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| Meta Title | What Is LinkedIn? |
| Meta Description | LinkedIn is a useful tool for businesses and professionals. This guide explains the many ways to use LinkedIn to grow your career and your business. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | LinkedIn is a social network for the business community. Founded in 2002, the site is a place for professionals to connect with past and current colleagues, increase business connections, network within their industry, discuss business ideas, search for jobs and look for new hires.
LinkedIn users create professional, resume-like profiles that allow other site members to learn more about their business background, areas of expertise and
professional development
organization memberships. Once users create a profile, they can add other users to their network.
The profiles also include status updates that let people in a user’s network know what they’re working on and when they might be
traveling for business
. There is also a feature that allows people who are not signed in to LinkedIn to view parts of a user’s public profile.
LinkedIn business profiles are for organizations seeking to hire, generate leads, grow and market their business, and more. LinkedIn also offers solutions and resources for businesses of all sizes.
We’ll explore LinkedIn’s various tools and resources for both individual professionals and businesses.
LinkedIn’s main features
While the LinkedIn platform incorporates numerous features and solutions for individuals and businesses, its primary and most-used features include the following.
Keeping in touch:
People often change jobs and find new opportunities. LinkedIn allows users to stay updated on where the people in their professional network are working and how to contact them.
Getting help:
When a user’s network of contacts can’t help with a business problem, LinkedIn Groups help the user connect with experts through trusted introductions.
Searching for jobs:
LinkedIn’s job search feature lets users access thousands of employment listings, with options for filling out applications directly on the site. The application and the user’s LinkedIn profile are sent directly to potential employers.
Hiring new employees:
Hiring managers
can use LinkedIn to find candidates with
in-demand career skills
and appropriate experience.
LinkedIn has over 875 million total users
, 310 million of whom are active monthly users.
What are the personal features of LinkedIn?
When you’re new to LinkedIn, it’s easy to overlook some of its valuable features for personal users. First, you’ll need to create a profile. Think of it as your professional resume.
From there, you can write blog posts, share commentary on articles, and join LinkedIn Groups. You can even search for jobs or
sign up as a freelancer
.
Using LinkedIn Pulse, you can post
thought leadership
articles or status updates to gain a stellar reputation among your industry peers. This news aggregation service gathers high-quality articles from major media outlets mixed with posts from LinkedIn users.
Also, consider asking co-workers, clients and colleagues for skill endorsements on LinkedIn. These endorsements act as recommendations for potential employers. You’re in control of what you share.
What is LinkedIn for Business?
LinkedIn for Business
lets you create a business profile for your organization. From there, you can create job postings, search through profiles to learn about potential clients and vendors, and much more.
LinkedIn is an enormous platform that lends itself to marketing, especially for
B2B businesses
. In 2016, Microsoft — which has long catered to enterprise users — acquired LinkedIn.
Because it’s built for professionals, LinkedIn is a great
lead-generation platform
. You can
target potential clients
by industry, company, job title and more to reach the people who matter most to your business.
Before you start
generating leads
, make sure you understand who your potential customers are, what they care about, and how you’ll measure success.
Is LinkedIn free?
LinkedIn is free for a basic membership, but your options are limited. You can only send messages to people in your network, and you will have access to limited data on the last five people who viewed your profile. Searches are limited to 100 results, and you can’t perform more advanced searches.
Still, a free LinkedIn membership has the benefit of including you among your professional peers. A free LinkedIn account allows you to create a portfolio, add people to your professional network, join and create groups, and
write blog posts
.
A free LinkedIn membership is an excellent way for beginners to gain exposure to a broader professional audience.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
If you want more robust features, you’ll need to upgrade to LinkedIn Premium. Premium tiers let you view more search results beyond the default 100 and save more than the three searches the free account allows.
Premium accounts are preferable for businesses that want to organize multiple profiles from one centralized dashboard.
With a Premium account, you can see everyone who’s viewed your profile over the past 90 days. A Premium LinkedIn member can also send and receive messages from any other user at no additional cost.
LinkedIn Premium paid options
LinkedIn Premium is a four-tier system that consists of Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator Professional and Recruiter Lite. Each has different costs and limits, but all have tools to help businesses with their needs.
