On the basics of LinkedIn
Ben O'Brien Smith
Issue date: 5/14/10 Section: News
LinkedIn is a professional social networking website that allows users to connect with co-workers, friends and other professionals, as well as letting them write recommendations and search for job openings. While Facebook began as mainly a network for college students, LinkedIn is intended for professional individuals.
As with all networking websites, users establish a profile based on their expertise. A LinkedIn profile acts as an electronic résumé for people to view, though users may import a previously written résumé. Users are encouraged to make connections with previous contacts. This can be as simple as importing a contacts list from an email account. Once past occupations have been listed with their associated companies, LinkedIn can search for possible previous colleagues.
A messaging system is built into the network for private messages between users. This can be helpful in making plans to meet with potential clients or other industry professionals. The inbox is organized in a simple manner, with an accurate search engine to find old messages.
Users have the option of joining groups based on region, expertise, education and more. Each group has a discussion board for communication related to specific topics. A job board is also available for employers to post open positions.
A sophisticated search engine is built into the website to make job searching simple and quick. LinkedIn begins by searching for open positions in your network area based on your search criteria. The search will also include positions outside of your network following any relevant local results. LinkedIn will also search the job listings from SimplyHired.com to provide you with added results.
While maintaining yet another online networking profile may seem like a hassle, LinkedIn is a great way to keep your professional networking separate from your general social networking. With 65 million registered users and more signing up daily, LinkedIn is a "no brainer" for individuals looking to connect with other industry professionals and get a stab at finding a job. It sure beats sifting through the spam laden Craigslist ads and general classifieds.
As with all networking websites, users establish a profile based on their expertise. A LinkedIn profile acts as an electronic résumé for people to view, though users may import a previously written résumé. Users are encouraged to make connections with previous contacts. This can be as simple as importing a contacts list from an email account. Once past occupations have been listed with their associated companies, LinkedIn can search for possible previous colleagues.
A messaging system is built into the network for private messages between users. This can be helpful in making plans to meet with potential clients or other industry professionals. The inbox is organized in a simple manner, with an accurate search engine to find old messages.
Users have the option of joining groups based on region, expertise, education and more. Each group has a discussion board for communication related to specific topics. A job board is also available for employers to post open positions.
A sophisticated search engine is built into the website to make job searching simple and quick. LinkedIn begins by searching for open positions in your network area based on your search criteria. The search will also include positions outside of your network following any relevant local results. LinkedIn will also search the job listings from SimplyHired.com to provide you with added results.
While maintaining yet another online networking profile may seem like a hassle, LinkedIn is a great way to keep your professional networking separate from your general social networking. With 65 million registered users and more signing up daily, LinkedIn is a "no brainer" for individuals looking to connect with other industry professionals and get a stab at finding a job. It sure beats sifting through the spam laden Craigslist ads and general classifieds.
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