LinkedIn: The Best Social Media Option

Across the Web, there are a handful of social media networks being used for various activities such as entertainment, networking and job opportunities. LinkedIn is worth your attention for these three reasons.

Networking: LinkedIn has become the most popular social media site for networking. In 2011, it has surpassed Twitter and Facebook, because it is the central place to build your business.

Usage: LinkedIn is used in every different level of business positions. For example, top-level executives use it for industry job networking, hiring and promoting their business. Middle management uses it for keeping in touch, industry networking and co-worker networking. Finally, entry-level positions generally use it for job search, co-worker networking and industry networking. If you are in a business, LinkedIn is a vital resource to develop your brand and search for potential future employers. 

Active Business Groups: No matter what your business is, there will be a group dedicated for your industry on LinkedIn. These groups will help to promote your business, build a list of contacts and increase your credibility in the industry.

As you can see, LinkedIn has made a huge impact on social media by providing professional networking, numerous job opportunities and establishing connections between businesses. 

Stay connected,

Mandy&Kelly

Get LinkedIn with a job

People are getting job offers everyday through LinkedIn. The hard part is where do you start? Here are a few helpful tips to get you on the right track for the opportunity with a future employer:

• Search companies who are hiring in your area: If you are looking to stay close to home or have a particular area you would like to relocate to, do an advanced search for companies hiring with your specific skills. For example if you are experienced in Photoshop, do a search with the area code for companies looking for that particular skill.

• Become acquainted with the hiring manager: It is important to connect with the proper people who can get you a job. The hiring manager is someone that you need to build a positive relationship with and analyze their profile for future references during an interview. This will show that you truly care about the company and your future position.

• NETWORKING: We cannot stress the importance of networking enough; who you know can go a long way. For example, one person who you are associated with can help you build connections with different companies or individuals. And you never know, that connection may provide a future job opportunity for you.

There are plenty of ways to make you more desirable to future employers: recommendations, current profile and showing your expertise in the Q&A boards. By being active on LinkedIn, you have a better chance of being recognized by future employers. SO stay involved and check this link out!

Stay Connected,

Mandy&Kelly  

What NOT to do on LinkedIn

Let’s face it, everyone bends the truth on the Internet. You’re not fooling anyone by saying you're 25, yet have a glamour shot from the 80’s as your profile picture.  Sometimes we lie about our favorite movies or place quotes that will make us sound more educated. But honestly people want to know the real you. This becomes more important when editing your LinkedIn account. Here are a few tips to help you avoid being called out about the info on your profile.   

1. Outdated or over-edited profile picture: We all want to look our best in our profile pictures, and more employers review accounts with a photo. So, it is very important that the picture is current and not over-edited. Employers value honesty, and don’t want to be misled. Your picture should look like you, not a younger, air-bushed version of yourself.
2. Education:  Do NOT lie about your education. It may sound good in theory, but future employers have multiple ways of uncovering the truth. Since LinkedIn is a professional network with many connections, people will know whether or not you actually went to Harvard or graduated as valedictorian.  
3. Skills: Recruiters are currently using a sorting system on LinkedIn. This allows them to sort individuals according to the skills they have listed on their profile.  It’s crucial that you are confident in your skills.  If you honestly cannot program computer software, then don’t say that it is a “skill.”
4. Asking for recommendations: If you just made a connection with someone, it can be considered rude to immediately ask them for a recommendation. It is preferred to build a relationship beforehand. But, if they’re really busy you can help them out by writing a brief summary of your skills to refresh their memory and save them time.

The bottom line is DO NOT LIE. It will definitely hurt you in the long-run. Just be honest, simple as that. 

For more information click here!

Stay Connected,

Kelly & Mandy

LinkedIn Essentials: Recommendations

One of the most important aspects of a great LinkedIn profile is recommendations. This shows future employers that influential peers, co-workers and clients have supported your work.

When asking for a recommendation, there are a few key steps to consider:

First, ask for recommendations from people who hold higher positions. For example, one from your CEO or manager is more beneficial than five recommendations from co-workers. You are considered more qualified when you have substantial recommendations.

After establishing some initial credibility, the best way to garner more recommendations is by actually writing them for others. If you write an honest recommendation, others will be inclined to return the favor for you.

Finally, every truly successful LinkedIn profile has at least 10 recommendations. This may take a few weeks; so, start now and stick with a regular schedule!

Following these simple steps can help you establish a real presence on LinkedIn. For more tips and tricks to improve your LinkedIn profile with recommendations, click Here!

Stay tuned for more about LinkedIn. 

- Mandy & Kelly

Become a LinkedIn Pro in 5 Minutes or Less

Helpful hints for starting your LinkedIn profile and making a lasting impression:

·    Professional profile picture- make sure it is a recent headshot. It does not need to be professionally made but should give viewers a positive impression of you.

·    Updated résumé- make sure it is correct and includes your education, past work experiences, leadership positions and specialties.

·    Start connecting- make at least 10 connections that can provide future opportunities in your field.

·    Recommendations- write/request recommendations to build relationships and provide an accurate image of your qualities and character.

·    Continually update your profile!

By following these steps, your LinkedIn profile will continue to improve and so will your networking and building of relationships with potential employers.

Have a great week!

-Mandy & Kelly