Premium Career:
Premium Career costs $39.99 per month and allows five InMails (messages to people outside your company) per month, access to on-demand learning videos, and applicant insights.
Premium Business:
Premium Business accounts are $59.99 per month and offer additional information about businesses. You’ll also get 15 InMails per month and unlimited people searches.
Sales Navigator:
There are three Sales Navigator account levels — Professional, Team and Enterprise. The Professional level ($99.99 per user per month) features advanced lead and company search capabilities, alerts on your leads and accounts, and the ability to create custom lists. Team ($149.99 per user, per month) adds the ability to share content and track engagement, and offers “warm” introductions from teammates. Contact LinkedIn for Enterprise pricing, which includes customization and advanced integrations.
Recruiter:
Recruiter, the highest tier, costs $8,999 annually and grants access to numerous search and recruiting tools and projects. You also get 30 InMails per month.
You can access LinkedIn Learning career development modules as an add-on for an additional $29.99 per month.
What are LinkedIn Groups?
LinkedIn Groups help users make connections with others in the same industry, as well as their overall network. Groups provide opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and engage in conversations about each user’s
brand
or professional standing.
LinkedIn Groups are designated private spaces to view, post and comment on conversations with other group members. Only those invited to the Group can see and interact with posts, though each Group can set specific parameters for admission. Additionally, users within the same Group can send message requests to start chatting.
Here’s how to get the most out of LinkedIn groups:
Be patient.
Like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups are communities, some of which are tightly knit and lead to real-life relationships. Becoming a part of them may take time. If you jump in too quickly, your connection could feel artificial, discouraging others from working with or referring you in the future.
Introduce yourself.
Your initial introduction doesn’t have to be long, since your profile should speak for itself. Still, ideally, you should include a welcome greeting (“Hello, I’m happy to be here”), an explanation of your trade (“freelance graphic design in the fashion industry”), and a
call to action
(“feel free to connect if you work in the fashion industry”).
Browse previous posts.
Get a grasp of the group climate before making a post, and especially before asking for help. Otherwise, you might burn some bridges before you even get to cross them. Plus, getting a feel for the group climate can determine how much time you’re dedicating to churning connections. For instance, it’s easy to see if a group is inactive or full of spammers from clicking through different posts, which only takes a few minutes.
Some
LinkedIn marketing tips
include staying on your customers’ radar,
growing your email marketing list
, and consistently posting high-quality content.
How to use LinkedIn for hiring
LinkedIn is one of the top destinations for job seekers. Recognizing the central role it plays in connecting aspiring employers and employees, LinkedIn has revamped its hiring tools to build a streamlined pipeline for applicants and leads. It has combined a large batch of existing tools into a comprehensive set so hiring managers can
recruit the best talent
.
Using LinkedIn Skill Assessments to find the right fit
One of the most valuable features is LinkedIn Skill Assessments, which help job seekers and recruiters. These are some of the program’s most valuable features:
It helps job seekers stand out from the pack.
Participating in Skill Assessments can help users become more popular among recruiters and hiring managers. Company reps say the feature allows members to “build a stronger profile” that helps them stand out from the pack.
Job seekers will show up in more searches.
LinkedIn claims it will make candidates who have completed a Skill Assessment more likely to appear in searches.
Job seekers will receive job recommendations.
Anyone who passes an assessment for an in-demand skill will receive relevant job recommendations as soon as they’re available.
It streamlines the candidate search for recruiters.
Through Skill Assessments, recruiters and hiring managers can streamline the candidate search. Employers won’t have to set up custom assessments to prove a candidate’s abilities. Instead, they’ll be able to find out at a glance who passed a LinkedIn Skill Assessment and go from there.
Recruiters can send assessments to applicants.
Recruiters will also be able to send applicants assessments to complete. It won’t be mandatory, but it will help candidates stand out. If an applicant takes an assessment but does not pass, that won’t be visible to the recruiter.
Attracting and retaining high-quality candidates
Since the current market is driven by candidates rather than employers, hiring managers must understand how to
attract and retain high-quality candidates
. Here are some useful LinkedIn tips and tools:
Be transparent about your workplace.
