Effective Use of LinkedIn for Job Search

Effective Use of LinkedIn for Job SeekersRandall CrockerLDS Business CollegeProfessional Networking GroupJanuary 28, 2013

801-633-8383randall@crocker.cchttp://randallcrocker.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/randallcrocker

LDS Business CollegeProfessional Networking GroupJanuary 28, 20131

193M+ members (about half in USA)2 new members join every second1,248,019+ groups150+ industriesMale 59% / Female 41%2 million company pagesExecutives from ALL Fortune 500 companiesLinkedIn By the NumbersWhy is LinkedIn important?

2 members join every second:1 hour = 7,2001 day 172,8001 week = 1,209,6002What Can It Do for Me?

Promote yourselfPromote your interestsNetwork with othersResearch job opportunitiesResearch peopleResearch companiesPromote yourselfPromote your businessPromote your interestsNetwork with othersResearch peopleResearch companiesRecruit and hire people

3Photo & HeadlineActivityBackgroundSummarySkills & Expertise (endorsements)ExperienceVolunteer Experience & CausesEducationPublications / Projects / Languages / Additional InfoRecommendationsConnectionsGroupsFollowingNew LinkedIn Profilehttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/samplehttp://blog.linkedin.com/2012/10/16/meet-the-new-linkedin-profile/Rolling Out NowThe new LinkedIn Profile emphasizes your active footprint

UpdatesChanges to your profileWho you are connecting toWho you are endorsingWho is endorsing youRecommendationsGroups you are joiningWho you are followingWhat companies your are followingWhat you are reading4

Your NamePicture Professional HeadlineConnect with 501 PeoplePersonal URL

Tell your professional storyhttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_proNew Profile DesignCleaner lookYour NameThis is your first impression so keep it simple and clutter free. Dont add any acronyms and credentials to it. Keep it clear and concise. And ALWAYS use your personal name, not the name of your company!

Picture Have a simple headshot, preferably of professional quality with a plain while background. Do NOT have a logo, full body shot or picture or you with anyone else. Make sure it is an attractive picture and that you are SMILING.

Professional Headline This is the most important field in your profile. You have 120 characters here so be sure to use your keywords and make sure you choose compelling words. Talk about the value you bring.

Connect with 501 PeopleLinkedIn will show how many connections you have until you hit 500. People like to connect with connected people.

Public Profile/Personal URLYou can change the URL for your LinkedIn Profile to what is called a vanity URL. Whenever possible choose your name before someone else gets it. If your name is not available thing of a way to still have your name in it by including a middle initial or a designation after it.

TIP: Use your vanity URL as part of your email signature.5Personal Information Contact SettingsWebsitesTwitter

Share how to contact you

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_proPersonal Information Include information on how people can contact you. This is only visible to your first level connections. Include contact settings (such as email, skype and/or phone number) and exclude marital status and year of birth.

TIP: Make it easy for people to connect with you.

Contact SettingsIn this section you have 1,800 characters where you can discuss who you want to connect with, how they can connect with you and anything else you want to share. Include all of the contact information that you are comfortable sharing here.

Websites LinkedIn will let you put up to three website in your profile. Do not use their generic labels such as My Company or My Blog. Always click Other and change the words to describe what you offer. You can even have multiple links to the same website.

Twitter Be sure to add your Twitter handle to your page. This will allow people who connect with you on LinkedIn to easily follow you on Twitter also.6SummarySpecialtiesLink to video, image, document, presentation

Tell your professional storyhttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_pro

SummaryYou have a total of 2,000 characters here; try to use them all and share with people who you are, and what you do. It is important that this is written in first person and not have it as a boring bio. Talk about who you are, who should connect with you and how you can help them. Be interesting, show a little of your personality and always end with a call to action. Let them know exactly what they should do next.

TIP: Search for people with titles similar to what youre looking for to see how they describe themselves.

