How to Make the Most of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network and it aims to connect the world's professionals to make them more successful and productive.

We've put together some tips on how to use LinkedIn to improve your chances of moving your career in the right direction. Our Manchester Regional Manager, Caroline Oberman, has over 15 years' experience of working in recruitment, and has been using LinkedIn for 10 of those years. In her video, she shares some of her tips on how to get the most out of it. 

Tip 1
Profile picture and headline

Have a suitable profile picture and use your LinkedIn headline properly. What is suitable for other social media platforms might not be for LinkedIn. Whilst it's good to show a bit of your personality, potential hiring managers do not want to see you drunk or unprofessional!

Your profile picture and your headline are your brand and what is seen first. Make it stand out, make it unique and make sure it's visible for recruiters to see.

Tip 2
Update and build your profile

Use your profile properly because it is ultimately your online CV. The more complete you make it, the more likely you are to be found by recruiters and potential employers.  Ensure your skills and experience are up to date, and any relevant qualifications you have are on there. Make it human, engaging, relevant and informative. Be active!

Tip 3
Network

LinkedIn is a professional network, so network! Build connections and communicate. Find new connections and connect with old ones, for example previous employers, colleagues, univerity acquaintances and friends. Check out their connections - are they in the field you want to be in? Could they make introductions and refer you?
It's important to join groups, and read and comment on industry articles and discussions. This helps you to become visible and credible.
Connect with hiring managers of the companies you are interested in and direct message them - tell them what you are interested in and why you would be an asset. Learn about the culture of the company you are interested - knowledge is power!

Tip 4
Recommendations and Endorsements

Recommendations help build a very effective LinkedIn profile and improve your credibility. Be proactive and ask for recommendations, and make sure you also write recommendations for other people, as they will be more likely to reciprocate.
Including specific skills on your LinkedIn profile will show other members what you can do and help build your personal brand. Asking people to endorse these skills builds the strength of your profile, as well as confidence and trust in it. It will also mean that you're more likely to be discovered by recruiters looking for specific skills. Endorsing others is a good way to help increase your own endorsements.colleagues. Make sure you also write recommendations for other people, as they will be more likely to reciprocate. Endorsements and recommendations are a two-way thing.