A few years ago, while researching in prep for launching our own LinkedIn profile development service, I came across a great list of 20 ways to use LinkedIn productivtively. I just reread the list and it is still just as relevant today as it was then.
LinkedIn is an amazing tool for checking references, getting advice, and building a business, but it is especially helpful during a job search and many of the items on the list reflect that. For example, the author suggests you can use LinkedIn to find freelance work, to strengthen your online identity (Google yourself. What would a recruiter see when he Googles you?), to create an online resume, or to prep for an interview…among many other uses.
While you are reading, you may also want to read about using the LinkedIn profile as a resume. While I certainly would not recommend this as an actual replacement for your resume, it has excellent value as a supplement.
Finally, here is an interesting article on enhancing your LinkedIn profile . This is definitely something that you will want to do if you are considering using LinkedIn in a serious way during your job search.
Are you interested in learning more about how you can use LinkedIn to help you land your next job? I highly recommend Jason Alba’s definitive book: I’m on LinkedIn–Now What? Filled with practical tips, it will walk you through many of the most important features of LinkedIn and how to use them.
Even better, I recommend Jason’s book and CD combo created especially for job seekers. With three hours of webinar-like training, I don’t know of a better or more comprehensive guide to using LinkedIn for all of your professional networking and job searching purposes.
