Appendix 2 – LinkedIn LinkedIn has become a very important tool in my career preparation arsenal. It is unique as it can be used to obtain contacts and information that would not otherwise be available without having face to face interaction with a specific employer or co-worker. It can be used to scout out opportunities, gather intel on who the best companies are, and to remain knowledgeable about current opportunities that are available. LinkedIn is also great because it acts as a portfolio of sorts for references. Other users can leave a personal recommendation or endorse specific skills that they’ve seen in action. My personal LinkedIn profile has been something that I have worked on for a while. I have amassed nearly 80 connections and have received numerous skill endorsements from a variety of people that I have worked with in the past. I have even received a job offer through LinkedIn, though it was evident early on that it was not a job I had much interest in. Despite having a pretty good feel for how LinkedIn works and what it can be used for, there are definitely some features that I could use more or get better at using. Here are a few strategies that I plan to employ with my LinkedIn account: Social Media and Website Links: I intend to create professional profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube that I will then link to my profile. These days, it is content that gets noticed online, and by linking my social media to LinkedIn, I can re-direct traffic that could potentially result in work search leads or information gathering. Start a Blog & Use LinkedIn Applications: A blog is a great way to get a noticed and promote a point of view on relevant subjects. I need to start treating LinkedIn as another social media entity, rather than an electronic resume. On the news feed there is constantly links to information, articles, jobs and people. Recommendations and Endorsements: I have received a few skill endorsements but rarely have I paid much attention to this area. By endorsing others more often, I can hopefully increase the number of endorsements that I receive and this looks more appealing to potential employers. Career Research and Information Gathering: LinkedIn is the easiest way to meet new contacts and conduct information meetings. I have done a few of this throughout this summer and the previous semester, but I need to do it more often and diversify who I am contacting. I will try to reach out to one new contact each week on LinkedIn.
Appendix 2 – LinkedIn LinkedIn has become a very important tool in my career preparation arsenal. It is unique as it can be used to obtain contacts and information that would not otherwise be available without having face to face interaction with a specific employer or co-worker. It can be used to scout out opportunities, gather intel on who the best companies are, and to remain knowledgeable about current opportunities that are available. LinkedIn is also great because it acts as a portfolio of sorts for references. Other users can leave a personal recommendation or endorse specific skills that they’ve seen in action. My personal LinkedIn profile has been something that I have worked on for a while. I have amassed nearly 80 connections and have received numerous skill endorsements from a variety of people that I have worked with in the past. I have even received a job offer through LinkedIn, though it was evident early on that it was not a job I had much interest in. Despite having a pretty good feel for how LinkedIn works and what it can be used for, there are definitely some features that I could use more or get better at using. Here are a few strategies that I plan to employ with my LinkedIn account: Social Media and Website Links: I intend to create professional profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube that I will then link to my profile. These days, it is content that gets noticed online, and by linking my social media to LinkedIn, I can re-direct traffic that could potentially result in work search leads or information gathering. Start a Blog & Use LinkedIn Applications: A blog is a great way to get a noticed and promote a point of view on relevant subjects. I need to start treating LinkedIn as another social media entity, rather than an electronic resume. On the news feed there is constantly links to information, articles, jobs and people. Recommendations and Endorsements: I have received a few skill endorsements but rarely have I paid much attention to this area. By endorsing others more often, I can hopefully increase the number of endorsements that I receive and this looks more appealing to potential employers. Career Research and Information Gathering: LinkedIn is the easiest way to meet new contacts and conduct information meetings. I have done a few of this throughout this summer and the previous semester, but I need to do it more often and diversify who I am contacting. I will try to reach out to one new contact each week on LinkedIn.