Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile in your job search and beyond.
Topics covered include:
Pro tips for your profile
Adding widgets
Recommendation etiquette
Beta features like Skills, Answers, and other LinkedIn labs tools
Making your profile higher in search results
1. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
LinkedIn: Rock Your Online Resume
Presented by
Marny Smith
VP, Community Director
2. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Agenda
● Status check
● LinkedIn by the numbers
● Optimizing your profile
● Building your network + leveraging connections
● Cool features
3. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Raise your hand if you...
● Have a LinkedIn profile?
● Have logged into LinkedIn in the last week?
● Have used LinkedIn to search for jobs?
● Have more than 100 connections? 200? 300+?
● Participate in groups or follow companies?
● Update your status regularly?
5. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
LinkedIn by the numbers
● 150+ million members worldwide
● 60+ million in North America
● 2 new members join every second
● LinkedIn supports 17 languages
● 93 percent of job recruiters tap into LinkedIn to find qualified candidates
● 76.9% of users say LinkedIn helped them research people and companies
● 68.8% of users said that it helped reconnect with past business associates
● 49.7% of users said it was good for building new network relationships with
individuals who may influence potential customers
6. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Use LinkedIn To:
● Establish and manage your professional identity
● Build and maintain your professional network
● Find valuable knowledge, insights, and opportunities
7. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Optimizing Your Profile
Users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to
receive opportunities through LinkedIn.
● Make sure your profile is 100% complete
● Add a clear professional photo
● Write a summary
● Create a vanity URL
● Customize your websites, add your Twitter handle +
contact details
● Get recommendations
● Add keywords
8. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Examples of What NOT To Use As Your LinkedIn Photo
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
10. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Write a summary.
The summary is your opportunity to be creative and inject some
personality into your profile.
Use this space to explain:
● Who you are
● What you do/want to do
● How you add value
● What makes you unique
12. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Customize your websites, add your Twitter
handle + contact details
13. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Recommendations
● Recommendations show you are actively connecting and
networking.
● Third party endorsements add value.
● Aim to have at least one recommendation for each position.
● Always be looking for recommendations.
● Don't trade recommendations.
● Ask for them!
15. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Add keywords
● Think about what words people would use if they wanted to find
you on LinkedIn.
● If you're a digital media consultant, try "digital media," "consultant"
and "online media consultant."
● LinkedIn recognizes keywords in the following areas:
- Headline*
- Position titles
- Specialties
- Interests
- Groups
● Weave keywords into your profile where appropriate.
● Don't go overboard.
16. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Leveraging connections + building
your network
Your connections should represent your
real-world network.
● Adding connections
● Introduction etiquette
● Groups
18. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Adding connections
Always include a personal message.
19. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Introduction etiquette
Make it easy for your connection to make the
introduction.
● Tell your connection how you would like to be
described.
● Say why you are requesting the introduction.
● Include details on how the introduction will be
beneficial to both parties.
● Be polite and say thank you.
21. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Groups
● Join groups in your industry.
● Discover popular discussions.
● Find job leads.
● Give advice/ask for advice.
● Follow "Top Influencers"
● Start your own group.
You can send messages to people in the same
group as you for free.
23. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Cool Features
● Follow companies
● Updates: stay active + relevant
● Answers: become an expert + get noticed
● LinkedIn Labs: check out experimental features
○ Resume Builder
● Skills & Expertise: discover skills in demand
● Add widgets
● LinkedIn Today: see what's trending in your network
25. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Set Goals
● Complete your profile: 100%
● Add 25 new connections
● Try out a new feature you haven’t used before
● Send out a request for a recommendation to at
least five people you’ve worked with or currently
work with
● Add your goal here_________________
26. By @MarnySmith of @NYCInterns
Resources
● How to Harness the Power of LinkedIn – INFOGRAPHIC
● LinkedIn: Paid Version vs. Free Version
● Lindsey Pollak - LinkedIn Global Spokesperson
● Learn.LinkedIn.com: user guides for Job Seekers * Entrepreneurs * Business Development *
Consultants * Non-Profits
● How to build your brand on LinkedIn
● LinkedIn Tips: Getting More from the Social Networking Service
● I’m on LinkedIn, Now What
● Six Newish Things About LinkedIn You Need to Know
● Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey 2012
● LinkedIn: Jobs for Students and Recent Graduates
● NY Creative Interns
● Rapportive - app that shows you the LinkedIn profiles of people who email you