Why loving LinkedIn is essential

Linkedin Is the lifeblood of the job modern-day job search. You won’t have much success in the job market if you’re not harnessing the site’s full potential.

The joke used to be that Linkedin was like Facebook for grown-ups. But LinkedIn is so much more than that. It is not just a place to keep an online resume, it’s a place to highlight your business successes, grow your network and propel your career.

LinkedIn was very much all about sharing your work experience in the hopes of getting a new job. Now businesses are using it to share their products and services and individuals are using it to showcase their talent to potential employers and clients.

Rather than starting your day by opening up your Facebook or Instagram, try starting your day by opening up your LinkedIn, use it as a chance to plug into your industry and get the latest news about what's happening. Then leverage your LinkedIn presence to build your network and grow your money-making potential.

Here are some key takeaways to get you started:

SHARE A PROJECT YOU WORKED ON

Don’t just use LinkedIn as a resume. Use it as a place to share your successes and portfolio of work. LinkedIn allows you to upload videos and documents. Use these applications to back up your resume and provide visual examples of why you should be the next hire.

SHARE A LESSON YOU LEARNED

LinkedIn is a great place to share business experiences. Share the lessons you have learned. Your network is filled with people who are probably going through the same business challenges you are - share your knowledge and use LinkedIn as an opportunity to mentor others.

CONGRATULATE OTHER PEOPLE ON THEIR POSTS

Don’t be shy. Make sure to congratulate others on their successes. Watch what others are doing and use this information to help grow your business or career prospects.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION/START A CONVERSATION

Is there something you just job-hunting have to tell the world or do you have something to contribute to the conversation? Use LinkedIn as an opportunity to share your expertise or offer your thoughts on a post. Creating this dialogue is a great way to connect with peers and potential opportunities.

MAXIMIZE WHAT LINKEDIN HAS TO OFFER

Use LinkedIn to its full potential. Take advantage of the job hunting features. Take the online courses. Many of them are free. Join groups to help expand your network. Spend a bit of time every day invested in what is being shared. Follow innovators and leaders. Learn. Learn. Learn.

BASIC POSTING ETIQUETTE

There are a few established rules when it comes to posting on LinkedIn:

• Make sure to tag or reference people where applicable if you are sharing someone else's content or if you just want to give a shoutout.

• Use relevant hashtags to help improve SEO or search-ability

• Keep your profile current - have a current headshot and profile information. Use emojis with care and make sure they are relevant.

• Utilize all visual space. Add a banner that highlights your skills or an image that reflects your area of expertise.

• Keep it non-political. People use LinkedIn for business - so keep politics to a minimum unless relevant to a post.