Maximizing Linked In
Transcript of Maximizing Linked In
Maximizing LinkedIn for the Job Search
Presented by Robert Rhodes
Contributions from the Community Career Center, Naperville IL
(Updated 12/2012)
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
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
What can LinkedIn do for me?
• Increase visibility so you will be found• Find other professionals• Network • Research companies• Ask for assistance from connections
Connections
Networking - Everyone is connected. Six degrees of separation.
Connections
• Former co-workers and supervisors
• Friends/associates
• Connections of connections
• Virtual connections
Connecting with Connections‘ Connections
Where do you start?
• Build a detailed profile• Send invitations to fellow networkers• Join professional and alumni groups• Request recommendations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
How to Maximize Your Network
Skills Endorsements• New feature on LinkedIn to endorse
specific skills
LinkedIn Resources
• Understanding, Leveraging and Maximizing LinkedIn by Neal Schaffer Book (For purchase on Amazon.com)
• Windmill Networking Bloghttp://windmillnetworking.com/blog/#axzz0iudyGBcl
• 10 Ways to use LinkedIn Bloghttp://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html
Questions? Ask Bob About LinkedInSend me questions at [email protected]