Started in 2002, LinkedIn in its early years was similar to a virtual Rolodex – a platform where you could connect with your business connections, co-workers, and other colleagues. Today, approximately 20 years after its launch, LinkedIn has become an extremely powerful professional network and corporate recruitment platform.
According to Statista, LinkedIn currently has 645 million self-reported active users spanning across 200+ countries, making it one of the most popular social networks in the world. Nowadays, when business professionals meet each other, instead of giving their business cards, they add each other on LinkedIn. But, what does that really look like and mean to you? Let’s explore the ins and outs of LinkedIn!
What is LinkedIn?
Acquired by Microsoft in 2016, LinkedIn is a social networking platform for career-minded professionals.
On LinkedIn, you can connect with individuals looking to hire, work, recruit, or sell. You can also offer your professional services, market your business, source new employees, network with other professionals, showcase and publish your work, advance your career, and share work-related updates, thoughts, articles, tips, and news.
LinkedIn Benefits – Reasons Why You Should Be On LinkedIn
It is a common misconception that LinkedIn is only for those individuals seeking a full-time job at a huge multinational company. The truth is, the platform is beneficial for every aspiring employee, freelancer, consultant, or business/startup owner.
LinkedIn Benefit 1: Employers and Recruiters Are on LinkedIn
Having a LinkedIn presence is crucial as recruiters and employers continuously use the professional platform to search for professional and enthusiastic candidates.
According to Kinsta, more than 55 million companies are currently listed on the platform. There are also more than 14 million open jobs on LinkedIn, and about 87% of hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn on a daily basis. Those statistics are insane!
Writer’s Block Live also reports that individuals with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting called for an interview.
Once you score a job interview, having a LinkedIn account can help you research hiring companies, recruiters, interviewers, and other individuals, which can be incredibly helpful before and during the application and interview process.
To summarize, the people that are hiring are already on LinkedIn, so you should be too!
LinkedIn Benefit 2: Employers Will See Your profile When They Google Your Name
If you apply for a job, it is highly possible that your potential employer will Google your name.
According to Business News Daily, approximately 70% of employers use social media platforms during the hiring process to screen candidates. Thus, the chance that your employer will likely search for your name through LinkedIn’s people search option before inviting you in for a job interview is very, very high. It is also highly possible that your LinkedIn profile will most likely show up first.
For example:
Yes, even one of the founders of Tinder, Justin Mateen, has a LinkedIn account that shows up as the first result when you search for his name on Google!
Having a social media presence will make you come across as more credible. It is also much better for your LinkedIn to show up as the first result on the SERPs rather than your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other less professional social media profiles.
LinkedIn Benefit 3: It Can Help You Build a Network That You Can Utilize Later
Even if you are completely satisfied with your current job, it doesn’t hurt to have a LinkedIn profile. Things can go south all of a sudden; for example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown caused approximately 114 million individuals to lose their jobs (WeForum). What would happen then?
If you have a huge LinkedIn network, it can help you get back on your feet more easily. However, if you don’t start working on your LinkedIn network now, you won’t be able to utilize it later.
There are many other LinkedIn benefits. In short, having a LinkedIn profile is essential even if you are not actively searching for a job. You can use the platform to connect with former and current colleagues and find out about new conferences, seminars, workshops, and other networking events.
If you have an incomplete LinkedIn profile with content copied and pasted from your CV that you haven’t logged in to for months, keep reading to see how you can leverage the power of LinkedIn!
How to Select the Right Profile Picture and Background Photo on LinkedIn (For Sub Blog)
Your profile picture is one of the most important elements of your LinkedIn profile.
According to LinkedIn, profiles with a picture receive about 21 times more views and approximately nine times more connection requests. This means that your little round LinkedIn picture is your first chance to make an excellent impression.
If you’ve had a headshot taken by a photographer, it will make the perfect profile picture. You can also easily take a professional LinkedIn photo with your smartphone.
Here are some elements that can help you pick a flattering profile picture and make a great impression on recruiters on LinkedIn:
- It should be a picture of you.
Luis von Ahn – LinkedIn
2. It should be a high-quality picture (not a blurry or cropped group photo).
Renate Nyborg – LinkedIn
3.It should not go against LinkedIn’s policies.
