To: Write or Flight, ENGL 301 Writing Team
From: Aman Johal, ENGL 301 Student
Date: March 6, 2023
Subject: Ten Best Practices for Using LinkedIn as a Professional Networking Site
As the world makes a profound shift to embracing the online world, popular websites like LinkedIn are ever important for career development, advancement, and expanding your network. Here is a summary of my research concerning best practices for using LinkedIn.
1. Having a profile photo, one that is recent and professional helps personalize your profile and allows others to associate a face to your name.
2. Adding a personal summary, one which self-promotes, and highlights strengths and employability is essential reading for any potential employer.
3. Making your profile 100% complete makes you more discoverable and more competitive as you showcase all you have to offer.
4. Connect with people, co-workers, former employees, and friends. Furthermore, connecting with strangers in your field is a great way to expand your network.
5. Buzzwords like “innovative” and “leverage” are too common and carry no weight. Be specific or provide context to showcase your abilities.
6. Start a conversation. Take the time to read over a profile and send a personalized message to see how you and a connection can learn from one another.
7. Share insights and stories by posting. Posting can include re-sharing posts, posting about your experiences, or calling out to your network for help.
8. Utilize LinkedIn for the information it contains. Beyond connecting, follow companies, chat with industry leaders, explore profiles of others.
9. Joining and being an active participant in various LinkedIn Groups will help expand your network and make yourself more visible.
10. Remain professional. LinkedIn is an extension of your professional life. Remain respectful and courteous and act in accordance with community guidelines.
Conclusion
Networking through social platforms can be difficult. However, follow these best practices in order to grow, stand out., and enhance your career via LinkedIn.
Works Cited
Borsellino, Regina. “The 31 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers.” The Muse, The Muse, 3 Mar. 2021, https://www.themuse.com/advice/linkedin-profile-tips.
Herling, Tzufit. “Networking on Linkedin: Why You Should and How to Do It.” LinkedIn, LinkedIn, 15 Feb. 2022, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking- linkedin-why-you-should-how-do-tzufit-herling/?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card.
Jensen, David G. “The Keys to a Powerful Linkedin Profile.” Science, Science, 20 Dec. 2017, https://www.science.org/content/article/keys-powerful-linkedin-profile.
Mind Tools Content Team. “How to Use LinkedIn Effectively.” MindTools, https://www.mindtools.com/am8a1fv/how-to-use-linkedin-effectively.
Prasad, Kirin. “Four Tips to Network on Linkedin.” LinkedIn Official Blog, LinkedIn, 12 June 2020, https://blog.linkedin.com/2020/may/june/12/four-tips-to-network-on-linkedin.
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