Are you linked in?

Welcome to Career Insider. Are you on LinkedIn? If you’re career-minded, you probably are. If not, consider changing that.

This email is about how to exploit the power of the LinkedIn social media network to get the most out of it. You don’t need to be a highly-paid influencer or work in a C-Suite office to advance your career using this tool.

_{*For the record, this email is NOT sponsored by LinkedIn.}

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SOCIAL MEDIA
How to use LinkedIn to grow your career

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professionals looking to advance their careers. With over 700 million users worldwide, it’s a platform to network, showcase skills, and discover new opportunities.

If you’re already there, chances are you’re not using it to its fullest potential. Here are some best practices to effectively use LinkedIn for career growth.

1. Optimize Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume and often the first impression you make on potential employers or connections. Start by ensuring your profile is complete and up-to-date. Use a professional photo and write a compelling headline that reflects your career aspirations and expertise. Your summary should be concise yet comprehensive, highlighting your skills, experiences, and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry to increase your visibility in search results.

Here’s an example profile from one of the most well-known writers on LinkedIn:

2. Showcase Your Experience and Skills

Detail your work experience with specific achievements and contributions rather than just listing job duties. Use bullet points for clarity and include metrics to quantify your accomplishments. Additionally, list relevant skills that align with your career objectives. LinkedIn allows you to take skill assessments to validate your expertise, which can enhance your profile's credibility.

Here’s an example from Tyler Denk who used to work for Morning Brew.

3. Build and Engage Your Network

Networking is a cornerstone of career growth, and LinkedIn is an excellent platform for expanding your professional connections. Start by connecting with colleagues, classmates, and industry peers. Personalize connection requests to increase acceptance rates. Once connected, engage with your network by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content.

This not only keeps you visible but also helps build relationships.

4. Join and Participate in Groups

LinkedIn Groups are a great way to connect with professionals in your industry or areas of interest. Join groups related to your field and actively participate in discussions. Sharing insights and asking questions can position you as a thought leader and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, groups often post job openings and industry news, keeping you informed about potential career moves.

There are so many LinkedIn groups available:

5. Create and Share Content

Position yourself as an expert in your field by creating and sharing valuable content. Write articles, share industry news, or post updates about your professional achievements. Consistent content sharing can increase your visibility and attract attention from recruiters and industry leaders.

Use hashtags to reach a broader audience and engage with those who comment on your posts to foster connections.

6. Utilize LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers a vast array of courses to help you acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Whether you're looking to improve your technical skills or develop soft skills like leadership and communication, these courses can be a valuable resource. Completing courses and displaying them on your profile demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Lots of opportunities to improve your skills at LinkedIn Learning.

7. Follow Companies and Influencers

Stay informed about industry trends and potential job opportunities by following companies and influencers in your field. This not only keeps you updated on the latest news but also shows your interest in specific organizations or sectors. Engaging with their content can also increase your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers.

8. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements

Recommendations and endorsements add credibility to your profile. Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Similarly, endorse others for their skills, as this often leads to reciprocal endorsements, enhancing your profile's appeal.

9. Set Career Goals and Track Progress

LinkedIn offers tools to help you set career goals and track your progress. Use the "Career Interests" section to let recruiters know what types of opportunities you're open to. Regularly review your profile and activity to ensure alignment with your career objectives.

10. Stay Active and Consistent

Consistency is key to leveraging LinkedIn effectively. Regularly update your profile, engage with your network, and share content. Set aside time each week to review your activity and make necessary adjustments to your strategy.

EXAMPLES
Here are posting ideas for LinkedIn

Okay, so LinkedIn is a good idea. Let’s take the next step: What are some concrete posting ideas to help spur engagement on the platform?

Here are five content ideas for LinkedIn posts, along with examples to help you engage your network and showcase your expertise:

1. Industry Insights and Trends:

   • Example: "The future of remote work is evolving rapidly. According to recent studies, 70% of companies are planning to adopt a hybrid model. How is your organization adapting to this change?"
     

2. Personal Success Stories:

   • Example: "Thrilled to share that I successfully led a project that increased our team's productivity by 30%! It was a challenging journey, but the key was fostering open communication and collaboration. What strategies have you found effective in boosting team performance? #Leadership #TeamSuccess"
     

3. Professional Tips and Advice:

   • Example: "Struggling with time management? Here are three techniques that have helped me stay on track: 1) Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Box, 2) Set specific goals for each day, and 3) Take regular breaks to maintain focus. What are your go-to productivity hacks?"
     

4. Thought-Provoking Questions:

   • Example: "In today’s world that just won’t slow down, how do you ensure continuous learning and development? Do you prefer online courses, workshops, or mentorship? Let's share resources and tips! #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment"
     

5. Celebrating Milestones and Achievements:

   • Example: "Excited to announce that I've completed a certification in data analytics! This journey has equipped me with new skills to drive data-driven decisions. What recent achievements are you proud of?"

For instance, here’s a post that got over 20,000 likes on LinkedIn from Tim. It was a personal-reflection type post. These do quite well on most social platforms.

These content ideas can help you engage with your LinkedIn network, demonstrate your expertise, and foster meaningful conversations.

NEWS
How we can use the news to improve our careers

While you don’t need to be glued to the news (in fact, you probably shouldn’t be!), paying attention even a little bit can help us advance our careers.

Here are three insights from recent news that professionals can use to elevate their careers:

1. Embrace Career Transitions with Coaching:

   • The expansion of coaching services by companies like Life Starts Today highlights the growing importance of professional guidance during career transitions (we talked about hiring a career coach recently, remember?).
     
     Whether you're considering a job change, transitioning from military to civilian life, or feeling stuck in your current role, seeking a career coach can provide personalized strategies and support. This approach can help you redefine your career path, align your work with personal values, and achieve greater fulfillment.
     

2. Stay Informed About Economic Trends:

   • Understanding the current labor market dynamics, such as the recent trends in job creation and inflation, can help you make informed career decisions.
     
     For instance, while job creation has slowed, the easing of inflationary pressures suggests potential economic stability. Staying updated on these trends can guide your job search strategy, whether you're looking to switch industries or negotiate better terms in your current role.
     

3. Consider an "Adult Gap Year":

   • The concept of taking an "adult gap year" is gaining traction, allowing professionals to take a break from their careers to pursue personal interests or further education. This can be an opportunity to recharge, gain new perspectives, and develop skills that can enhance your career in the long run.
     
     If you're feeling burnt out or seeking a career change, this might be a viable option to explore.

JOBS
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