Learning LinkedInAn introduction

LinkedIn Facts Professional networking site

Third-fastest-growing social networking site

Two new users join every second

90.9% of users use the free version

35% of users visit daily

LinkedIn User Demographics

60% male

22% are in the 25-34 age range

Tend to be more affluent

76% have at least a college degree

28% have a graduate degree

Using LinkedIn Reconnect – be found and find others

Make new connections and network Establish presence in an industry

Reinforce existing relationships

Engage (and find) key influencers

Attract target audience

Discover opportunities

Gain knowledge Content sharing

Get answers by people who should know what they’re talking about

Enhance personal/employer’s brand

Using LinkedIn: Engage

The conversation is happening with or

without you!

Develop a Strategy Define goals

What is your objective in using LinkedIn?

For what do you want to be known?

Include keywords

Establish an effective presence

Join and participate in groups

Connect with people and companies

Participate and engage regularly – it’s a two-way street

Important Profile Parts: Photo

Doesn’t have to be a professional headshot

Unless you’re a model, try to stick to just a headshot

Don’t include other people

Reflect some personality, as appropriate

Important Profile Parts:

Headline

It’s the first – and sometimes only – thing people read

Be creative, not boring

Tailor it to the job you want to have, not necessarily the

one you have now

Important Profile Parts:

Summary

Be Concise

Write in the first person

Highlight specialties

Use keywords

Think of your “elevator speech”

Writing Your Summary

Thanks to GEI and Joshua Waldman:

Who are you?

What problem do you solve?

Why are you the best? Mention one of your biggest

successes, and be specific

What kind of job are you looking for?

Endorsements

More than 1 billion total

Average number of endorsements per user is 5

Easy to give

Easy to hide – irrelevant skill and/or endorser

At this point, recruiters don’t care about them

But don’t ignore them

Recommendations

Hold more weight than endorsements

Think about reciprocating

Adds credibility

Try to have at least two

Volunteer Work

Consider listing something under work if it is related to

your career – you just did it pro bono!

Everything counts

Remember: this is more than an online resume

Groups

A great way to stay active and network

PROPS – Professional Partners/Spouses of the FS

Join industry and alumni groups

Ask and answer questions

Connecting

Search! You might be surprised with what you find

1st, 2nd, 3rd degree connections

Introductions

InMail

Jobs

Search for jobs

Discover jobs in your network

Many groups post jobs or job leads

Pulse

LinkedIn bought Pulse for $90M in April 2013

Newsreader

Recently integrated into LinkedIn, replacing LinkedIn

Today

Increased personalization

Helpful Hints

Before updating your profile, turn off your notifications!

Customize your profile URL

Complete your profile – you want to be an all-star

Grow your network

Sharing content? For maximum reach, try morning and

midday (EST), Monday through Friday