12 Tips from the ‘Queen of LinkedIn’
Last month marked my two year anniversary with LinkedIn, the professional social networking site that allows you to display your work experience while connecting or “linking up” to build your network. I made my LinkedIn profile during my freshman year news media writing class. The assignment over spring break was to have a specific number of connections before it ended –– I exceeded the number. Since my professor has dubbed me the ‘Queen of LinkedIn’ here are some tips on how to make the most of your profile.
- Treat LinkedIn like your other social media sites –– If you update your Facebook or Twitter regularly you should do the same for your LinkedIn, even if it’s posting a link to an interesting article.
- Network beyond the business card –– Whenever you meet a great contact you should exchange business cards and try to find them on LinkedIn. If they have a special protection where you need to have their email address typed in before you can add them, just look to their business card.
- Follow the Golden Rule of Recommendations –– If someone writes you a recommendation, always try to write one back for them (provided you think they’re recommend worthy). Ask and you shall receive, but when you’re asked be sure you give back too.
- Be careful what you tweet –– If you decide to connect your LinkedIn and Twitter be honest with yourself if your tweets don’t always have the most professional tone. By this I mean any profanity or other questionable content. If you feel you need to don’t be afraid to make a professional Twitter account. Just be sure you’re keeping that up-to-date too.
- Join some groups –– Being part of various groups on LinkedIn truly enhances the user experience and the potential for connecting with other professionals. Find one related to your prospective industry and join. If you’re a member of an organization see if they have a LinkedIn group as well.
- Follow companies –– Many students overlook this part of LinkedIn and they don’t realize what they’re missing out on. Following companies you like is a great way to keep see who’s who as well as if any your connections are linked to others who work there. Also, there’s the “college alumni” part of company pages which allows you to see alumni from your university who work there.
- Personalize your message –– Instead of “I’d like to add you to my professional network” go beyond that and add more. If you met them at a conference or social gathering say so, it will help jog their memory.
- See a photographer –– Your photo should be a great representation of you –-and should have only you in it. For my fellow students I usually tell them to find one of the student phototographers in the college and see if they’ll take their headshots. It’s a win-win for both parties: a photo for you and a portfolio item for them. Don’t confine yourself to your Facebook photos.
- SEO your professional headline –– Be all inclusive in your headline, including your major/university and any current position you hold. It’s helpful for if employers try to Google your name.
- Extend your summary –– This section of your LinkedIn should be a summary but it should say a little bit more about yourself than your resume would. Include your future goals, your interests, etc. Be creative and make it stand out beyond the objective line of your resume.
- Don’t regurgitate your job description –– When writing about what you did at your various jobs, just like in your resume or cover letter, be sure you talk about your achievements.
- Update, Update, Update –– If you’re in a new position, it should go on LinkedIn at the same time you’re updating your resume. Don’t let your profile become overrun with cobwebs (and don’t let recruiters think you’re a freshman in your headline when you’re actually a junior).
