LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused social media platform that works through websites and mobile apps. Now owned by Microsoft the platform is primarily used for professional networking and career development, and allows job seekers to post their CVs and employers to post jobs.
Despite being one of the most widely utilized social networks today, many individuals are still unaware of the purpose of LinkedIn or how using it may be advantageous to them. Here is all the information you require to maximize your use of LinkedIn.
What Is LinkedIn?
According to LinkedIn, it is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. The site may be used to network, fortify professional ties, and discover the ideal job or internship. The abilities you need to succeed in your work may also be learned. You can access LinkedIn via a PC, a mobile device running the LinkedIn app, a mobile web browser, or the LinkedIn Lite Android app.
Similar to how you would add someone as a friend on Facebook, networking on LinkedIn involves adding individuals as “connections”. You communicate with other members via private messages (or other accessible communication methods) and display all of your professional accomplishments in a well-organized profile.
In terms of design and the number of features it offers, LinkedIn has similarities to Facebook. Because they are designed for professionals, these features are more specialized, but overall, if you know how to use Facebook or any other equivalent social network, LinkedIn is relatively equivalent.
LinkedIn’s Main Features
Here are some of the basic features that this professional network offers. Additionally, how they were created for professional usage.
Home
This is comparable to the news feed on Facebook. As soon as you log in to your profile, this is what you see. You may view posts from other LinkedIn users here, as well as publish your own content for others to view, like, share, and comment on. Additionally, you have the option of sharing your ideas with everyone or only your network’s contacts.
My Network
You can view your current network of connections here. You can also search for LinkedIn users to invite to join your network. You can also look at the invitations you already have from other people. You can also find a number of additional alternatives to add contacts, look up potential contacts, and look up alumni if you move your cursor over this item in the top menu.
Profile/Me
You may locate your profile here, as the name implies. Simply put, it is similar to that of your resume. Right at the top of your profile are your name, photo, location, occupation, and other information. Similar to how you may make a typical resume or CV, you can customize many different components here, such as a brief description, job experience, education, and other areas.
Jobs
Basically, this is a comprehensive career site. You may do a job search, submit an application, learn more about companies that interest you, and much more. You may set up emails to be sent to you when new job listings are made here.
Additionally, depending on your current information, such as your location and optional job preferences that you may complete to receive more individualized job postings, it will suggest certain positions to you.
Messaging
Sending a private message through LinkedIn to another professional is a great way to start a discussion. Additionally, you can include photographs, files, and more.
Notification
As other social networking platforms have it, LinkedIn also has a notification feature. This function notifies you when you have been endorsed by someone, invited to participate in something, or encouraged to read a post you might find interesting.
Pending Invitations
On LinkedIn, you’ll get an invitation to connect with someone who has sent one, and you’ll have to accept it.
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What Is LinkedIn Used For?
Now that we are familiar with the platform’s “what” and its key features, let’s explore how it might be useful to you. I’ll try my best to explain how you can use it in a way that’s most helpful for you. Because many users create an account and then abandon it because they have no idea how they should be using LinkedIn.
It should be obvious at this point that you can utilize LinkedIn to improve your professional networking and job-searching efforts. To help you understand how LinkedIn is used, consider the following:
Networking
Find former coworkers, trainers, classmates, and anybody else you might believe is valuable to have in your professional network by using the My Network area. To sync your contacts with LinkedIn, simply enter or link your email.
But what’s even better is that you have a chance to find new professionals either locally or internationally that may be able to help out with your professional endeavors.
Job Opportunities
Keep in mind that one of the best locations to look for openings online is LinkedIn. LinkedIn will constantly send you recommendations for jobs it believes you would like, but you can also use the search box to browse for a particular job.
There are new chances everywhere that might not be listed on conventional employment platforms. Using LinkedIn Apply, you can immediately apply for jobs, bookmark job searches, and let recruiters know that you’re interested in hearing about possibilities.
Participating In Relevant Groups
Groups are a great way to connect with individuals who share your professional interests. It enables you to broaden your network to include professionals operating in your field as well as other recent grads. You may participate in conversations in groups.
This is a fantastic method to demonstrate your expertise regarding topics relevant to your sector, pose inquiries, and strike up dialogues with important figures in important firms. It’s possible that other group members will be drawn to you and want to interact with you.
Write About What You Know
Users have the option to submit blog entries on the site and have thousands of others read their content. Your credibility in linked industries that are pertinent to your professional experience will rise as a result of published content appearing on your profile as well.
There is virtually no disadvantage to having a LinkedIn profile, only benefits. Participate in forums, join organizations, and connect with others who share your interests. The best part about LinkedIn is that it is entirely free, except for some additional features. LinkedIn offers a Premium subscription service to its users who are serious about using it in the most advanced form.
LinkedIn Premium Account
Many people may be fine with a free LinkedIn account, however, if you’re serious about using LinkedIn and all of its most advanced features, you may want to upgrade to one of the four available premium accounts.
LinkedIn currently has premium plans for users who want to land their dream job, grow and nurture their network, unlock sales opportunities, and find or hire talent. You get to try any premium plan for free for a month, after which you’ll be charged a monthly fee depending on which plan you choose (plus tax).
- LinkedIn Premium Career: $29.99 a month. For individual professionals looking to get hired and advanced their careers.
- Linkedin Premium Business: $59.99 a month. For businesses that are looking to grow and build a network.
- LinkedIn Premium Sales: $79.99 a month. For professionals and businesses looking for targeted leads.
- LinkedIn Premium Hiring: $119.99 a month. For professionals and businesses looking to recruit and hire employees.