With background photos, you have a chance to be creative. Unlike profile photos that need to be professional, your background photo can show more of your personality and brand.
You can pick a standard cover photo or choose among millions of pictures that can help you stand out. Here are some tips that can help you pick the best LinkedIn background photo:
- Use one image that represents your company, brand, or field.
- Use a picture of your logo or workplace.
- Use a personal photograph (e.g., your hobby, interests, etc.).
- Use a picture of your favorite quote.
- Use an image of an accomplishment, award, or certification.
- Use an abstract photo.
Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions, and with your display and cover pictures, you can communicate that you are likable and friendly.
For more tips on professional LinkedIn photos and how to create a perfect LinkedIn photo, click here.
How to Write a Good LinkedIn Headline
Now that you’re done uploading your professional LinkedIn photo, now is the time to write a good LinkedIn headline!
Your LinkedIn headline is
- The title under your name that viewers and recruiters on LinkedIn see when they visit your profile.
- An opportunity to show viewers what you do and what you are capable of doing.
- A user’s first impression of you when he comes across your profile.
It is a general human tendency to judge a book by its cover (or title); this is why letting LinkedIn choose your headline for you can be a huge mistake.
You need to keep viewers hooked, and for that, you need a customized headline that will instantly distinguish your profile and capture interest. The headline will also provide people with a reason to visit your profile.
Here are a few tips for choosing a good LinkedIn headline:
1. Use a headline that viewers will recognize. For example, if your LinkedIn headline says ABM, people in marketing probably know what it stands for. However, your audience and future recruiters might not realize it stands for “Assistant Brand Manager.”
2.Add a value proposition by describing how you improve your customers’ lives.
For example, if you are a travel content creator, your headline could say:
“Travel Content Creator – Helping the tourism industry build back better.”
Hilary Clemons – LinkedIn
3.Don’t use company, industry, or job-related jargon as your potential customers might not understand what these words mean. For example, I came across a headline that said, “Helping companies improve their KPIs, drive positive ROI, and increase competitive edge.”
Again, a marketing professional will quickly know what you’re talking about; however, a potential service user might not understand these terminologies.
4.Don’t use hyperboles as they might come across as arrogant to prospects and recruiters on LinkedIn, such as the following examples:
- Expert
- Winning
- Top-performing
- Proactive
- Best
- Superior
5.Use the right keywords. For example, using keywords such as “helping,” transforming,” and “guiding” can sound impressive to recruiters and prospects
J. Michael Palermo IV – LinkedIn
How to Write a Strong LinkedIn Summary
Your summary, also known as “LinkedIn About,” comes just under your basic profile details. LinkedIn provides users with 2,000 characters max to write an overview of their professional career.
Damilare Odueso – LinkedIn
Source: LinkedIn
Following are some tips that can be applied while writing a strong LinkedIn summary:
1. Be Your Own Brand
Back in 1997, Tom Peters with Fast Company mentioned that every individual needs to understand how important branding is. Regardless of what age, position, industry, or business you are in, you are the CEO of your own company, and you have to market yourself continuously. This is why your summary section needs to be distinctive and unique.
2. Know Your Keywords
Now that you know what you want to write about, note down all the relevant keywords. If you’re having trouble finding the right keywords, try researching and looking at the profiles of others you know or those who are a step up from your current role.
3. Write it Wel
Your summary requires relevant keywords; however, several random keywords strung together will make it confusing and complex to read for viewers.
To summarize, keep it nice, relevant, easy to understand, and something that intrigues and engages prospects.
How to Write a Good LinkedIn Skills List
our LinkedIn skills list depends on the industry you are in and your hidden qualities, but there are certain skills that appeal to everyone.
There are mainly two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills usually include technical and specialized knowledge related to the job role. On the other hand, soft skills include emotional intelligence, cognitive ability, and workplace behaviors of an individual.
Hard skills can be learned, but soft skills are often embedded into an individual’s character or learned through various life experiences.
Both are important; one indicates your understanding and know-how of the job role and your experience while the other shows off your ability to function with others, but you need to know how to separate them and when to highlight one or the other.
