Hi my name is Jayne Corso and I am the Community Manager for AEA. Are you getting the most out of LinkedIn? A complete and active profile allows you to connect with more professionals and expand your network. Try these tips to increase your engagement on LinkedIn.
Hot Tip: Always have a recent (and professional) photo
A profile picture is very important on LinkedIn because it is how you make your first impression. More people are willing to connect with you if you have a picture—a way to put a face with your name. Use your updated headshot or take a professional photo on your own.
Remember your LinkedIn profile is very different than a Facebook profile. You should avoid using a photo with multiple people, late night photos, photos of your kids, or anything that shows you in a less than professional light.
Hot Tip: Fill out everything and add examples of your work
Make your profile as full as possible! Your resume is supposed to be a 1-2 page summary of your skills, often directly relating to your current position or the one you are applying for. On LinkedIn, you can expand. Add experience that might not fit on your resume. Add your volunteer experience, your independent course work, or a position that you might not have room for on your resume.
You should also add examples of your work. Share reports, papers, or analysis that you have worked on. This is an excellent way to showcase your skills to your peers and possible employers.
Hot Tip: Make connections
Expand your LinkedIn network and make relevant connections. Search for people with similar interests. You can use keywords, company names, or titles to find people to connect with. You can also reach out to those who are connected with people in your network. LinkedIn will provide a list of recommended connections based on your previous work experience, relationships, and interests. It’s important to have a robust and relevant network, you never know when someone can help you with a project, find a job, or identify a unique opportunity.
Happy Networking!
Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators.
Hello,
I currently work for a banking institution. Even though I do not partake in this program, I have found it essential to doing my job. It provides me with information about individuals that can help to prevent fraud and loss and exposure to the institution I work for.
Sincerely,
Kelly