Plugging your resume into your LinkedIn profile won't get you the results you are looking for. You need to USE LinkedIn, not just while you are in job search mode, but even after you've secured your new job. It is a rich resource with the ability to connect you to the answers you need in your next job.
Once you've secured your new position you should update your profile with your new job title and company and a bit about what you'll be doing. But don't stop there.
Add to your network
Find new co-workers on LinkedIn and invite them to connect with you. But never, ever use the generic invite that LinkedIn provides. Personalize it. CareerRocketeer posted about LinkedIn invitations here.
Easily nurture your network
You know how hard it is to meet people initially. Once you've met it takes work to stay connected. Thus the power of LinkedIn. You will be forever connected. Post an update every once in awhile. The update can be exciting news about a new project, you could share the link to a great article or news. When someone you knows gets a new job, congratulate them. Skim through the updates and see what's going on with people you know. See what events they are attending, what they are reading and doing. Take a minute and email them. Show interest in what other people are doing.
Join Groups and Discussions
If you haven't done so already, join professional groups related to your occupation or industry. There are thousands of groups. If it seems overwhelming to search the directory, try viewing the profiles of industry movers and shakers or people in your profession to see which groups they belong to.
Being employed and being in a group is a great way to learn about topics or issues of interest. In discussions you may be able to learn or share information. (Hey, that's part of networking).
The other benefit to being in a group is that you are able to connect directly with people who are in that group without having to personally know them. That is assuming that you write a great personalized invitation explaining why you want to connect.
Q&A
Browse the Q&A section. If you want to be known for something, provide an answer to a question. If you are looking for an answer, it may be there. You can search by topic or keyword. Chances are, that someone else is struggling with some of the same
issues you are. Why not collaborate or recycle their solutions.
Help spread the word to employed individuals of the power of LinkedIn. The more people who use it and understand it, the richer it becomes.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