According to research conducted by Harvard, Stanford Research Center, and the Carnegie Foundation, having soft and people skills makes a person 85% more likely to achieve job success, while the remaining 15% of job success comes from hard and technical skills.
In short, if you are applying for a steering or managerial job, highlight your soft skills, and if you are applying for a job that requires a lot of technical know-how, highlight your hard skills. For everything else, highlight a mix of both.
Following are some of the soft skills you need to add to your LinkedIn skills list. These skills are continuously sought after by recruiters on LinkedIn and will make your profile seem more attractive:
- Efficiency
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Emotional and social intelligence
- Team spirit
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Sense of initiative
- Creativity
- Ability to deal with ambiguity
- Adaptability
- Persuasion
- Work ethic
How to Upload a Resume to LinkedIn
If you want to know how to upload a resume to LinkedIn, you have come to the right place! There are two ways to upload a resume to LinkedIn:
- Upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile.
- Upload your resume whenever you apply for a job through LinkedIn’s “Apply Easily” option.
1. Upload Your Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile
If you want recruiters and potential employers to find your resume when they come across your profile on LinkedIn, you can easily upload a resume to LinkedIn by following the steps mentioned below:
- Click on “Me” at the upper right corner of your LinkedIn.
- Click on “View profile.”
- Select “Add Profile Section.”
- Click on “Recommended” and then “Add featured.”
- Upload your resume to LinkedIn by clicking on the plus sign and then clicking on the “Add media” button.
2. Upload Your Resume Whenever You Apply for a Job on LinkedIn
One of the best practices is to upload your tailored resume whenever you apply for a job on LinkedIn.
Follow these steps to upload a resume to LinkedIn during the job application process:
- Click on “Jobs” and find one with an “Easy Apply” option
- Complete the required fields (email and phone number). Select “Upload resume.”
- Review your application and click on the “Submit application” button at the bottom.
How to Post on Linkedin
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social networking platform, where recruiters, employers, CEOs, executives, managers, and experts of all types share different posts, polls, articles, job listings, etc.
According to HootSuite, it is recommended that you post at least once per day and no more than five times a day.
If you want to share a personal experience, a funny workplace story, a motivational quote, or an article that you found interesting and are wondering how to post on LinkedIn, you have come to the right place!
Posting on LinkedIn is extremely easy and can be done by following the steps mentioned below:
- Open your browser and go to https://linkedin.com.
- At the top of the page, find where it says, “Start a post.” Click on it.
- If you want to write something, you can type it there. If you want to share a photo, video, document, poll, a celebration, or anything else, you can click on their respective icons. You can also add hashtags and post a link by pasting it while typing your post.
- Once you are done with your post, click on the button that says “Anyone.” Here, you can pick who you want to comment on your post.
- Once you are done with all of the steps mentioned above, click on “Post” at the bottom.
Congratulations – now you know how to post on LinkedIn!
How to Schedule Linkedin Posts
The whole process of posting at the right time can be pretty exhausting; this is why scheduling LinkedIn posts in advance can make things easier for you.
However, LinkedIn doesn’t have a scheduling tool. Luckily, there are several third-party scheduling tools that you can use to schedule LinkedIn posts in advance.
- Click here to register your free Hootsuite account.
- Sign up by entering your full name, email address, and password.
- Click on “Create my Free Account” at the bottom of the page.
- After that, Hootsuite will ask you for some information, such as, “Who manages your organization’s social media?”, “Most important goal,” “Your organization’s industry”, and “Describe your role.”
- After answering the questions, click on “Continue.”
- After that, connect your LinkedIn account and click on “Continue.”
- Go to the Hootsuite Dashboard and click on the “Post” icon.
- Type whatever it is that you want to post. You can also add images, GIFs, videos, emojis, links, and hashtags.
- Once you’re done with writing the post, to schedule it, click on “Schedule for Later.”
- Here you can select the date and time to publish your LinkedIn post. Now, click on “Schedule.”
There you go! You have learned how to schedule LinkedIn posts and can now schedule as many posts as you want.
