It is generally expected that most professionals have a profile on LinkedIn. No, it’s not like Facebook or other social media platforms so don’t use it that way. It should convey your personal brand and strengths.

LI is also a platform for professional networking. It is a critical tool for those conducting a job search. The real key is to not wait until you are in job search mode to use LI. Build your network now!

You can also use LI to research different job postings and an organization’s personnel if you are exploring what might be next for your career.

There’s a lot I could say about LI do’s and don’ts but the bottom line is that you need to use it to be competitive in today’s job market.

To help you get started, I’ve included links below to some very helpful (and short) videos on how to create and maximize your LI profile.

Remember to make a strong profile before reaching out to connect with others. And for the love of all that’s holy, take the time to send a short personalized note when you do start sending connection requests. Otherwise, you are being spammy and no one likes that.