Well, LinkedIn is definitely a thing these days. 😂 But like, what is it exactly, and how can you use it?
I've had LinkedIn for a few years. I'm not an expert here by any means, but I've listed some tips/general discussion on LinkedIn below based on what I do know. Would love to use this thread for general LinkedIn discussion, questions etc.
Benefits of LinkedIn1. Easier to update than your CVAt least, IMO it is! LinkedIn is actually pretty intuitive in the way you can add experience, volunteering positions, education etc. It basically builds the template for you, and you just plug in the relevant information.
Now, that's not to say you shouldn't have a regular CV on record. Some employers ask for a physical copy, or a format that isn't LinkedIn, and it'd be annoying as to have to create a CV from scratch. Much easier to just have one sitting in the background!
2. Build connections through groupsIn the same way that you can join groups and stuff on Facebook, you can join groups on LinkedIn. These groups tend to be more professional, though, and you should consider them as such. But by joining groups for things you're interested in, or the industry you're working etc., you can build connections with other people doing similar things.
You immediately have the shared context of being in that same group and, therefore, presumably having a similar interest/experience.
3. Recommendations and endorsementsOne thing LinkedIn offers that regular CVs don't is the potential for dynamic recommendations. What I mean by that is that people you've worked with or know can leave what are essentially reviews on your own page. So they could be like, "I worked with Joseph41 in such and such role, and their experience in so and so was useful because reason." This gives your profile credibility, and they look nice if potential employers are snoopin'.
4. Stay in the loop re: cool opportunitiesI've seen a bunch of stuff on LinkedIn I haven't really seen elsewhere in terms of volunteering opportunities, potential employment etc. Because the site is more focused on professional stuff, you're essentially filtering content to see only what's relevant to the platform. Being on top of your LinkedIn game can have benefits in this way.
5. EmploymentOne thing you might not know about LinkedIn is that it has a pretty considerable section dedicated to job listings and the like. You can let potential employers know that you're on the lookout, and can also search jobs based on industry, level of experience, wage etc. It's a very good feature!
6. You can get headhuntedAnd on the other side of the coin, employers might find you based on your listed experience. You might stumble onto a job without even directly searching for it!
General LinkedIn advice1. LinkedIn isn't Snap, or Facey, or InstaSo don't treat it as though it is. Only use professional photos, don't write status updates about what parties you're going to on the weekend etc. It might seem obvious, but it can initially be tempting to treat it just as another form of social media, because in layout it's sometimes quite similar to things you're likely familiar with.
2. Don't try to sound too pompousYou might see like, hectic crazy profiles of super high up professionals, and think, "I'll just make mine like that!" But there's a difference between an industry professional and a student, and when you're the latter, IMO there's not much point trying to pretend you're the former. One thing I personally don't like is writing about your experiences in third-person, which you might see from time to time. And leading on from this point:
3. Right tone of voiceTone is important. You don't want to seem too clinical, you don't want to seem too desperate, you don't want to seem too unenthusiastic. There's no need to write a full essay on every position you've ever had. I had a short paragraph for each for a while, then went to dot points, and now have no description at all under my positions - it's up to you.
4. Actually finish your profileWhen I'm browsing LinkedIn sometimes, I come across profiles that are just obviously not finished. This is fine in isolation, because it's unlikely you'll make your full profile in one sitting, but try not to leave things mid-sentence, and don't keep things like "[insert job experience here]". You never really know who'll stumble upon your profile, and you definitely don't want them seeing stuff like that!
5. Put in some effort to different sectionsThink about what you'll include, what you won't include, and why. Write a nice little summary at the top of your profile (there's a dedicated summary section you can add), outlining who you are, your experiences and what you're looking for.
6. Privacy settingsBig one. If you don't get your privacy settings right, other people might be able to tell when you've been looking at their profile. If you don't want this to happen, make sure you change your privacy settings accordingly.