According to
2021 data from Glint and LinkedIn
, about 87 percent of workers prefer a
remote workforce
or hybrid work setting. Be upfront with candidates about the type of workplace you’re offering so they can find the role that suits their needs or priorities.
Search candidates based on preferences.
You can also search directly for candidates based on their workplace preferences and reach out to co-workers to help you narrow down your search.
Use the Recruiter mobile app.
Another strategy to use during the
hiring process
is the
Recruiter mobile app
. This app notifies you anytime a candidate responds to a message. You can also review applicants’ profiles and search for candidates using the Recommended Matches feature.
Another
recruitment strategy
on LinkedIn is sponsored job postings. If you select this option, LinkedIn will feature your job ad to targeted audiences on sidebars and via email. This is a fantastic way to get the attention of qualified candidates who might not be actively looking.
How to post a job opening on LinkedIn
Once you know how to use LinkedIn’s hiring and recruiting tools, here’s how to post a job opening on LinkedIn:
Go to your LinkedIn homepage and select
Jobs
from the top menu.
Click
Post a Job
.
On the
Job Details
page, enter your company and job opening information in the
Description
text box.
Click the
Add Skill
icon to include desired skills and expertise.
Click
Continue
.
On the
Applicant Options
page, choose how you want to be notified about applicants and add screening questions to help identify your top recruits.
Review the posting and click
Post Job
when you’re satisfied.
When
writing a job description
on LinkedIn, convey what your company is about, including its products and services. Candidates want to work with companies they connect with and respect.
How to display your work with LinkedIn portfolio
A LinkedIn portfolio is a featured section in your LinkedIn profile. Your portfolio contains samples of your work. People who view your profile can look through your samples to get a sense of how you perform your work.
Think about it like this: If your resume tells people what you can do, your portfolio shows it.
Here’s how to showcase your work as a portfolio on LinkedIn:
Sign in to LinkedIn and go to your profile. To do so, click
Me
>
View Profile
.
In the first box, under your name, click
Add profile section
.
Click
Recommended
>
Add featured
.
Click the
plus sign
and select
Add a Post
,
Add an Article
,
Add a Link
, or
Add Media
.
Selecting
Add a Post
or
Add an Article
allows you to add any posts or articles you’d like to feature here.
To add a link to your work, select
Add a Link
and then paste the URL of the content you want to import. Add a title and description to your link and click
Save
.
To add media, select
Add Media
and choose the file from your computer. Add a title and description to your media and click
Save
.
Common LinkedIn mistakes
The following mistakes could hurt your chances of making meaningful connections or finding new opportunities on LinkedIn. Avoid these sometimes costly errors.
Not writing your own summary
Rather than having a publicist write a third-person summary of who you are and what you do, write the summary as your genuine, authentic self. Writing in the third person creates distance between you and those reading your summary. They want to know who you are, so show them. When someone else writes your summary for you, it takes away the personal aspect many people hope to encounter.
Having a bad photo (or none at all)
A profile picture allows viewers to connect with you immediately, showing them who you are as a professional. Having a picture can also help them identify you in person at an event or networking opportunity.
If you have no picture, it can be difficult for people to recognize you and make a connection. On the flip side, having an unprofessional picture can be almost as bad as having no picture at all. Unprofessional photos may have bad lighting, other people halfway in the photo, or feature you in an unprofessional setting, such as a party or a bar.
Invest in a professional headshot to put on your profile so other users get a great first impression of you.
Sending generic invitations
It’s easy for other users to ignore your messages if you use generic language and don’t provide a reason for them to engage. The purpose of using LinkedIn is to connect with others and build your network. You won’t be able to do this if other people’s first impression of you is a half-hearted invitation. Make sure you share why you want to connect, such as having similar groups, shared connections, or an interest in their profile.
Not updating your profile
Users who aren’t active regularly but who suddenly start posting and updating their profile when
looking for a new job
are making a big mistake. Their boss and colleagues will be able to see the person posting after inactivity and may become suspicious that they’re looking elsewhere for a job.
Consistent activity on LinkedIn will most likely prevent this from happening due to the blend of posts and updates over time.
