LinkedIn – Top 10 Tips for Maximizing this Mission Critical Space Barry Simpson Director of Technology Transition Solutions 1 BOSTON COLLEGE WORLD WIDE WEBINAR SERIES:

Overview Brief introduction to LinkedIn Multiple tips on how to make your profile stand out Things to do Things NOT to do Questions and hopefully answers Slide Number 2

LinkedIn LinkedIn is: A professional networking tool. "LinkedIn isn't networking; it's the road map to networking“ A place to display your business Brand Currently the third most popular social network in terms of unique monthly visitorsunique monthly visitors Mainly centered around your career A site that allows connecting and sharing content with other professionals including potential employers and current and former colleagues Slide Number 3

LinkedIn Why use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the # 1 source used by recruiters to find candidates Network into a new job or prepare for future job search Industry groups can be helpful in your day to day business life LinkedIn provides interesting, targeted information through “Pulse” Good Job Board Very few recruiters will consider you without you having a good or stellar LinkedIn profile Slide Number 4

1. Notifications and Settings Regular updates are fine Multiple updates in a short period of time is annoying Change your if necessary Manage the update process through Slide Number 5 TOP 10 TIPS

1a. Notifications and Settings Slide Number 6 Background TOP 10 TIPS

1b. Notifications and Settings LinkedIn profile badge Slide Number 7 TOP 10 TIPS

2. Your Picture Use one! Head and shoulders, assumption is that if you don’t have a picture then you are hiding something Use an appropriate picture Slide Number 8 TOP 10 TIPS

3. Customize your public profile URL A focused, shorter URL (29 characters after in/) can fit on a business card and ‘looks’ right You can also create a QR code to print on your card Slide Number 9 TOP 10 TIPS

4. Summary Section Build a strong summary section that emphasizes your skills, goals and experience You have 2,000 characters – Use them This is not a resume Recruiters search here Slide Number 10 TOP 10 TIPS

4a. Summary Content Use a Word Cloud generator Use Indeed Job TrendsIndeed Job Trends Short paragraphs What is your value? OK to use “I” Slide Number 11 TOP 10 TIPS

5. Recommendations/Endorsements A recommendation (3,000 Characters) is a written statement from a connection and should be specific. Can be requested. An endorsement (0 Characters) is a quick way of connection endorsing you for a skill listed on your profile Slide Number 12 TOP 10 TIPS

5a. Recommendations My preference over an endorsement Should be focused on a specific skill, ability, activity, etc. Can be requested and wording suggested Slide Number 13 TOP 10 TIPS

5b. Endorsements LI automatically displays top 10 based on number of endorsements Change the order to reflect the ones you want to display Change the order to reflect ‘who’ is endorsing you Slide Number 14 TOP 10 TIPS

6. Building your Brand Use your headline (120 Characters): Don’t use your job title Describe your value – Known for, Acknowledged for, Skilled in, Experienced, … Be specific Use keywords if possible It is OK to brag Be consistent across all your marketing materials – Resume, LinkedIn, Profile, “Tell me about yourself”, etc. Use Groups to expand your message Expand your visibility Slide Number 15 TOP 10 TIPS

7. Buzzwords –vs- Keywords Top Buzzwords of 2014 Types of Keywords to use  MotivatedJob titles (Current and previous)  CreativeGeographical target  PassionateSkills (Focus on next job)  DrivenTechnology (Hardware, software, tools)  Extensive experienceEducation  OrganizationalTrade show/exhibition participation  StrategicPublications  Track recordCertifications  ResponsibleProfessional organizations  Problem solvingBlogs, websites, etc. Slide Number 16 TOP 10 TIPS

8. Advanced People Search Worthy of it’s own slide Can be used to connect even if you don’t know !! Slide Number 17 TOP 10 TIPS

9. Job Search Comprehensive search tool Available through ‘Jobs’ link Tested Software VP Product Management Near home Slide Number 18 TOP 10 TIPS

9a. Job Search Apply directly See competition See connections Slide Number 19 TOP 10 TIPS

10. Grow your Network Import your contacts Send connection requests DON’T use standard request (be personal) Slide Number 20 TOP 10 TIPS

Bonus Tips Be active on LinkedIn – your ranking is improved Connect with Twitter – managed through settings/profile Order your sections Who has looked at your record Research Use free trial when necessary Resume builder - Slide Number 21

Yet More Thoughts LinkedIn Apps Android iPhone/iPad Customize website links LinkedIn Jail Utilizing sections on profile Slide Number 22

Other Profile Sections Use as appropriate, including: Projects Patents Causes Honors & Awards Slide Number 23

2015 Character Limits Slide Number 24

Summary More information than we can cover in an hour Key takeaways Be active Create a complete profile Increase your network Keywords not Buzzwords Have a picture Customize your URL Questions Slide Number 25

Q & A Submit any questions through the dashboard. S OME L INKS Indeed Job Trends - LI Resume Builder - LI A PPS Android IOS- Slide Number 26

Contact Information Barry Simpson, Technology Director Transition Solutions A Studley Group Company (978) (978) (Phone) Quincy – Newton/Wellesley – Woburn, MA – Lincoln, RI with over 130 Worldwide Partners linkedin.com/in/barrysimpson Slide Number 27