Did you know that LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries and 200 countries? You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals. Did you also know that 7 million LinkedIn users are Canadians?
Do you have a profile on LinkedIn?
Having a profile on LinkedIn is one of those “non-negotiables.” Clearly, it’s a MUST, whether you’re unemployed or looking for a better job. A 2015 study on Canadian Social Media usage statistics indicates that Facebook is still the top social network in Canada, followed by LinkedIn. Here is how the two networks compare:
- 30% of respondents use LinkedIn.
- Canadians visit LinkedIn about twice per week.
- LinkedIn is most popular with middle-aged Canadians (GenX, 45-54 years of age).
- 46% of those earning $100K-$250K use LinkedIn.
- 36% of parents with children under 18 are on LinkedIn.
- 39% of British Columbians use this social media network.
- 48% of those holding a post graduate degree prefer LinkedIn.
- 59% of survey respondents use Facebook.
- Canadians visit Facebook about nine times each week.
- This network is popular with 75% of Canadian youth.
- 75% of those earning $80K-$100K use Facebook.
- 70% of Mothers of children under 18 are on Facebook.
- 65% of Quebec residents and 65% of Francophones use the social media network.
- 68% of college graduates prefer Facebook.
How Can LinkedIn Help You Find A Job?
- Write a punchy headline (just below your name).
- Write a crisp detailed summary of your career. Aim for 100-300 words and try to tell a compelling story.
- Write all the significant jobs that built your career in the experience section.
- List your skills and get endorsements. Endorse people in your network and they will reciprocate.
- Get at least four recommendations. The benefit of those is that they show up on your page as well as on the page of those who wrote them. So double exposure for you!
- Customize your URL. Your URL is the address of your LinkedIn page on the Web. Customizing it will drive it toward the top of a Google search on your name.
- Connections are the backbone of your LinkedIn profile, and what gives you the strength to network. Get as connected with as many people as you possibly can. Connecting with them will connect you with their connections. You will grow your network exponentially.
- Personalize your connection requests: instead of “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn,” write a personal message.
- Follow your target companies. Comment on their posts and/or write your own posts.
Use LinkedIn as an active participant. Be on it. Schedule a few hours a day and make sure you get noticed.
