maximizing LinkedIn by Neal Schaffer Book (For purchase on Amazon.com) • Windmill Networking Blog http://windmillnetworking.com/blog/#axzz0iudyG Bcl • 10 Ways to use LinkedIn Blog http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html Questions? Ask Bob About LinkedIn Send me questions at [email protected]