How to Invite Someone to Connect on LinkedIn
So, now you know why you need to be on LinkedIn. You have set up your account and have written a killer headline, summary, and LinkedIn skills list. You also learned how to upload a resume to LinkedIn and how to post on the platform, but that’s only the beginning.
To get the most out of this professional social networking platform, you need to connect with other people on LinkedIn.
If you’re searching for a job or looking for a better opportunity, adding different people on LinkedIn will improve your chances of finding job prospects.
You have several options if you want to invite someone to connect with you on LinkedIn.
The simplest way is to go to someone’s profile and click on “Connect.”
ome LinkedIn users also have customizable profiles; this is why their “Connect” option can only be found once you click on “More.”
While sending an invitation, you can also add a note to go with your request. The person you’re sending an invitation to will receive your invitation request along with a message. It is now up to the person to accept or ignore your connection request.
How to Cancel Linkedin Requests
Did you add someone by mistake or regret sending a request to someone? Here is how to cancel LinkedIn requests that you have sent:
- Click on the “My Network” option at the top right of your screen.
- Next to the “Pending Invitations” tab, you will find the “Manage” option. Here, you will see all of the invitations that have not been accepted yet.
- By clicking on “Withdraw,” you will be able to cancel a connection request on LinkedIn.
As long as the LinkedIn member hasn’t accepted your invitation, you will be able to withdraw it without the recipient knowing unless he has his notifications on.
How to Delete Linkedin Connections
Adding people on LinkedIn can help you grow your professional network; however, sometimes you do not want to maintain certain connections.
If you want to streamline your network and you wish to delete LinkedIn connections, here is how you can do it:
- Go to the user’s profile, click on “More,” and then “Remove Connection.”
Here is another way you can delete someone from your network:
- Click on “My Network”.
- On the left side of the screen, click on “Connections”.
- Here you will find the list of all the people you have connected with. Next to the “Message” tab, click on the three dots.
- Click on “Remove connection” to delete the LinkedIn connection from your account.
How to Request a Recommendation on LinkedIn
The days of hard-copy recommendation letters are coming to an end; now it is all about LinkedIn recommendations that you can display on your profile.
Here is how to request a recommendation on LinkedIn:
- Go to the profile of one of your first-degree connections you would like a recommendation from.
- Click on “More.”
- Tap on “Request a recommendation.”
- LinkedIn will ask you to fill out the relationship between you and the person you are asking for a recommendation from and your position at the time.
- You can also include a personalized message.
- After you are done, click “Send.”
How to get Endorsed on LinkedIn
Through LinkedIn endorsements, you can ask your connections to recognize your skills and expertise with just one click.
LinkedIn endorsements are different from recommendations. With endorsements, your connections can endorse a skill mentioned in your LinkedIn skills list with just one click. On the other hand, a recommendation is a written testimonial added to your LinkedIn profile by a connection.
Here is how to get endorsed on LinkedIn:
- List your relevant skills, from most to least important.
- Endorse the skills of your fellow professionals (for example, co-workers, colleagues, clients, freelancers, employers, vendors, etc.); they will most likely return the favor.
- Send a personalized message to request an individual to endorse you for a skill. You can remind the person of your contributions in a previous project and ask him if he would like to provide you with skill endorsements.
- Say thank you after receiving a LinkedIn endorsement.
How to Search LinkedIn Like a Pro (For Sub-blog)
LinkedIn has been growing like crazy! Several companies and recruiters on LinkedIn now use this platform when they have a job opening.
However, many people struggle with the search feature even though one of the best things about this platform is its search capability.
Following are some tips on how to search LinkedIn like a pro:
1.Use the Advanced Search Option
Instead of combining everything and using all the relevant keywords, LinkedIn allows you to specify your query for specific fields. To use the advanced search option, click next to the search bar, and you will find the options on the top of the website.
2. Use Boolean Operators
Did you know that you could use the terms “OR,” “AND,” and “NOT” (in capital letters) while searching? For example, if you are looking for a social media manager, you might search for the following:
Social Media Manager OR Social Media Executive
Social Media Manager AND Community Manager
The NOT option is a little technical. For example, if you are searching for a social media manager but do not wish to come across the ones that are already in your network, you can search for (Social Media Manager OR Social Media Executive) AND NOT LinkedIn
3.Use the Sorting Option
To use the sorting option, click on “Refine Search” at the top of any search result page. With this option, you will be able to sort results, which can come in handy when you are looking to find people close to you in your LinkedIn network.
