Given that part of Australia remains in lockdown, it’s important to know how to use online platforms such as LinkedIn to network for career opportunities.
Most of us have had a LinkedIn profile since school or university. However, we may not logon to it as much as the more ‘social’ platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
Today is the day we advise you to dust off your LinkedIn profile, or create a profile if you don’t have one. Regardless of if you have a job or are looking for work, maintaining your industry network and online footprint is more important than ever.
Here are our tips for using LinkedIn to network within your industry.
1. Is your LinkedIn profile up to scratch?
LinkedIn is about building your own personal brand. What does your profile say about you in a glance? Your profile picture is where the first impressions begin. Make sure it is a recent photo and your face takes up over half the frame. A long-distance shot won’t be beneficial. If you want to really build on your brand, come up with a catchy headline. It doesn’t have to be your job title. If you could use a handful of words to describe your work ethic or strengths, what would they be?
Make sure all of your profile has been completed. Your skills and job experience should be up to date. If you haven’t already done so, request endorsements from past work colleagues via the “recommendations” button. What better way to sell yourself than to have someone do it for you?
2. Everyconnection has the potential to impact your professional life positively.
Start by connecting with school friends, university friends or past work colleagues. LinkedIn make this easy for you via the “People you may know” tab. Select this to discover people within your network based on your profile details. For example, it may show you people based on your school or similar job credentials.
The term “don’t burn your bridges” should not be taken lightly when it comes to your career moves. Maintaining relationships with past work colleagues, bosses and industry associates is important and can positively impact the future of your career.
3. Start engaging on LinkedIn!
Just as you would login to your Instagram or Facebook every day, try adding LinkedIn to the list. Post your academic or career achievements and engage with your colleagues and connections. Share and like posts from others that you find interesting. Consistency is key when it comes to engagement and building relationships.
4. Use your network to further your career!
Finally, if you are looking for work or to move forward in your career, you can ask your network for help. Send a message to industry connections to see if they are hiring or know of any positions available. Research shows that you are more likely to get a job at a company where you have connections.
Traditional networking methods like meeting up for lunch are temporarily unavailable to many of us thanks to the Coronavirus. If you are looking for work, prepare to network virally and interview via online portals such as Zoom.