LinkedIn is a platform created with the intention of bridging the gap between casual and professional. Everyone knows that LinkedIn is meant to be used to assist your career growth and help you develop your professional career, but what exactly does that mean? LinkedIn is a great professional tool for those looking to develop themselves as professionals in their field, but it’s essential to know how to use the platform as a tool. Here are some tips, tricks, and explanations for how to utilize LinkedIn to advance your career!
Networking
Networking is likely the most obvious way LinkedIn can help you develop your professional career. With LinkedIn, users can easily connect with peers or professionals in their field that they might want to know. Send a connection request with a polite note, and strike up a conversation with someone you might not have otherwise had the chance to talk to! You never know who might have an opportunity or who might know someone who does. Your network is invaluable, and LinkedIn provides a great platform to start those connections!
Job Searching
Like networking, job searching is a key way LinkedIn can be a helpful tool in professional development. Company profiles have pages dedicated to job listings, and LinkedIn provides a search option to look for keywords and/or key skills within job listings. Searching for specifics can help users find listings they may not have seen otherwise. It opens doors to new positions! Listings are often posted by individuals within the hiring department, meaning users can connect with them before even submitting an application or attending an interview. This can be key in securing a position in a competitive field or position, so use those networking skills and opportunities to advance yourself!
Professional Insights
Since users are connected to a wide network of people, including users who have mutual connections, LinkedIn is a great way to stay up to date on news and information relevant to your field or position. Keep up with what people are posting, and what leading individuals and companies are saying, and get a general feel of what’s happening in your field. Staying knowledgeable can give you the edge in a competitive role!
LinkedIn has so many features and tools to help users advance their careers. While this list is far from exhaustive, these strategies and tools are a great starting point for using LinkedIn as a tool and doing so in ways that can be beneficial to your career. Take advantage of the platform and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! You never know when a connection can jumpstart your career!
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