What is LinkIn? It's website claims to be the world's largest professional network, see below.
http://www.linkedin.com/about-us
After creating my account, I was surprised by how many people I knew that were on LinkedIn. The system was able to link my email and FaceBook contacts to even suggest people that I may want to connect with. I noticed that several of my classmates who were transitioning out of the Coast Guard had active profiles. Most surprising to me was the range of professionals that use the network.
In addition to LinkedIn serving as a networking tool, I found they offer several helpful services to the job seekers. The link below takes you to a LinkedIn monthly web seminar tailored to job seekers.
http://learn.linkedin.com/jobseeker/?sf8762789=1
Questions to my blog readers
Has anyone used LinkIn?
If so, does anyone have any hints for building my profile or extra tools a beginner might not know?
I'll make sure to add more as I continue learning about this tool and building my profile!
Hey Molly,
ReplyDeleteI also joined LinkedIn and had many of the same thoughts as you! I was surprised by how many of our peers were already on LinkedIn as well as my friends from college and family! I decided to join LinkedIn because someday I'll be transitioning out of the Coast Guard and want to stay on top of trends in job searching/resume building. I'm still figuring out some of the intricacies of the system but it seems pretty awesome, I have joined a couple of groups and am interested to see the conversations that take place within each group. I'm like you though, I had only heard of LinkedIn a couple of times before this program but then throughout the year have had numerous people tell me about it including a recruiting/hiring expert at the Spring IS conference which motivated me to give it a try. Let me know if you find anything particularly interesting or helpful on the site, you know I can always use more technology support!
-Erin
Hi Molly, I found this article to be useful.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.linkedintobusiness.com/viveka/12-ways-to-spice-up-your-linkedin-profile--i-182.asp
-Sam
I have been on LinkedIn, for probably two years now but I have not been an active users because I didn't (and still really don't know how to use it). I'm planning to use it for my active community because I think it is a really great tool that I should be learning all about! As Erin said about a recruiting/hiring expert mentioned great importance of it at the Spring IS conference which also sparked more of my interest in trying to figure it all out! Also, thanks for providing that article in your comment Sam, it had some great tips!
ReplyDelete-Loreli
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ReplyDeleteLoreli, I plan to use it for my active community, as well so maybe we can fill each other in on what we uncover.
ReplyDeleteSam, I'll be sure to use that article thanks!!!
Erin, sounds like we have explored different areas, maybe I'll see you in a similar community discussion.
Thanks for the posts! I know who I'll be calling on for help!
I didn't know you use LinkedIn, Molly!
ReplyDeleteI am in LinkedIn, but rarely use it.