Linkedin - What is it?

 

You probably already know how social networks operate. You create a profile, connect with others, share content, and interact online with them.

In this most basic way, LinkedIn is very similar to Facebook, Twitter, etc.

BUT…

LinkedIn is so much more than a mere social network. It’s helpful to think of it as a platform to not only network with others and access content, but it can serve as the central hub of your professional career.

So Let’s go over what LinkedIn is….

 

What You Need to Get Started

So let’s get started!

In this section, we’re going to cover the important bits of information you’ll need to setup a LinkedIn profile or complete one you might have already setup but never finished.

The essential elements are:

1.      Sign up and/or secure your account

2.      Your email account

3.      Your résumé

4.      A professional profile pic

Start by heading to https://www.linkedin.com and finding the ‘Join Now’ link:

 

Then you’ll be prompted to create an account with an email address and password.

Follow these best practices when creating your account:

  1. Use a personal email address that’s not connected to work or your telecom/internet provider. So use @gmail, @hotmail, @yahoo, etc. and not @mycablecompany or @mycurrentemployer. This will prevent you from losing access in the future if you leave a job or move.
  2. Use an email you check frequently since you do not want to miss out on any notifications.
  3. If your email is something other than a variation of your name (e.g. number1coltsfanz@, brewingbeerismyhobby@, dancingfever84@, etc) then consider creating a separate account for your job search.
  4. Choose a strong password for LinkedIn that is:
  • Easy to remember (even if you use a password manager)
  • Contains at least 1 number and be 8+ characters long.
  • Contain a symbol such as $ ! @ % etc.

You can use your Facebook account to login, however most professionals do not do this in order to prevent data leaks and social media ‘cross-contamination’.

Choosing a Profile Pic

You might not like having a profile picture on social media, but to truly get the most out of LinkedIn it’s important to get past your reservations and show everyone that you’re a real person.

The basic guidelines are:

  • Use a professional headshot-style and not a selfie or candid photo
  • Ideal size is 400 x 400
  • Color not BW
  • No larger than 8MB
  • Recent enough that it looks like you (if you have a mohawk or eye patch now, your picture should too)

Some additional things to consider:

  • Wear professional dress (what you normally wear at work)
  • Have someone else take the picture
  • Avoid distracting backgrounds
  • Your face should take up 60% of the picture
  • Keep others out of the picture – make sure it’s just you
  • Use natural lighting
  • You can be serious in your expression, but smiling people are considered more approachable.

Get the App!

Having the LinkedIn app on your phone allows you to not only stay on top of your activity and respond rapidly to your messages, it’s a great way to create posts and interact with connections.

Visit the iOS or Android app store and get the official download.

Let's Navigate LinkedIn