Making the Most of LinkedInSamara Reynolds, M.Ed. Director of Government & Alternative Careers, UNC School of LawPast President, NC Career Development AssociationAssociate Editor, Career Convergence, National Career Development Assoc.

2014 NCCPA Conference – NCSU – Raleigh, NC

Introduction

• What is LinkedIn?

• Ways to use LinkedIn:• Virtual Rolodex• Career Exploration• Professional Communication (new and sustained)• Online Resume, References, Portfolio• Building Your Brand

• My experience with LinkedIn (2009-2014)

Boosting Your LinkedIn ROIBesides adding new contacts, checking your inbox and newsfeed, and updating your status regularly…

1. Upgrade Your Headline

2. Write a Stand-Out Summary

3. Be Easy to Endorse

4. Seek and Provide Recommendations

5. Share Contact Info and Be Searchable

Boosting Your LinkedIn ROIBesides adding new contacts, checking your inbox and newsfeed, and updating your status regularly…

6. Join Relevant Groups

7. Check Out Who Viewed + People Also Viewed

8. Conduct an Advanced People Search + Personalize Outreach

9. Follow Schools and Companies

10. Search for Jobs

Upgrade Your Headline• Good:

Sharon SmithAssistant Director, NC State UniversityRaleigh-Durham, North Carolina · Higher Education

• Better:James JonesCareer Coach & Relationship Builder Atlanta, Georgia · Higher Education

• Best: Dara DeanStudent Success & Retention Leader | Consultant | Life-Long LearnerChicago, Illinois · Higher Education

Current Title

Transferable Role

Expertise + Personality

Write a Stand-Out Summary

• First thing anyone sees

• Direct, confident, detailed

• Who you are + who/where you want to be

• Use bullets, small paragraphs, etc. to keep it readable

Be Easy to Endorse

• List a lot of skills! And keep them general

• Use job descriptions as your guide

• Endorse other people (and they will reciprocate)

Seek and Provide Recommendations• Praise that stays/free publicity• Connected to specific roles

Seek and Provide Recommendations• Give and take

Share Contact Info & Be Searchable

• Always include your [personal] email• Customize your Public Profile URL

Share Contact Info & Be Searchable

• Make public profile visible to everyone, including what you are “interested in,” e.g., job opportunities

Join Relevant Groups• Groups confirm your interests• Connect you to ideas, resources, and opportunities• Make more people/connections available to you• Receive email alerts (or not -- customizable)• Alumni +

Check Out Who Viewed + Also Viewed

• Potential connections• What you are likely standing out for

(and is it what you want?)• Networking and job search clues• Sneaky candidate strategy

Conduct an Advanced People Search + Personalize Outreach

• Find people and ideas for positions + organizations

• Search by Company (current or past), School (undergrad and grad), Location, and more

Conduct an Advanced People Search + Personalize Outreach

• Personalize your Connect messages!!!!

• Open their profile FIRST, in order to edit

• Write like a mini email

• Tell them why you are reaching out

• Make a specific request if you have one

Follow Schools and Companies• Updates, People, Jobs

Search for Jobs

• Search for openings• Save interesting postings and create “saved searches”• Receive email alerts• Apply through

LinkedIn• Post jobs

Moving Forward

• LinkedIn should INSPIRE, ENHANCE, and/or BUILD OFF OF in-person connections

• Connect to past and present coworkers, personal contacts, organization members – YOU NEVER KNOW WHO THEY KNOW!

• Connect with individuals you meet at NCCPA or other conferences/events, and those you’d like to meet (to set up a conversation)

Moving Forward

• Connect after an informational interview or job interview

• It’s never too early or late to use LinkedIn more, better, or differently to help you move towards your goals!

Thank You!

Samara Reynoldswww.linkedin.com/in/samarareynolds/samara.reynolds@gmail.com