LinkedIn is as important to your professional life as social media is to your personal life. It is not only a platform where you can network with others, but also functions as a knowledge house for professionals. Thanks to LinkedIn, virtual networking has morphed from only an online resume to a comprehensive personal branding resource.
Small businesses and professionals alike are dependent on LinkedIn when it comes to sales leads or switching jobs. With over 230 million members online, the website acts almost like a witness to your professional growth.
Let’s say a recruiter Googles your name to find out more about you. If you have a LinkedIn page, there are high chances that the page will be one of the first results when people google your name.
So, how do you build your network on LinkedIn? You should not add anyone as a connection. Before making a connection, always ask yourself- how can this individual help me in my career? While networking, look out for people with a common interest or educational background.
You should strike up a conversation with your new connections. This way you will build rapport with them. However, don’t sound too formal or friendly.
Work on your LinkedIn profile like you will work on your resume. Be meticulous while filling out details about your interests or previous education or past jobs.
LinkedIn is also a great way of keeping tabs on what’s happening in the industry. Connecting with peers and colleagues will help you gain knowledge, information, and insights and will keep you up-to-date on all important events relevant to you.
Your LinkedIn page is the best platform to promote yourself as a professional. However, being on LinkedIn does not guarantee you a better job or a better career. Consider LinkedIn as an additional branding tool and not your only branding tool.
VAS Career Services understands the importance of LinkedIn in the life of professionals. In our Academic Pathway Planning (APP) program, we have dedicated a whole module that can help build and grow your LinkedIn profile.
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