Specialties You have 500 characters to list your keywords that are designed to capture the attention of those that read your profile and also the search engines. Use as many of the keywords and keyword phrases that describe what do as you can fit in this section.

NOTE: LinkedIn has removed this section for people that were not previously using this. If you do not have a specialties section just skip this step.

Link to video, image, document, presentationMore opportunities to tell your story

7Current TitleExperience

Tell your professional storyhttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_pro

Current TitleThis is a very important section for search optimization (how people will find you on LinkedIn).Include the keywords and phrases you think others would be searching for when looking for someone who provides what it is you offer.

Experience This is another great place to use your keywords, both in the title you held at the company as well as in the description of what you did. You have 100 characters in the title and 2,000 in the description. Only list years do not include months. Include all relevant experience that you have, both paid and volunteer positions since college. The more you have in here the more connection opportunities you will create for yourself. For every position include the following: What your company doesWho your customers areWhere you are locatedWhat you do in the companyAny accomplishments you have had

TIP: Again, look at how others in similar positions describe their experiences.8Volunteer Experience & CausesEducation , Publications, Projects, LanguagesAdditional InfoInterestsPersonal DetailsAdvice for Contacting YouHonors & AwardsOrganizations

Tell your professional story

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_proVolunteer Experience & CausesWhat do you do when you are not working?

Education , Publications, Projects, LanguagesList all education you have had. Include college, business training, technical training and any professional training youve had. Include all accomplishments, awards, special projects and credentials that will enhance your credibility.

Additional InfoInterests Discuss in this section things that you enjoy, this is the place where you can show your human side. You can include both personal and professional interests. You have 1,000 characters in this section.

Personal DetailsI dont recommend shared your birthdate or marital status.

Advice for people who want to contact youThis is where you want to share your email address and phone number

Honors & AwardsList them all

Organizations (previously Groups and Associations) List all of the groups and associations that you belong to. These can be industry, professional social and non-profit organizations. Include full spelling of them and separate each one with a comma.

9

Skills & ExpertiseEndorsementsRecommendations

Tell your professional storyhttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit-skills?locale=en_US&goback=%2Enpe_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

Skills & ExpertiseClick on the More tab on the LinkedIn navigation bar above your profile. Then click on Skills & Expertise Here you can add a list of your skills. Have keywords in mind here and list the skills you have that people may be searching for.

Recommendations It is important that you get some recommendations on your LinkedIn Profile. Simply ask people that you know for a recommendation. Getting recommendations from your clients is always best. Always customize the message that is sent out when asking for recommendations. Make it easy for the person you are requesting a recommendation from by providing a sample. Try to get at least 5-10 recommendations on your profile.

Note: one of the best ways to get recommendations is to give them!

10Tell your professional story LinkedIn Groups Following NewsCompanies

http://www.linkedin.com/myGroups?trk=hb_side_grps_top

LinkedIn Groups We are known by those we associate with; the groups you belong to say something about you.You can join a total of 50 groups. Take advantage of that and join 50 groups with people you want to connect with. Look for groups in your geographically area, your industry, and groups where your ideal clients may be. Join groups on subjects that you want to learn more about.

Examples: Sandy LDS Employment Center Networking Group (168), LDS Professionals (21,227), LDS Stake and Ward Employment Specialists11Engage with your networkCreate a group

http://www.linkedin.com/createGroup?displayCreate=&trk=anet_creategrpCreate a groupThis is not a company group, its one that is set up to discuss topics that your prospects, customers, partners, and even competitors might find worthwhile.Add starter content that gets people talking.You must participate in conversations. You must promote.Consider creating a landing page on your own website that promotes the idea behind the group and encourages visitors to joinUse, but dont abuse, the announcements function.As a group manager you can send direct announcements to all group members via email. 12Discover people and opportunitiesPeople Search

http://www.linkedin.com/search?trk=advsrchPeople SearchGreat tool for identifying people for networking.Consider informational interviews with those having experience relevant to your business efforts/ideas.

