LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with colleagues and find job opportunities. It has over 75 million members worldwide, with half of users being in decision-making roles. To get the most out of LinkedIn, users should create a complete profile, build a network of connections, join relevant industry groups, and use the site to research companies and search for jobs. Staying active on LinkedIn even after finding employment can help users learn about new opportunities through their expanded professional network.

1. Tips for getting Started

2. What is

3. is a professional networking tool that helps you to . . .

4. Build and maintain your network

5. Find inside connections that can help your search

6. Research companies and people before you interview

7. Join groups that can provide information and help you connect with influential contacts

8. Who is using

9. Did you know? LinkedIn has over 75 million members in over 200 countries.

10. Did you know? A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second.

11. Did you know? 50 % LinkedIn users are in the United States

12. Did you know? The average LinkedIn user is age 41 and has income over $100K

13. Did you know? 50 % of LinkedIn users are Decision Makers at their company

15. Build your connections

16. Join Groups

18. Putting Together Your Profile Name Headline Location & Industry Employment Past Employment Education Recommendations Connections Additional Info Contact Summary

19. Step 1: Set up your profile Consider your profile your online resume. Just like a paper resume, it should be well-written and checked for typos and misspellings. Be sure to include a professional photo

20. Complete your entire profile “Members with complete profiles are 40% more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn.” Krista CanfieldLinkedin spokesperson

21. Writing your headline LinkedIn gives you a place to write a professional headline. Just like a newspaper headline helps you decide whether you want to read a story; your headline can help you to connect to an employer’s need.

22. Writing your headline It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, skills and experience.

23. Headline Examples Instead of calling yourself just a Marketing Consultant . . .

24. Headline Examples How aboutResults-driven Innovative Marketer?

25. Headline Examples Or Marketing pioneer with a passion creating and building for online communities

26. Recommendations Get recommendations from previous employers and people you’ve worked with.

27. Recommendations This is a great way for you to show prospective employers what kind of worker you are.

28. Two ways to get recommendations Just ask whoever you would like to recommend you. You can ask them to play up certain skills or experiences you would like to highlight.

29. Two ways to get recommendations Or write a recommendation someone. They will get a LinkedIn e-mail with your recommendation allowing them to display it and a suggestion “from LinkedIn” asking if they would like to send you a recommendation. Do a couple a week and you’ll build up your recommendations quickly.

30. Additional Information Under the Additional Information section, you can add your website, Twitter account, interests, groups and associations, volunteer groups and awards.

31. Additional Information Be sure anything you write here you are comfortable with a prospective boss seeing.

32. Contact Settings If you are looking for a job, be sure to list some type of contact info whether it is an email address or phone number.

33. Interested In Describe what opportunities your are interested in. For example, would you consider contract work, a part time opportunity, or a temporary assignment?

34. Time to get connected Start connecting. Just click on add connections and you are on your way.

35. Connections LinkedIn recommends a minimum of 35 connections

36. Connection Tips Make your introduction count when you connect.

37. Connection Tips Instead of just sending the generic introduction of “I’d like to invite you to join my network”.

38. Connection Tips Write a personal introduction explaining how you know them and why you’d like to connect.

39. Connection Tips A personal introduction could be the difference between them accepting and declining.

40. Connection Tips Offer to introduce your connections to other people in your network.

41. Connection Tips You never know when you may ask them to reciprocate.

42. Join Groups Click on groups and groups directory and enterkeywords to search. Find a group you want to join? Simply click join group.

43. Groups Join groups in your field to build connections and see job opportunities posted

44. Start your own industry targeted group Create your own professional group.

45. Start your own industry targeted group Allows you to build connections and establish relationships that could lead to potential referrals.

46. Job Search

47. Job Search Tips Use the advanced search on jobs tab to search by key words and location. For example, search on a company and location and you can see who works at a company you may interested in.

48. Job Search Tips See who your connections work for.

49. Job Search Tips See who your connections are connected to.

50. Job Search Tips Search for employees of companies you are interested in working for and learn what groups and professional associations they are involved in, what kind of experience, etc.

51. Job Search Tips Research an interviewer before you meet and be better prepared for your interview.

52. Who’s checking you out? On your home page, you can see who has viewed your profile!

53. Stay Active Even after you get a job, continue to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and continue to work your connections, recommendations and groups.

54. Stay Active You never know when one of your connections may have a new opportunity for you.

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