L INKED I N What is it and how do I use it?

What is LinkedIn? “LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 100 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.” (LinkedIn Learning Center) Simply, LinkedIn is a social media site much like Facebook, but is strictly for professional interaction and networking LinkedIn Learning Center. (2010). What is LinkedIn? Retrieved from:

Starting a LinkedIn Account Click below to get started!

Making the Most of Your Profile Include keywords in your summary This is where you should include keywords a possible employer may type into a search function. If you are unsure as to what words to use, search professionals in your field, and use some similar terminology (Pollack, 2009, p. 24). Post a friendly & professional photo LinkedIn is NOT Facebook, be sure to stick to headshots where you are professionally dressed rather than group shots from your favorite Friday night hang out (Pollack, 2009, p. 24). Write for the screen Your profile should be detailed, yet direct. Be sure to include all of the pertinent information, but leave out the prose and fluffy details (Pollack, 2009, p. 24). Pollack, L. (2009). Everything you always wanted to know about linkedin (but were too busy networking online to ask). Nace Journal, November 2009, Retrieved from

Making the Most of Your Profile List all experience You never know what kind of opportunities your long lost classmates or colleagues could have available to you, leaving out an old employer, could make it difficult to make these connections. Also, you never know what kind of experience a possible employer is looking for, so let them see what you have to offer (Pollack, 2009, p. 24) ! Collect diverse recommendations Try to have at least one recommendation for each experience you have listed in your profile. This will really bring credibility to your experience (Pollack, 2009, p. 24). Share your news Update your news status with your professional happenings. It will keep you on the radar of your connections (Pollack, 2009, p. 25) ! Pollack, L. (2009). Everything you always wanted to know about linkedin (but were too busy networking online to ask). Nace Journal, November 2009, Retrieved from

Networking on LinkedIn Making Connections Connect with classmates and colleagues! This can be a great way to stay connected with them professionally. You never know what kind of opportunities they could have available for you, or you could have for them. Connect with your faculty members and administrators at Sage. These could be great people to give you recommendations. Connect with professionals in your desired field. This is where you can make valuable connections to potential employers. Once connected, take the opportunity to set up an informational interview with local professionals you admire. Who knows what doors this could open.

Networking on LinkedIn Joining Groups Quickly discover the most popular discussions in your professional groups. Have an active part in determining the top discussions by liking and commenting. Follow the most influential people in your groups by checking the Top Influencers board or clicking their profile image to see all their group activity. See both member-generated discussions and news in one setting. Easily browse previews of the last three comments in a discussion. Find interesting discussions by seeing who liked a discussion and how many people commented. LinkedIn Learning Center. (2010). Groups. Retrieved from:

LinkedIn Resources Guide for New Users Guide for Students Guide for Job Seekers