Embrace the potential of LinkedIn

LinkedIn has managed to survive while other networking sites have struggled, in the UK alone, there are over 14 million members and over three million company profiles on the site worldwide.

What this means for you, in your search for jobs or in launching a new business, it the potential for networking and business growth is enormous. With such a breadth and depth of different businesses, you never know where it may lead.

Many underestimate the importance of LinkedIn in their job search of business development but by embracing it, you can add real value to the professional you.

A professionally written LinkedIn profile allows you to create an online professional brand which can help open doors to opportunities and networks you may have not been aware of.

Not only is your profile the first professional impression of you when recruiters and employers use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but it also demonstrates credibility in your industry and highlights your achievements.  It gives you the ability to showcase your profile, expertise, recommendations and connections.  Where else could you communicate all of this so easily?

Need further convincing?

• You gain exposure to recruiters

93% use LinkedIn to research and recruit. You can create an online personal brand which makes you visible to key decision makers. Treat your profile as you would your CV and ensure what is on the profile is selling you in the best way.

• You can easily demonstrate your knowledge, credibility and leadership expertise

A LinkedIn profile can help to build trust with employers and recruiters as they can see first-hand your recommendations, connections and evidence of where and how you have added value in previous roles.

• LinkedIn can be your new favourite research tool

You can use the site to research companies, interviewers and recruiters. This can be incredibly helpful prior to submitting applications or researching who is interviewing you.  You can also conduct valuable interview research.

• There is an interactive jobs board

Unlike traditional job boards, you can directly apply for roles using ‘LinkedIn Apply’. You can save job searches and flag recruiters you are open to hearing from.

• You can gain social proof for your skills and talents

Others can recommend and endorse you for your skills and past work. This is very powerful in making connections and building credibility.

• You can follow and learn about companies

LinkedIn is brilliant for researching organisations and people that work at them. You can then target particular people in your network to get through to your ultimate target.

• You can join groups of likeminded professionals

This is a brilliant way of meeting people who have similar professional interests and expand your network to professionals already working in your relevant industry. You can take part in discussions, exhibit knowledge on topics related to your industry and ask carefully constructed questions.