Misusing LinkedIn’s blogging platform
Anyone can create blog posts on LinkedIn, though a lot of users make the mistake of using this capability to advertise their brand or post a link to something they wrote or created. Instead, the best use of the platform is for users to establish themselves as influential leaders with thoughts that are worth engaging with or exploring.
To create a blog post, go to your LinkedIn homepage. Underneath
Start a Post
, select
Write Article
. Select
Save
after you’re finished.
If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn isn’t the only game around. Some
LinkedIn alternatives
are Aleto, Nexxt, Indeed and Mediabistro.
Join LinkedIn to take advantage for your business
Getting started on LinkedIn is easy. Head to LinkedIn.com and click
Join Now
on the top right of your screen. The site will walk you through the process of setting up your profile, filling out your portfolio and experience, adding people you know professionally, and joining groups or following interests. From there, you can explore the entire site and start using it to grow your business.
Tejas Vemparala and Max Freedman contributed to this article. |
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# What Is LinkedIn? How to Use It Personally and Professionally
LinkedIn and make the most of its features, both as a professional and as a small business.
Written by:
[Sean Peek,](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/author/sean-peek) Senior Analyst
Editor verified:
Monica Dyer,Senior Editor
Last Updated Oct 26, 2023
Business News Daily earns commissions from some listed providers. [Editorial Guidelines](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/about-us/editorial-guidelines).
### What are the personal features of LinkedIn?
## What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a social network for the business community. Founded in 2002, the site is a place for professionals to connect with past and current colleagues, increase business connections, network within their industry, discuss business ideas, search for jobs and look for new hires.
LinkedIn users create professional, resume-like profiles that allow other site members to learn more about their business background, areas of expertise and [professional development](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10092-encourage-professional-development.html) organization memberships. Once users create a profile, they can add other users to their network.
The profiles also include status updates that let people in a user’s network know what they’re working on and when they might be [traveling for business](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7072-business-travel-tips.html). There is also a feature that allows people who are not signed in to LinkedIn to view parts of a user’s public profile.
LinkedIn business profiles are for organizations seeking to hire, generate leads, grow and market their business, and more. LinkedIn also offers solutions and resources for businesses of all sizes.
We’ll explore LinkedIn’s various tools and resources for both individual professionals and businesses.
## LinkedIn’s main features
While the LinkedIn platform incorporates numerous features and solutions for individuals and businesses, its primary and most-used features include the following.
- **Keeping in touch:** People often change jobs and find new opportunities. LinkedIn allows users to stay updated on where the people in their professional network are working and how to contact them.
- **Getting help:** When a user’s network of contacts can’t help with a business problem, LinkedIn Groups help the user connect with experts through trusted introductions.
- **Searching for jobs:** LinkedIn’s job search feature lets users access thousands of employment listings, with options for filling out applications directly on the site. The application and the user’s LinkedIn profile are sent directly to potential employers.
- **Hiring new employees:** [Hiring managers](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15752-employee-hiring-guide.html) can use LinkedIn to find candidates with [in-demand career skills](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5686-the-most-in-demand-career-skills.html) and appropriate experience.
Did You Know?
[LinkedIn has over 875 million total users](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-stats-looking-2023-robert-c-stern#:~:text=LinkedIn%20Usage%20Stats,the%20biggest%20networking%20sites%20worldwide.), 310 million of whom are active monthly users.
## What are the personal features of LinkedIn?
When you’re new to LinkedIn, it’s easy to overlook some of its valuable features for personal users. First, you’ll need to create a profile. Think of it as your professional resume.
From there, you can write blog posts, share commentary on articles, and join LinkedIn Groups. You can even search for jobs or [sign up as a freelancer](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5242-freelancer-tips.html).
Using LinkedIn Pulse, you can post [thought leadership](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9253-thought-leadership.html) articles or status updates to gain a stellar reputation among your industry peers. This news aggregation service gathers high-quality articles from major media outlets mixed with posts from LinkedIn users.
Also, consider asking co-workers, clients and colleagues for skill endorsements on LinkedIn. These endorsements act as recommendations for potential employers. You’re in control of what you share.
