Anyone who has heard me speak on how to conduct an effective job search knows that I am a big fan of LinkedIn! I have used it to help jobseekers at all levels in a variety of industries advance their careers, and it brings me most of my clients, as well.
With more than 150 million worldwide users, LinkedIn is the most powerful job search tool today and many agree that it is considered unprofessional not to be on LinkedIn. An estimated 130,000 recruiters and many of the largest employers use LinkedIn to recruit candidates for employment. An optimized profile can attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers who are looking for a person with your skillset.
Once you have developed a robust profile, you need to start growing your network. Connect with current and former colleagues, clients and industry connections. You can connect with friends, as well, but keep in mind LinkedIn is a professional network, not a personal network like Facebook. There is no tagging or sharing pictures from your private life. A strong network of professional contacts extends your reach exponentially, and can significantly improve your job search results.
For specific tips on how to build an optimized LinkedIn profile, visit our official career tips blog http://blog.the-resume-resource.com.
Happy job hunting!