Get a Leg-up on LinkedIn

Social Networking is a big part of business today. If used properly, these sites can serve as great platforms for businesses to advertise, gain recognition, and increase sales and services. While personal social media pages, on the other hand, get a bad rap for being damaging and harmful to an individual’s reputation, there is a site that allows you to promote your career, foster your professional reputation, and network with others. I realize LinkedIn is hardly a new site, but I think there are tricks to utilizing this site in an effort to self-promote your skills, education, and experience.

Honesty is important when using this site. Current and future employers may reference your page, so be sure the information you put on there is accurate and up-to-date. In the same respect, use the site to promote yourself! This requires you to present yourself in the best possible light! Have a recent picture (no group pics!), add current and past employment experiences to your profile, describe the tasks and skills these positions required, list your past education and any relevant certifications, and regularly update your page. And most importantly, network! Search the site for friends, colleagues, former co-workers, and family members. Look for individuals who can attest to your skills and strong work ethic.

As a final note, be sure you put your best profile forward. Check your grammar and spelling, present only honest and accurate information, and regularly visit your page. Proper utilization of this site can boast your appeal to future employers and allow access to networking events otherwise unknown. Building a professional reputation is important into today’s world of business. Put your best foot forward and use LinkedIn as a networking and professional tool.

Do you have any other tips or advice regarding LinkedIn?

Written By: Megan Bowman