Advanced Search Criteria includes: KeywordsFirst NameLast NameLocationTitle (Current and/or Past)Company (Current and/or Past)SchoolPostal Code (geo selectable)

Filters (Basic)IndustriesGroupsRelationshipLanguageSort ByView (Basic/Expanded)

Filters (Pre search): (Premium)FunctionCompany SizeSeniority LevelInterested InYears of ExperienceRecently JoinedFortune 1000

Filters (Post search): (note parenthetical counts) Current CompanyRelationshipIndustryPast CompanySchoolProfile LanguageGroups (Premium)Years of Experience (Premium)Function (Premium)Seniority Level (Premium)Interested In (Premium)Company Size (Premium)Fortune 1000 (Premium)Recently Joined (Premium)Location

13Discover people and opportunitiesJob Search

http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?search=&trk=hb_advjsJob SearchFilter (pre-search) by:KeywordsJob TitleLocation (Postal Code/Within)CompanyFunctionsExperienceIndustriesDate Posted (my favorite)Sort By (my favorite: Date Posted-Most Recent)

Refine (post-search) by: (note parenthetical counts) RelationshipCompanyLocationDate Posted Job FunctionIndustryExperience

14Discover people and opportunitiesCompanies Search

http://www.linkedin.com/csearch/resultsCompany SearchResearch companies in your space/industry.Search criteria includes (note parenthetical count):Company NameLocationJob OpportunitiesIndustryRelationshipCompany SizeNumber of FollowersFortune15Discover people and opportunitiesBuild your network by adding your email addresses

https://www.linkedin.com/fetch/importAndInviteEntry?trk=hb_add_connInvites from your email address is a fast-start to building your network.16Discover people and opportunitiesBuild your network by reconnecting with colleagues and alumni

http://www.linkedin.com/reconnect?displayCategories&trk=tyahhttp://www.linkedin.com/edurec?display&trk=tyahTIP: Export your connections to a csv file (often) for safe keeping.17Discover people and opportunitiesInvitations should be personal and relevant300 or less charactersPreston,

We are both in the ELP Group. You have an impressive background. I'd like to add you to my network.

Im a technology marketing VP looking for a new executive marketing opportunity.Any recommendations of people I should talk to?

Thanks, Preston.

-Randy

RANDALL CROCKER801-633-8383Group invites should be personal and relevant.18What are you doing on LinkedIn?ACTIVITYLinkedIn wants to see more activity from youWhat you do communicates who you are and what youre interested in

ACTIVITY

LinkedIn wants to see more activity from youWhat you do communicates who you are and what youre interested in

19Engage with your networkFrom HomeWithin Groups

Status UpdatesStatus Update Frequently update your status so you show up in the news feed of your connections and appear active on LinkedIn. If you have a blog post, you can use the link to your post as your status update or you can link to another interesting article.Share your updates through your Twitter account 20Engage with your networkCreate a group for your eventPromote within other groups Events

Use the SlideShare to post relevant contentUse Advanced Search to identify audiences

http://linkd.in/Q0kPtzEvents (discontinued effective November 26, 2012)

Alternatives:

Sharing Ideas, Questions, Articles and Website Linkshttp://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/434

You can share thoughts, articles or other content-rich websites with others from several places. This is sometimes known as posting a status update. You can use the posting module to share information:

From yourhomepage (http://www.linkedin.com/home).From Discussions in your groups.From partner sites like Wall Street Journal or New York Times.FromLinkedIn Today (http://www.linkedin.com/today/).From any webpage when using theLinkedIn Sharing Bookmarklet (http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/global/id/4758/ft/eng).From someone's update byLiking (http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/global/id/3751/ft/eng).

