How to network like a pro and stand out from the crowd on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is far and away the best known and most popular networking site in operation today.

But some have complained that it’s not user-friendly, or that its uses and benefits can be vague.

However, regardless of whether one sees imperfections in the site, it’s a vital step in landing a job and maintaining a career.

Think of it like having an email address: easy to set up, and essential to have.

1 – Setting up your profile Your LinkedIn profile is not just a copied and pasted CV. It’s an accessible, unique description of you and your strengths – more conversational and less formal than a CV, but still professional and within a formula.

LinkedIn has a step-by-step guide on building an effective profile.

Building it from scratch can be daunting, so have a look through some good examples and see how you can make yours individual to you.

2 – Choosing your photo

Your LinkedIn photo doesn’t have to be taken by an expert and it doesn’t even require that you dress formally, but it should at least look somewhat respectable.

This means no party pics, goofy faces or novelty photos. It should also show your head and shoulders and not be a group shot.

3 – Highlight skills and get endorsed

List your skills, endorse connections, and encourage endorsements from others.

This will make you look more hireable and will make your profile more likely to appear on searches.

4 – Make the most of other profiles

This applies to connections and to places where you’ve studied or worked. Add them to your profile to help put you on the radar of recruiters and employers.

5 – Build your connections

Finally, connect with people!

Start with those you’ve worked with, studied with, socialised with, and work your way outwards.

The more connections you have, the more visible you become. And eventually you might see that some of your connections are employed in places where you want to work.