6 Tips to Maximize Your LinkedIn

6 Tips to Maximize Your LinkedIn (Image via pixabay.com) 1. Update your information. The number one thing you should do is to make sure you have the most current, accurate information listed on your profile. It can be embarrassing if someone stumbles upon your profile and sees that it’s empty or that it hasn’t been updated with your most recent responsibilities. Making sure your profile is accurate can include adding a recent profile picture, your location, and what you’re currently up to (whether you have a job or internship, are still in school, or both). Adding as much relevant detail as possible is definitely a great way to ensure that your profile appears polished and professional. That way, you have the power to present yourself in a positive light to potential future employers, before even meeting them face-to-face. 2. Use multimedia. According to this  helpful article  on themuse.com, adding multimedia features can present your page in a visually appealing way. While everyone else might just have a list of past accomplishments or responsibilities on their profile, you can add a little something extra to catch viewers’ eyes. For example, if you’ve worked on a project, written an article, have a relevant video, or any other work that you’re proud of, post a link in your profile. Doing so can help set you apart from others, by showing that you created a product that you worked hard on. Potential employers can easily access what you’ve done, which is definitely a plus in terms of making them happy! 3. Find more connections. LinkedIn suggests a number of other people you can connect with; they’re usually connected with people you’re already connected with, which is a great way to expand your circle. Of course, you shouldn’t go willy-nilly connecting with people you don’t know, but if you spot someone you may have met once before through a mutual friend or someone who is affiliated with your company or university, then go for it. According to a blog from LinkedIn, an easy way to expand your network is to sync your profile with your email address book. Ultimately, make sure to be smart with your connections because sometimes less is more. 4. Follow appropriate people and sources. In the same vein as making connections, you also want to follow the right people and sources. LinkedIn suggests a number of companies and well-known people whom you can follow. To ensure you’re getting the most relevant and appropriate information for you specifically, follow sources and people pertaining to your career field of interest. Not only will you be getting information that’s useful and interesting to you in your LinkedIn newsfeed, but also, others who view your profile will see what you’re interested in and get to know more about you that way. 5. Show it off. Sure, some of you may be a little shy or reluctant to step into the spotlight at times, but when it comes to putting yourself out there to advance career prospects, you want to make yourself as visible as possible. This Forbes article suggests making your profile public to everyone, which you can easily adjust through the settings and privacy option on LinkedIn. Doing so, especially once you feel confident about your profile, allows you to showcase everything that you’ve worked so hard on. 6. Use it often. This goes hand-in-hand with updating your information. If you use LinkedIn regularly, you will be able to frequently show what you’ve been up to and interact with your connections. As a result, other people can see how active and willing you are to continuously expand your network. Having a great LinkedIn can go a long way in helping you make connections and get yourself out there. However you choose to maximize your LinkedIn, keep in mind your goals and you will be all set.