[This is my latest article as Job-Hunt.org’s Personal Branding Expert]
One of the many benefits of using LinkedIn for job search is the ability to stay top-of-mind with your network – which should include employees at your target companies and recruiters, along with your various professional contacts.
Posting relevant updates to your “Activity Feed” is a relatively quick and easy way to do this.
Get into a routine of posting updates once a week, or at least a few times a month.
You’ll find the blank field displayed at the very top left-hand side of your LinkedIn home page, with the lightly printed phrase “Share an update” – ready for you to type over when you add an update.
Along with reminding your network about you, these updates reinforce your brand, subject matter expertise, and value to your target employers. And your updates represent another opportunity to brand your profile with relevant key words, so keep your brand and ROI in mind when you post an update.
First, select an option for your Activity Feed by going to “Settings,” then “Select who can see your activity feed.” You can choose from – Everyone, Your Network, Your Connections, or Only You.
To extend your message as far as possible, select either Your Network or Everyone. And include a link in the update that leads to further information, if applicable.
Ideas for LinkedIn Updates
- An online article, blog post, or white paper you’ve published
- An online article, blog post, or white paper that mentions or quotes you
- An online article, blog post, or white paper, written by anyone, that is relevant to your niche
- An event or seminar you’re presenting or attending
- A new project you’re working on
- A promotion, transfer, or new assignment
- A comment you’ve made on a relevant blog that demonstrates your subject matter expertise
- Professional development, training, or new certification
- A significant accomplishment or contribution to your company
- Activities with your networks or LinkedIn Groups
- An important seminar or event you’ll be attending or have attended
- A community project you’re working on
Keep the tone and information on-brand and professional. LinkedIn is not the place to update your network with Facebook- or Twitter-worthy personal pursuits, such as “Just saw the new Matthew McConaughey movie” or “Took the family on a one-week vacation to Disneyland” – unless items like this are relevant to the jobs you’re seeking.
And remember – if you’re in a confidential job search, don’t post anything here even hinting that you’re looking for a new job.
More About Using LinkedIn for Executive Job Search
LinkedIn, Personal Branding & Executive Job Search: Perfect Together
Your Personal Brand Online and the LinkedIn Privacy Dilemma
LinkedIn Groups and Personal Branding: Showcase Your Subject Matter Expertise