## What is LinkedIn for Business?
[LinkedIn for Business](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10376-linkedin-for-business.html) lets you create a business profile for your organization. From there, you can create job postings, search through profiles to learn about potential clients and vendors, and much more.
LinkedIn is an enormous platform that lends itself to marketing, especially for [B2B businesses](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5000-what-is-b2b.html). In 2016, Microsoft — which has long catered to enterprise users — acquired LinkedIn.
Because it’s built for professionals, LinkedIn is a great [lead-generation platform](https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/how-to-market-on-linkedin). You can [target potential clients](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8714-know-target-customer.html) by industry, company, job title and more to reach the people who matter most to your business.
Tip
Before you start [generating leads](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10648-lead-generation-small-business.html), make sure you understand who your potential customers are, what they care about, and how you’ll measure success.
## Is LinkedIn free?
LinkedIn is free for a basic membership, but your options are limited. You can only send messages to people in your network, and you will have access to limited data on the last five people who viewed your profile. Searches are limited to 100 results, and you can’t perform more advanced searches.
Still, a free LinkedIn membership has the benefit of including you among your professional peers. A free LinkedIn account allows you to create a portfolio, add people to your professional network, join and create groups, and [write blog posts](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8630-company-blog-tips.html).
A free LinkedIn membership is an excellent way for beginners to gain exposure to a broader professional audience.
## What is LinkedIn Premium?
If you want more robust features, you’ll need to upgrade to LinkedIn Premium. Premium tiers let you view more search results beyond the default 100 and save more than the three searches the free account allows.
Premium accounts are preferable for businesses that want to organize multiple profiles from one centralized dashboard.
With a Premium account, you can see everyone who’s viewed your profile over the past 90 days. A Premium LinkedIn member can also send and receive messages from any other user at no additional cost.
### LinkedIn Premium paid options
LinkedIn Premium is a four-tier system that consists of Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator Professional and Recruiter Lite. Each has different costs and limits, but all have tools to help businesses with their needs.
- **Premium Career:** Premium Career costs \$39.99 per month and allows five InMails (messages to people outside your company) per month, access to on-demand learning videos, and applicant insights.
- **Premium Business:** Premium Business accounts are \$59.99 per month and offer additional information about businesses. You’ll also get 15 InMails per month and unlimited people searches.
- **Sales Navigator:** There are three Sales Navigator account levels — Professional, Team and Enterprise. The Professional level (\$99.99 per user per month) features advanced lead and company search capabilities, alerts on your leads and accounts, and the ability to create custom lists. Team (\$149.99 per user, per month) adds the ability to share content and track engagement, and offers “warm” introductions from teammates. Contact LinkedIn for Enterprise pricing, which includes customization and advanced integrations.
- **Recruiter:** Recruiter, the highest tier, costs \$8,999 annually and grants access to numerous search and recruiting tools and projects. You also get 30 InMails per month.
Did You Know?
You can access LinkedIn Learning career development modules as an add-on for an additional \$29.99 per month.
## What are LinkedIn Groups?
LinkedIn Groups help users make connections with others in the same industry, as well as their overall network. Groups provide opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and engage in conversations about each user’s [brand](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10549-brand-building-guide.html) or professional standing.
LinkedIn Groups are designated private spaces to view, post and comment on conversations with other group members. Only those invited to the Group can see and interact with posts, though each Group can set specific parameters for admission. Additionally, users within the same Group can send message requests to start chatting.
Here’s how to get the most out of LinkedIn groups:
1. **Be patient.** Like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups are communities, some of which are tightly knit and lead to real-life relationships. Becoming a part of them may take time. If you jump in too quickly, your connection could feel artificial, discouraging others from working with or referring you in the future.
2. **Introduce yourself.** Your initial introduction doesn’t have to be long, since your profile should speak for itself. Still, ideally, you should include a welcome greeting (“Hello, I’m happy to be here”), an explanation of your trade (“freelance graphic design in the fashion industry”), and a [call to action](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15935-how-to-develop-a-cta.html) (“feel free to connect if you work in the fashion industry”).
