6 Ways LinkedIn Can Further Your Professional Career

LinkedIn, founded by Reid Hoffman and launched in May 2003, is a professional networking site with more than 100 million registered users worldwide. It is used to find people and business opportunities through professionally networking with connections. LinkedIn is your professional face to the business world and can bear several advantages to your career.

1. Increase your professional network:

LinkedIn allows all registered users to build a contact base, called Connections, with people you have some form of a relationship with. As a user, you have permission to invite anyone to join LinkedIn. Your contact network is assembled with your direct connections, their connections (known as second-degree connections), and then of their connections (known as third-degree connections). The database of connections is compiled in such a way to introduce you to others you may know on a professional level.

2. Self-Promote:

Your professional profile is your presence within the business world. Your profile should be completed with information about your current job position and company, job experience, schooling, connections, and groups you may be associated with. Expand your resume to help others identify your professional talents within your chosen industry. Ask others to refer you by using the “ask for a recommendation” feature.

3. Company Praise:

There are several ways to advertise a business through LinkedIn. An individual user can identify their current job position, current company, and company website on the profile page. A company can develop a profile page and include information about who they are and services offered. The company can then go one step further by creating a group for clients to join.

4. Post Jobs:

Employers can post current job openings within their company and seek potential candidates by viewing resumes.

5. Job Hunt:

Job seekers can search thousands of available jobs and research the posting company's profile. LinkedIn has a feature that allows users to bookmark any job they may be interested in. The job seeker can review the hiring manager's profile and learn which of their existing contacts can introduce them. Users can also follow companies and receive notifications about different opportunities that may be available.

6. Company Updates:

LinkedIn allows companies to post recent updates that inform their connections about what's going on. The post can be used to announce big news, advertise a service, or even link to an important article. The updates then post to the home page of those users who are connected to the company.