LinkedIn holds the well-earned reputation of being one of the most innovative career-focused social media platforms in the world. Designed specifically to aid professionals with career goals and networking opportunities through robust LinkedIn features and tools, the platform boasts over 850 million members in 200 worldwide regions. Close to 100 job applications are submitted through LinkedIn every second, with 6 people earning job offers and hired status every minute.
It’s no wonder most career professionals believe a LinkedIn profile is critical to career campaign success. The inventive social media platform enjoys a quarter increase in revenue growth year after year and is constantly seeking new ways to actively engage members. With new LinkedIn features and cutting-edge technology continuously rolling out, it’s easier than ever to make the most of your professional social media profile.
LinkedIn CalEndAr Syncing
Seeking a quick, effective way to learn about the people in your upcoming meeting? LinkedIn Calendar Syncing allows you to view the LinkedIn profiles of meeting participants through the LinkedIn mobile app. Simply sync your phone’s calendar with LinkedIn’s mobile app to share meeting participant contact info with LinkedIn. Meeting participants with established LinkedIn profiles will pop up in the mobile app so you can connect and learn more about each participant prior to or after your meeting. This exciting LinkedIn feature also allows you to invite your contacts to LinkedIn so your network and professional social media connections continue to grow.
LinkedIn Offer to Help Feature
Establish yourself as a helpful staple in your online professional community with LinkedIn’s Offer to Help feature. Made specifically to connect community members in meaningful and impactful ways, “Offer to Help” posts range from offering LinkedIn recommendations and referrals to introducing connections and crafting letters of reference. By offering assistance to your LinkedIn connections, you organically strengthen trust and the potential for long-lasting professional collaboration.
LinkedIn Open to Work Feature
While a strong profile, strategic connections, and optimized communication methods are the most surefire ways to land a job using LinkedIn, a unique LinkedIn feature called “Open to Work” offers a secondary career marketing strategy for unemployed members. LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature allows participating users to show up first in hiring manager searches and places a green circle with the text #openforwork around job seeker profile images. Combined with priority search result rankings, the visual green circle allows companies to instantly see which members are searching for work and consequently open to applying for jobs.
It’s important to use this LinkedIn feature carefully; most experts recommend only turning Open to Work on when unemployed and actively seeking a new job. While LinkedIn created some privacy safeguards around their Open to Work feature, the internet is never foolproof. There’s always a chance current employers, coworkers, and related connections will see the bright green circle around your profile photo and have a few questions. Avoid using this feature unless you truly don’t mind having crucial conversations about your LinkedIn activity with current employers.
LinkedIn Polls
If profile engagement ranks high on your list of professional social media priorities, Polls are the perfect LinkedIn feature for you. LinkedIn Polls allow your connections to instantly provide feedback and opinions about quite literally any topic or idea you have. From asking which job search websites your connections like most, to identifying which tools earned your connections the most job interviews, LinkedIn Polls offer a unique way to gather info about your connections while forming deeper levels of trust and exposure. Polls with multiple choice answers have the greatest participation, but don’t be afraid to tack on an optional comment box for those who wish to provide further feedback.
A few examples of LinkedIn Poll ideas for job searchers include:
- Which job search sites do you like the most?
- Which tools helped you build your LinkedIn network?
- How did you land your last interview?
- What focal areas made the most impact during your career search?
- What’s the most difficult hurdle to overcome during a job search?
LinkedIn Carousel Posts
Want your LinkedIn content to stand out in the newsfeed? Take advantage of carousel posts, a new LinkedIn feature designed to add engagement-driving versatility between connections. Carousel posts allow you to create a strong personal brand that captures the attention of connections and potential employers. Instead of forcing connections to leave LinkedIn or open new tabs and windows to see your experience and work, you can create a carousel post featuring your favorite examples in one, consolidated area. Easy access to your most important and impactful work drives up your LinkedIn profile engagement and makes it simple for prospective employers to learn more about you.
LinkedIn Featured Posts and Pinning Your Portfolio
Deemed one of the most beneficial LinkedIn features on the entire platform, the Featured section of your LinkedIn profile allows connections and employees instant access to highlighted material, posts, and portfolios. Showcase your achievements by creating a carousel post of your best work and pinning the post to the Featured section at the top of your profile. Pin your digital portfolio, articles you’ve written, or media that shows off your achievements. There’s no limit on how many pieces of content you can feature on your LinkedIn profile, but remember not to overwhelm your profile visitors. Pare down your Featured section to carefully-selected content that both highlights your most marketable assets and aligns with your overall career goals.
With so many new and exciting LinkedIn features to choose from, updating and maintaining your profile can sometimes be a bit overwhelming! That’s why Zoetic Resume and Writing Services proudly offers LinkedIn profile services specifically designed to capture the most important, relevant, and impactful aspects of your career. Whether you’re just starting out and need a brand-new LinkedIn profile or you’re looking for a quick refresh that maximizes each new LinkedIn feature, Zoetic Resume and Writing Services is here to help. Connect with me here to learn more about my LinkedIn profile services and how together we can use the power of social media to capture leads, interviews, and job offers.