How to get most out of your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn has over 575+ million users, with more than 260 million monthly active users. Of those LinkedIn users who are engaging with the platform monthly, 40% access it on a daily basis.

What people tend to forget is that once they have created a profile this can be found every time anyone uses Google or other search engines to search for their name. The person will without doubt click on the profile and this could be their first impression of you as a professional. It is therefore very important to keep your details up to date and ensure that what you have written portrays you in a good light. LinkedIn is an excellent way to connect you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. It enables you to build a network through the people you already know and to connect to wide array of professionals which can help you in your personal and professional life.

Following are some points which can help you grow your network and maintain good relations with your connections on LinkedIn

1. 100% complete = 100% more likely to get noticed

You can’t build connections if people don’t know you exist or see what you have to offer. Your LinkedIn profile is your online business card, your resume, and your letters of recommendation all in one. Don’t be shy: users with complete profiles are much more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn.

2. You’re more experienced than you think

Complete profiles are so important because the more information you provide, the more people will find reasons to connect with you. Think really broadly about all the experience you have, including volunteer work plus as a student or recent graduate any summer jobs, unpaid internships and work with student organisations. You never know what might catch someone’s eye.

3. Start with non-strangers

Contrary to popular belief, networking doesn’t mean reaching out to strangers. The best networks begin with those you know and trust, and then grow based on personal referrals. Start building your LinkedIn network by uploading your online address book and connecting to friends, relatives, internship colleagues, and professionals you know in the “real world.”

4. Get personal

As you build your connections on LinkedIn, always customize your connection requests with a friendly note and, if necessary, a reminder of where you met or what organization you have in common. If you’re being referred by a mutual friend, write a brief introduction of who you are and why you’d like to connect. You’ll impress people with your personal touch.

Otherwise you can approach them after looking at their profile and telling them why you want to connect with them in personalized message as after going through their profile, you are expected to know much about them.

5. Join Groups of Interest

Another way to form new online relationships is to join LinkedIn Groups. You can use the ‘Group search facility to find ones that match your professional interests. Students may want to start with your university group – alumni love to connect with students – and then find volunteer organisations or professional associations you already belong to. As a member, you can comment on discussions, find exclusive job listings, and meet people who share common interests.

6. Lend a (virtual) hand

As you build connections and group memberships, think about what you can do to support other people. Comment on a classmate’s status update, forward a job listing that fits the criteria of a friend, or write a recommendation for a summer job colleague. You’ll find that your generosity is always rewarded (and, of course, it feels really good to help someone!).

7. Update your status 

Networking is not just about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Stay on other people’s radar screens by updating your LinkedIn status. You can update events you are attending or books that you are reading in your status. Connecting your blog or presentations that you’ve uploaded to Slideshare can also be shared in status. Apart from this, new document upload option on status will help you directly upload slides or any other documents directly as your status.

Keep your status update short and interesting. Make it in such a way, it looks good and reader wants to read all.

8. Spread positive vibes

Your status update can be noticed by large crowd. Use your words wisely. World needs positive people like you and wants to see good. Positive people are the ones, people want to connect and share their thoughts with. This can do wonders and open doors for new opportunities.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for

9. Do your homework

Before an informational interview, a job interview, or a networking get-together, use LinkedIn to learn about the background and interests of the people you’re scheduled to meet. Access Company Pages to research organisations and their employees, and use Advanced Search to find things you have in common with people you’re meeting.

10. Now step away from the computer…

Be sure to support your online networking with real human contact. Set up phone calls, attend live events, and send meeting invites to people you interact with on LinkedIn (at least those which are in your area). Remember that online methods should supplement, not replace, in-person relationship-building.

Hope these points will help you grow your professional network and take most out of it.