LinkedIn is without a doubt the best recruiting and job search tool any of us have ever seen however if used improperly it is not worth the effort. The two secrets to getting the most out of it are be visible and give value. You need to maintain high visibility at all times to those that might be interested in you as a candidate. Build your network fast but be smart. Connect with those in your area of expertise. Pass on those who only connect for the sake of bragging about how many connections they have and those that have nothing in common with you or do not influence those who do.
Join lots of groups and actively participate. You can join up to 50. Start commenting on as many discussions as you can. When you feel you can add value to the group start discussions. The discussions should feature your expertise and legitimately give value to other members. Give away your knowledge. For example if you are a project manager with a history of completing projects on time and under budget share how you do it. Teach others to do it.
Go to LinkedIn’s question and answer section. And start answering any questions you can. You can choose the categories of questions you know the most about. You can go to this link to learn about this part of LinkedIn.
http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=answers_info&goback=%2Each_HRH*4SFF%2Eabq_1_1247841468142_n_o_HRH*4SFF
If you follow these ideas you will become known as an expert in your specialty and connection invitations will flow in. accept the ones that are mutually beneficial.
The Get the Most from LinkedIn post is dead on. The quote that made the most impact on me was, "The two secrets to getting the most out of it are be visible and give value." This will be helpful to anyone that reads it and implements your strategies.
Posted by: James Stratford @JRStratford (Twitter) | July 18, 2009 at 11:06 PM