Much is said about the power of LinkedIn. As an international recruitment firm providing bespoke recruitment solutions across the Financial & Professional Services markets I am often told how easy everything is now we have LinkedIn.
There is no doubt it’s important. It is the 13th most visited site globally. (Facebook is 2nd, Twitter 11th) and it’s here to stay. There is even a LinkedIn University.
I would even go so far to say that since its launch in 2003 this international directory of professionals with over 200 million registered users in over 200 countries (as of January 2013), it’s essential for professional networking nationally and internationally.So how does it work?
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LinkedIn allows registered users to Connect with individuals they have a relationship with and network with them. From this a network is built of direct connections, and the connections of each of their connections (second-degree connections) and also the connections of second-degree connections (third-degree connections).
So how does one use LinkedIn effectively? My five top tips are simple:
1. The number one rule for ensuring the effective use of LinkedIn is without question ensuring you have a full and accurate profile (no surprises there!). Your profile is your personal brand and if you manage or own a company it’s also your company’s online brand. Ensure your profile, your company profile and every employees profile is relevant and professional. If you opt for a picture it should reflect your professionalism not your social interests (save them for Facebook!). Check your spelling and grammar and take time to review and revise information;
2. Get involved in Groups; industry groups and subject matter groups. The majority of groups are employment related and also allow discussion forums, whilst reaching a wide group of professionals and ultimately widening your network further;
3. Research. Research anything you want and use it to your advantage. LinkedIn is a directory and reference point so use it as one. Research Companies you may be interested in working at, interviewees you are about to meet, interviewers you want to impress;
4. Encourage recommendations & endorsements – reinforce your brand by encouraging feedback on your work, experience and capabilities;
5. Personalise your invitations. What is right for you is not the same for everybody else. Would you let someone else write your emails, letters or cards? If you follow a generic template designed to suit 200 million users you will never differentiate your skills, experience and capabilities. You will not be unique.
But if you are looking to hire or seeking a new career opportunity don’t stop there. LinkedIn alone is not the answer.
At a basic level the UK has a population of 64,641,0002 and LinkedIn has 11,780,244 registered UK users. LinkedIn is a directory and one that relies on each individual to proactively update each entry. There is no central oversight or update function.
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By GlobalDataIn short LinkedIn increases your network only to those who are looking on LinkedIn to network with you too.
In network driven and candidate short markets like Private Banking there is no substitute for utilising every networking source available. LinkedIn is, and will continue to be a vital tool in our professional life but it cannot and will not be the only tool. It is and will remain one of many.
Samantha White is a partner and director, UK & Europe, Eames Consulting Group