Email from LinkedInDear Randall,In an effort to streamline our offerings, we retired the LinkedIn Events application on November 26. Although our intention was to notify all impacted members, we recently discovered that some users of LinkedIn Events did not receive the email informing them of the imminent retirement of the app. This was our mistake, and we apologize if you were inconvenienced by this error. If you previously set up an event and have any questions, please contact us at your earliest convenience and we will gladly assist you. Regards, The LinkedIn Team

21Promote your business Company Status UpdatesHighlight products and servicesAggregated information about company employees

http://learn.linkedin.com/company-pages/ Company Pages

Company PagesTell your companys story with a high-level overview of the businessHighlight what youre offeringA showcase of products & services.Recommendations from trusted LinkedIn members.Connections to the members making the recommendations.Engage with followersShare career opportunities (Requires a paid subscription.)Drive word of mouth at scaleAdd a Follow button to your websiteSpotlight your Group or other groups that are symbiotic 22

Promote your businessFrom your home page, select CompaniesTop right-hand corner, select Add a Company

http://www.linkedin.com/company/add/show Create a Company Page

Company PagesTell your companys story with a high-level overview of the businessHighlight what youre offeringA showcase of products & services.Recommendations from trusted LinkedIn members.Connections to the members making the recommendations.Engage with followersShare career opportunities (Requires a paid subscription.)Drive word of mouth at scaleAdd a Follow button to your website23Promote your business

A look under the hood

http://www.linkedin.com/company/utah-oracle-users-group/edit?trk=admin_tools Good to have more than one administrator.24Go to the More menu and choose Applications Directory. Choose just a few applications that you want to add to your profile. Favorites include Amazon Reading List (if you are an Author be sure to display your book), Wordpress, Google Docs and SlideShare.

Feature Applications http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=application_directory&trk=hb_side_apps

New LinkedIn side apps being developed and tested.25Up to 3,000 invitationsUp to 30,000 connectionsFollow up to 1,000 companiesUp to 120 characters in professional headlineUp to 2,000 characters in your summaryUp to 500 characters in specialtiesUp to 50 groupsFor each experience, 100 characters for title and 2,000 for descriptionUp to 1,800 characters on how to connect with you 1,000 characters to describe interestsUp to 300 characters to write an invitation

Numbers / Limitations LinkedIn field specifications

Up to 3,000 invitationsUp to 30,000 connectionsFollow up to 1,000 companiesUp to 120 characters in professional headlineUp to 2,000 characters in your summaryUp to 500 characters in specialtiesUp to 50 groupsFor each experience, 100 characters for title and 2,000 for descriptionUp to 1,800 characters on how to connect with you 1,000 characters to describe interestsUp to 300 characters to write an invitation

Side note: You can see what your LinkedIn identifying number is by looking at the URL when you are viewing your profile (e.g., http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1146161&trk=tab_pro).26http://www.linkedin.com/outlookLinkedIn Tools

Other ToolsEmail SignatureMac Search WidgetGoogle Toolbar Assistant

http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=toolsSubject to change at any time

LinkedIn productivity tools

Quickly and easily build your network using OutlookBuild your network from frequent contactsManage your LinkedIn contacts in OutlookStay connected to your network27

http://www.linkedinlabs.comLinkedIn Labshttp://www.linkedinlabs.com/inmaps

http://instant.linkedinlabs.com/LinkedIn LabsInMaps - Map your professional network to understand the relationships between you and your connections.Instant Search - A sample application to search LinkedIn.Signal - Make it easier to glean the most relevant insights from the never-ending stream of status updates and news.28Wordle word cloudshttp://www.wordle.net/

Melonie Dodaro: Optimize your LinkedIn Profile in 21 Easy Stepshttp://reports.topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-guide/http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/ Ken Krogue: 31 LinkedIn Tips How to Use LinkedIn Best Practices for B2B Prospectinghttp://www.kenkrogue.com/social-networking/31-linkedin-tips-how-to-use-linkedin-best-practices/ Dennis Wood: Headhunters Edge: Networking, Career, and Job Search Strategies From The Dark Sidehttp://budurl.com/a4t2

Randall Crocker: Effective Use of LinkedIn for Job Seekers http://randallcrocker.com/#contact-sectionResourcesEffective Use of LinkedIn for Job Seekers29