Harness the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest online professional networking site.  It is designed to help you network.

But, if you are like a lot of people, you’ve entered your resume into LinkedIn, connected with a few co-workers and friends, and then…let your account sit there, unsure what else to do with it.

Want to know how to harness this huge professional network for your own career advancement?

Here are some resources to help you take advantage of LinkedIn:

• First, recognize that you are going to have to invest some time.   Like other parts of your job search – and life – what you put in is what you get out.  Kathy Carprino has an insightful article in Forbes that busts common myths about LinkedIn, including the myth that LinkedIn will “get me a job” without any effort.
• Next, learn how to use the tool.  Lindsey Pollak, a bestselling career advice author and LinkedIn spokesperson regularly hosts online webinars that teach users how to make the most of their account.  You can also get a summary of her tips in this online slide show.
• Finally, avoid common mistakes.  Run down this list, courtesy of Lavie Margolin on his Lion Cub Job Search blog, and see if you are guilty of any common pitfalls.  If you are, take some time to correct your LinkedIn presence.