If you are interested in learning more about these tips and tricks and how to search LinkedIn like a pro, click here.
How to Use LinkedIn for Recruitment
Although several social media platforms can be used for recruiting candidates, it is safe to say that LinkedIn is the most powerful and professional platform. With more than half a billion members, LinkedIn allows recruiters to post jobs, reach out to potential employees, build their company page, and hire candidates.
If you are wondering how to use LinkedIn for recruitment, here are some tips that have proven to be successful:
- Develop an effective LinkedIn page for your company.
- Keep your own LinkedIn profile updated.
- Post regular updates.
- Join and engage in relevant groups.
- Use LinkedIn to screen and verify candidates before contacting them.
- Make important connections.
- Use the right keywords.
- Reach out to potential employees.
- Search for potential candidates who are open to new opportunities.
- Consider sponsored jobs.
These are the basics of recruiting on LinkedIn. For more details on how to use LinkedIn for recruitment, click here.
How to See Saved Jobs on LinkedIn
According to Kinsta, 87% of recruiters on LinkedIn regularly use the platform to find the perfect job candidates.
If you are looking for job openings, here is how you can find them:
- Go to LinkedIn’s home page.
- Click on “Jobs.” Here, you can also add the location and other filters. You can apply for openings here or save jobs for later.
If you have saved a job for later, here is how to see saved jobs on LinkedIn:
- Go to “Jobs.”
- Go to “My Jobs.”
- You will find three dots next to every job opening you previously saved. If you click on the dots, you will come across four options: Apply, Send in a message, Copy Link, Unsave.
How to Block Someone on Linkedin
Wondering how to block someone on LinkedIn? You have come to the right place!
When you block someone on LinkedIn, he will not be able to visit or view your profile anymore. LinkedIn allows users to block up to 1,400 members. If you have unblocked someone and wish to block him again, you will have to wait a minimum of 48 hours to do so.
If you block someone on LinkedIn, that particular person will not be notified. However, if you previously or currently share a LinkedIn Recruiter account with that certain someone, the platform reserves the right to inform him.
Here is how you can block someone on LinkedIn on your desktop:
- Open your browser and go to https://www.linkedin.com
- Open the profile of the user that you wish to block.
- Click on “More” on the user’s profile.
- Click on “Report / Block.”
- After clicking on “Report / Block,” you will see a “Report” window open. Here, click on the “Block” option.
- If you’re sure that you want to block the person, confirm by clicking on “Block.”
- However, if you do not want to proceed, click “Go back.”
That’s it! Now you know how to block someone on LinkedIn.
How to Hide LinkedIn Profiles
Most LinkedIn users are on the platform for job opportunities and networking; however, if you don’t want your profile to be visible to others, you can easily do that through LinkedIn settings.
Here is how you can hide a LinkedIn profile on your desktop:
- Open your browser and go to https://www.linkedin.com.
- Click on “Me” at the top right of your screen.
- Click on “View Profile.”
- On the right side of your screen, you will find an “Edit public profile & URL” option; click on that.
- On the right side of the screen, you will find an “Edit Visibility” option. To hide your LinkedIn profile, toggle the lever next to “Your profile’s public visibility.”
How to Delete a LinkedIn Account
LinkedIn is different from other social media platforms. Instead of raving about your luxurious and fun life, people on LinkedIn share opportunities, accomplishments, and are generally passionate about their careers.
However, we understand that the professional platform is not for everyone. If you have joined LinkedIn but want to know how to delete a LinkedIn account, here is how you can do it:
- Go to https://www.linkedin.com on your browser and log in with your username and password.
- Tap on the “Me” option at the top right corner of the screen, right under your profile picture.
- Now, select “Settings and Privacy.”
- On the left side of your screen, you will find “Account preferences;” select “Account management.”
- Click on “Change” next to the “Close account” option.
