LinkedIn Is More than Just Your On-line Resume

LinkedIn Is More than Just Your On-line Resume Plugging your resume into your LinkedIn profile wont get you the results you are looking for. You need to USE LinkedIn, not just while you are in job search mode, but even after youve secured your new job. It is a rich resource with the ability to connect you to the answers you need in your next job. Once youve secured your new position you should update your profile with your new job title and company and a bit about what youll be doing. But dont stop there. Add to your network Find new co-workers on LinkedIn and invite them to connect with you. But never, ever use the generic invite that LinkedIn provides. Personalize it. CareerRocketeer posted about LinkedIn invitations here. Easily nurture your network You know how hard it is to meet people initially. Once youve met it takes work to stay connected. Thus the power of LinkedIn. You will be forever connected. Post an update every once in awhile. The update can be exciting news about a new project, you could share the link to a great article or news. When someone you knows gets a new job, congratulate them. Skim through the updates and see whats going on with people you know. See what events they are attending, what they are reading and doing. Take a minute and email them. Show interest in what other people are doing. Join Groups and Discussions If you havent done so already, join professional groups related to your occupation or industry. There are thousands of groups. If it seems overwhelming to search the directory, try viewing the profiles of industry movers and shakers or people in your profession to see which groups they belong to. Being employed and being in a group is a great way to learn about topics or issues of interest. In discussions you may be able to learn or share information. (Hey, thats part of networking). The other benefit to being in a group is that you are able to connect directly with people who are in that group without having to personally know them. That is assuming that you write a great personalized invitation explaining why you want to connect. QA Browse the QA section. If you want to be known for something, provide an answer to a question. If you are looking for an answer, it may be there. You can search by topic or keyword. Chances are, that someone else is struggling with some of the same issues you are. Why not collaborate or recycle their solutions. Help spread the word to employed individuals of the power of LinkedIn. The more people who use it and understand it, the richer it becomes.