LinkedIn

With more connections on LinkedIn than connecting flights in the world, there are more than enough people to connect with online. LinkedIn is deemed as the most professional of the “Big 3” social media sites. However, targeting effective connections and understanding how to network with those people through the site is an art.

After creating a public profile on LinkedIn, Kforce Social Media Marketing Manager, Cara Barone, says you need to make your profile at least 85% complete, but aim for 100%. According to LinkedIn, you are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through the site if you complete your profile by including:

• Your current position
• Two past positions
• Your education
• Your profile summary
• A profile photo
• Your specialties
• At least three recommendations  

Barone also suggest including links to your blog, online resume and/or Twitter profile, if applicable. In addition, consider listing keywords and skills related to the positions you are seeking. “Go to job boards or company websites and find descriptions of your ideal jobs and include those keywords in your summary and professional headline,” suggests Barone.

Once your profile is complete, it’s time to connect! Start searching for some of your college classmates or former colleagues at previous positions or internships and send them a personalized invite to connect. Barone also says you can sync contacts from an email account with LinkedIn to determine who has a profile, and then reach out to them for potential job opportunities.

In addition to finding like-minded professionals, Barone says you should also join like-minded groups that target your industry. For example, some professionals in Technology might want to join the “Java Developers” or “ .NET People” groups, and add some of those members to their own network.

As you start joining these groups you should pay attention to the posts and discussions on the page. “You need to start talking to showcase your skills as an industry expert,” says Barone. “The ‘Answers’ section [under the ‘More’ tab] is also a good way to increase your visibility by asking and answering questions regarding industry topics.”

“Once you begin contributing to the discussions, people will notice you and the valuable information that you’re providing,” adds Barone.  This also offers the chance for hiring managers to take interest in you and reach out directly when future opportunities arise.

Barone does have a word of advice as you post to discussions or update your status -- type your message in a word document before posting to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. “It may sound simple, but you would be surprised to know how many mistakes are out there that potential employers may see,” says Barone.

By connecting and engaging with other professionals in your industry on LinkedIn, you continue to build your online brand. Remember that your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your resume. Make sure to keep it up-to-date with current skills and update your status with opportunities you’re looking for.