At this point, if you are not ready to delete your account entirely, choose the “Hibernate account” option to deactivate your LinkedIn profile temporarily. If you wish to continue deleting your profile, keep following the steps mentioned below:
- After clicking on “Change,” you will be asked for the reason for closing your account. You can share any concerns and comments in the feedback box. Once you are done, click on “Next”.
- LinkedIn will ask you to re-enter your password. Once you are done, click on “Close account.”
If you have LinkedIn’s Premium membership, you would first have to revert to Basic membership before being able to delete your profile.
The platform will take up to seven days to remove all your data from its servers. However, as soon as you close your account, all of your information will be deleted, and you will have to start with a new profile with new connections and endorsements.
How to Export Contacts from LinkedIn
So, you have put a lot of effort into building relationships and personalized connections, and you deserve to have a copy of these LinkedIn contacts.
Here is how to export your contacts from LinkedIn easily:
- After logging into your account, click on “My Network.”
- Click on “Connections” on the left side of your screen.
- On the top-right side of the screen, you will find the “Manage synced and imported contacts” option; click on that.
- Click on “Export contacts” under the “Advanced actions” option.
- Select the data files you require.
- After ticking the option/s you want, click on “Request archive.”
- LinkedIn will ask you to enter your password to proceed.
- Once your file is ready, LinkedIn will send you an email.
After exporting the data, you might notice that some email addresses are missing. This is because LinkedIn only allows you to export the contacts that have allowed other people to see and download their email addresses in LinkedIn.
By default, all email addresses are hidden before users change their visibility settings.
How to Get LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn is quite clever; it limits free tools to entice users to get the premium version.
Thus, if you are looking for a job opportunity or using LinkedIn to stay on top of your game, LinkedIn’s Premium account can quickly put you ahead of your competition.
LinkedIn offers four different types of premium plans:
- Premium Essentials – For job seekers to get hired and get ahead.
- Premium Pro – For growing and nurturing your professional LinkedIn network.
- Sales Navigator Core – For unlocking prospecting and sales opportunities.
- Recruiter Lite – For finding and hiring potential candidates.
Here is how you can get the Premium version:
- At the top right corner of your LinkedIn page, you will find the “Me” icon; click on it.
- Tap on “Settings & Privacy.”
- Under “Account preferences”, you will find an option for “Subscriptions & payments.”
- Click on “Change”, next to “Upgrade for Free.”
- Select the plan that best meets your requirements.
- Complete your upgrade.
According to LinkedIn, individuals with Premium accounts get hired 2x faster on average than other candidates. LinkedIn also gives users a one-month LinkedIn premium free trial.
At the end of the LinkedIn premium free trial, you can decide whether the cost justifies the Premium LinkedIn benefits, such as LinkedIn people search, advanced filters, InMails, a list of everyone who views your profile, etc.
To learn more about LinkedIn Premium features, click here.
Conclusion
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are extremely laid back and allow users to share social aspects of their lives and whatever else they want to share.
However, LinkedIn is one of those platforms where you need to be more professional and polished. On LinkedIn, you can network with individuals, find job opportunities, and connect with recruiters and potential employers; this is why you must leverage the power of LinkedIn.
In this article, we provided you with a complete guide on how to leverage the power of LinkedIn; here is a quick summary:
- How to select the right profile picture
- How to write a good LinkedIn headline, summary, and skills set
- How to upload a resume to LinkedIn
- How to post on LinkedIn and how to schedule posts on LinkedIn
- How to invite someone to connect on LinkedIn
- How to cancel LinkedIn requests and how to delete LinkedIn connections
- How to request a recommendation on LinkedIn
- How to get endorsed on LinkedIn
- How to search LinkedIn like a pro
- How to use LinkedIn for recruitment
- How to see saved jobs on LinkedIn
- How to block someone on LinkedIn
- How to hide LinkedIn profiles
- How to delete a LinkedIn account
- How to export contacts from LinkedIn
- And last but not least, how to get LinkedIn Premium
Once you take advantage of all the LinkedIn benefits and features, you will be able to broaden your professional network with prospects, recruiters, employers, co-workers, customers, distributors, suppliers, consultants, funding sources, and analysts.