LEVERAGING LINKEDIN TO BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Network, network, network!

You’re probably tired of hearing how important it is to network when it comes to advancing in your career.

Well, let us spit some facts here. It’s true. No amount of emphasis is enough to put this through.

One of the most effective ways of building your connections is through LinkedIn, the world’s largest and most renowned professional networking site to date.

Still don’t have a LinkedIn profile? Least to say, you’re missing out on a lot then.

With 600+ million users and two new members joining each second, the site that arrived in 2003, offers an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities. It’s no surprise to find out that 90% of the recruiters regularly use LinkedIn.

Still not convinced? Let us walk you through some of its benefits.

1. Build your professional network

Even if you're an introvert and hate networking events, you can still build meaningful connections through LinkedIn. You can start off with your friends and known people and then gradually extend to tap into its professional job board and even your greatest role models.

2. Gain exposure to hiring managers and recruiters

Having a LinkedIn profile helps build trust with employers and recruiters as they can see an evidence of where you have added value. Most of the recruiters give brownie points if their prospective employees are on LinkedIn and match the needed employee persona.

So, use it as a tool to highlight your achievements and demonstrate your knowledge, credibility and skills.

3. Build your own brand

Not only can you network with people and build a professional community, you can also establish yourself as a personal brand. Make your profile as dynamic as you can. Include your hobbies, interests, and a casual summary about yourself- things that you traditionally wouldn’t display on your resume.

You might even realise that you’ve started to get inbound leads for internships/freelance work that you’ve always wanted to explore.

4. A more extensive version of your resume

Your resume is a robotic version of yourself. There’s nothing on it about what you enjoy doing or any of your preferences and thoughts.

On the other hand, your LinkedIn profile is meant to add a bit more flavour to who you are. You can get personal and voice your ideals about things you strongly feel about and other goals.

5. Use it as a research tool

Want to land your dream job?

You should perhaps get a good, solid feel of the company’s culture and its people to make sure it's a fit for you before diving into the interview process or accepting a job.

If you’re interested in working with a particular organization, use LinkedIn to read its profile, their business insights, connect with people who work for it, and more.

6. Join LinkedIn groups

Groups are a brilliant way to meet people with similar professional interests and expand your network from other graduates to professionals already working in your industry.

Groups allow you to take part in discussions. This is a great facilitator to exhibit your knowledge on topics related to your interests, ask questions, gain insights and start conversations with key people in key organisations.

7. Create meaningful content

LinkedIn invites users to create content, as well. Posting articles on LinkedIn can help to establish your knowledge.

You can also use it to introduce others to your website, blogs, and more. This might open doors to opportunities and areas that you may not have been able to tap with any other social media platform.

The benefits of LinkedIn are almost endless with no downside to having a LinkedIn profile. Get involved in forums, join groups and meet like-minded individuals. Help recruiters see your real self.

Happy Networking!