Assignment 2:2 Samantha LinkedIn Best Practices Memo

MEMORANDUM

To:           Kristy’s Group

From:      Samantha Teeple, Student <steeple@student.ubc.com>

Date:        July 5, 2022

Subject:    Ten Best Practices for using LinkedIn as a Professional Networking Site

Networking is a necessary form of interaction with others to obtain contacts in a professional job search.⁶Networking can be done through the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn or in person. In today’s technological world LinkedIn has become a vastly popular mechanism for enhancing networking amongst professionals. After compiling researched data, the ten best practices for using LinkedIn as a professional networking site are as follows:

1. Do build up your online profile/resume prior to requesting people to connect with you.⁷
2. Include a professional headshot photo as profiles with this type of photo are viewed and interacted with most often.²
3. Engage networking potential by having a clearly written headline that states your specialty.¹
4. Grow your network by searching for connections and sending out compelling messages that highlight why you want to connect with that individual or company and what you offer.⁴
5. Create “search alerts” selected network criteria emailed weekly by LinkedIn to find curated networking opportunities.⁴
6. Join groups and contribute to conversations to expand your networking.¹
7. Make use of job boards and chat with contacts who may be offering a job of interest.
8. Choose to connect with quality people within and outside of your field versus a quantity of people.²
9. Select a professional appearance to your LinkedIn profile including all community and networking interactions being thoughtfully planned and checked for grammatical errors.⁷
10. Update your profile regularly and keep active on the site to show your participation in the networking community.³

With the ten best practices as a guide to using LinkedIn as a professional networking site job seekers can expand their individual networks and have increased job opportunities.⁵

Thank you for reading, I hope this increases your networking skills and community.

Sources:

1. Balkhi, Syed. “TIPS for Successful Networking on Linkedin.”com, https://www.business.com/articles/linkedin-networking-tips/.
2. Become Team. “How to Use LinkedIn for Professional Development & Networking.”org, 17 Nov. 2020, https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/linkedin-professional-development-and-networking/.
3. Davis, Joanna, et al. “Networking via Linkedin: An Examination of Usage and Career Benefits.”Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol. 118, Apr. 2020, p. 103396., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103396.
4. Elad, Joel. “LinkedIn for Dummies, 6th Edition.”O’Reilly Online Learning, For Dummies, https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/linkedin-for-dummies/9781119695332/c04.xhtml#h2-2.
5. LinkedIn Onesheets-Network-Final. https://content.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/linkedinforgood/en-us/resources/youth/HANDOUT—How-to-Network-for-Students.pdf.
6. “Networking Definition & Meaning.”Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/networking.
7. Panel, Expert. “Council Post: How to Make the Best Use of Linkedin and Virtual Networking Opportunities.”Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 19 Feb. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2021/02/19/how-to-make-the-best-use-of-linkedin-and-virtual-networking-opportunities/?sh=6d8af5ea5629.