Linkedin

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, with nearly 400 million members. It allows you to establish your professional profile online, stay in touch with colleagues and friends, find experts and ideas, and explore opportunities (think Facebook for adulting).

It’s the most visible representation of your professional brand – You are your brand!
Recruiters and hiring managers are sourcing talent – both active and passive
It serves as your online resume—showcase skills, expertise, and experience, as well as professional portfolio pieces
LinkedIn generally appears as one of the first 5 results in a Google search of your name
In general, referred candidates are 2x more likely to get an interview and 40% more likely to get hired

The most common reasons to pass on a candidate included:
- Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photos or information (46%)
- Candidate posted information about them drinking or using drugs (41%)
- Candidate bad-mouthed their previous company or fellow employee (36%)
- Candidate had poor communication skills (32%)
54% of employers plan to use social media in the hiring process this year
One in five hiring managers conducts background checks using social networks (primarily Facebook)
One in ten admissions officers do the same^
Moral of the above points: BE CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT WHAT YOU POST ONLINE!!

Try to aim for a completed profile (but it’s not the end of the world if you can’t!). This includes:
Your industry and location
An up-to-date current position (with a description)
Two past positions
Your education
Your skills (minimum of 3)
A profile photo
- LinkedIn states, “Adding a profile photo makes your profile 7x more likely to be found in searches, and having your 2 most recent positions makes your profile 12x more likely to be found!”
At least 50 connections—can be randos!
- Other connections to consider include former or current classmates, professors/advisors, colleagues/supervisors/mentors, and friends/ friends of friends
Users with complete profiles are 40x more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn.

The summary is for showcasing your expertise/passions and demonstrating how previous experience/skills will enable you to benefit an organization. Consider writing a sentence for each element of your summary (in any order):

1. Who are you—what is the identity you want to share?
2. Who are you—what is the identity you want to share?
3. Who are you—what is the identity you want to share?

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