LinkedInLinkedInSuccessful ProfilesSuccessful Profiles

By Jenny Kahn, PHRBy Jenny Kahn, PHRSenior Technical RecruiterSenior Technical RecruiterJennykahnphr@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/jennykahnwww.linkedin.com/in/jennykahnCopyright 2012Copyright 2012

What will a successful profile do for you?

Provides an outlet to showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities in a way a resume alone could never do!• Sells your skills and knowledge 24/7.• Provides applications that easily allow you

to demonstrate the value you bring.• Provides a venue to build your reputation

as a thought leader in your industry.

This is your Home Page.

•Roll the mouse over your name to find your “Settings” hyperlink.

•LinkedIn does not automatically sign you out of the system when you leave the page. You must click on the “Sign Out” hyperlink before you leave the site or the next person who logs in after you will see your information.

These are your basic functions.

If you are in job search mode make sure your public profile is visible.

Remember: You can’t be hired if you can’t be found!

This is where you customize your URL to make it easier to copy and share.

Click on the parts of your profile you want people not connected with you to see.

Profiles are displayed based on percentage complete. In order to come up at the top of any list you must be at 100%. The system will tell you what your profile still needs in order to be complete.

Remember the brand you are trying Remember the brand you are trying to create while you build your profile.to create while you build your profile.

• Make sure your summary fits the position you are seeking.

• Your experience should reflect your summary. Choose examples that support your summary claims.

• Make sure that groups and applications are directly related. Confusion = lack of employer interest.

The Summary, the most important part of your profile.

• This section must include all the key words that you want to be associated with.

• If you don’t get the reader’s attention here, chances are they are not going to read further.

• “Specialties” can just be a string of key words.

Be sure to put BOTH your full name and your contact at the very top. Recent changes in visibility of 3rd degree contacts makes providing this information essential!

Experience SectionBe sure to use titles that are industry standard and allow you to be found in “People” searches.

This is where your recommendation can be found.

Applications

• Box.net: to attach your resume, white papers, patent info, letters of recommendation or samples of your work.

• WordPress: to promote your blogs.• SlideShare: to share ppt. presentations.• Website hyperlinks: to redirect viewers to the

YouTube videos you have put up to demonstrate your abilities.

Applications really make your profile stand out and easier to find.

BoxNet.com Files

How to use LinkedIn to How to use LinkedIn to build and manage your networkbuild and manage your network

Allow LinkedIn to access your email address Allow LinkedIn to access your email address book.book.

Be sure to include a hyperlink to your Be sure to include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn URL on your email signature line.LinkedIn URL on your email signature line.

Use “Tags” and “Notes” to keep your growing Use “Tags” and “Notes” to keep your growing network organized.network organized.

You can use this section on the profile of your connections to keep notes and manage your network.

Under the Contacts tab:

Add and delete your connections here.

Manage your connections here.

Groups

Illustrates where your interests are.

This is where you will learn about open positions.

Hear the latest news on industry trends.

Post questions to colleagues and peers.

Answer questions that show you are a subject matter expert.

You can access “Groups” directly from the Home Page.

Posting thoughtful discussions or answering questions posted by others will help you be seen as subject matter expert.

A few housekeeping tips:

There maybe some Group logos you may not want to display. Remove them from view here.

Turn off the delivery feed of all but your most important groups to minimize spam to your email.

Looking for a quick way to stay on top of the news in your field of interest? Sign up for Linkedin Today.

Find something interesting? The new “Share” feature allows for you to share to multiple groups or individuals at the same time

Questions?

Feel free to connect with me at

www.linkedin.com/in/jennykahn