3. **Browse previous posts.** Get a grasp of the group climate before making a post, and especially before asking for help. Otherwise, you might burn some bridges before you even get to cross them. Plus, getting a feel for the group climate can determine how much time you’re dedicating to churning connections. For instance, it’s easy to see if a group is inactive or full of spammers from clicking through different posts, which only takes a few minutes.
Tip
Some [LinkedIn marketing tips](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7206-linkedin-marketing-business.html) include staying on your customers’ radar, [growing your email marketing list](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9072-email-marketing-contact-list.html), and consistently posting high-quality content.
## How to use LinkedIn for hiring
LinkedIn is one of the top destinations for job seekers. Recognizing the central role it plays in connecting aspiring employers and employees, LinkedIn has revamped its hiring tools to build a streamlined pipeline for applicants and leads. It has combined a large batch of existing tools into a comprehensive set so hiring managers can [recruit the best talent](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7155-startup-hiring-tips.html).
### Using LinkedIn Skill Assessments to find the right fit
One of the most valuable features is LinkedIn Skill Assessments, which help job seekers and recruiters. These are some of the program’s most valuable features:
- **It helps job seekers stand out from the pack.** Participating in Skill Assessments can help users become more popular among recruiters and hiring managers. Company reps say the feature allows members to “build a stronger profile” that helps them stand out from the pack.
- **Job seekers will show up in more searches.** LinkedIn claims it will make candidates who have completed a Skill Assessment more likely to appear in searches.
- **Job seekers will receive job recommendations.** Anyone who passes an assessment for an in-demand skill will receive relevant job recommendations as soon as they’re available.
- **It streamlines the candidate search for recruiters.** Through Skill Assessments, recruiters and hiring managers can streamline the candidate search. Employers won’t have to set up custom assessments to prove a candidate’s abilities. Instead, they’ll be able to find out at a glance who passed a LinkedIn Skill Assessment and go from there.
- **Recruiters can send assessments to applicants.** Recruiters will also be able to send applicants assessments to complete. It won’t be mandatory, but it will help candidates stand out. If an applicant takes an assessment but does not pass, that won’t be visible to the recruiter.
### Attracting and retaining high-quality candidates
Since the current market is driven by candidates rather than employers, hiring managers must understand how to [attract and retain high-quality candidates](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5189-attract-skilled-workers.html). Here are some useful LinkedIn tips and tools:
- **Be transparent about your workplace.** According to [2021 data from Glint and LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/hybrid-work-here-to-stay), about 87 percent of workers prefer a [remote workforce](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15846-manage-remote-workers.html) or hybrid work setting. Be upfront with candidates about the type of workplace you’re offering so they can find the role that suits their needs or priorities.
- **Search candidates based on preferences.** You can also search directly for candidates based on their workplace preferences and reach out to co-workers to help you narrow down your search.
- **Use the Recruiter mobile app.** Another strategy to use during the [hiring process](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9121-understand-the-hiring-process.html) is the [Recruiter mobile app](https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/product-update/recruiter-mobile-app). This app notifies you anytime a candidate responds to a message. You can also review applicants’ profiles and search for candidates using the Recommended Matches feature.
Tip
Another [recruitment strategy](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15821-small-business-recruitment-strategies.html) on LinkedIn is sponsored job postings. If you select this option, LinkedIn will feature your job ad to targeted audiences on sidebars and via email. This is a fantastic way to get the attention of qualified candidates who might not be actively looking.
## How to post a job opening on LinkedIn
Once you know how to use LinkedIn’s hiring and recruiting tools, here’s how to post a job opening on LinkedIn:
1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage and select **Jobs** from the top menu.
2. Click **Post a Job**.
3. On the **Job Details** page, enter your company and job opening information in the **Description** text box.
4. Click the **Add Skill** icon to include desired skills and expertise.
5. Click **Continue**.
6. On the **Applicant Options** page, choose how you want to be notified about applicants and add screening questions to help identify your top recruits.
7. Review the posting and click **Post Job** when you’re satisfied.
Did You Know?
When [writing a job description](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7899-better-job-description.html) on LinkedIn, convey what your company is about, including its products and services. Candidates want to work with companies they connect with and respect.
## How to display your work with LinkedIn portfolio
A LinkedIn portfolio is a featured section in your LinkedIn profile. Your portfolio contains samples of your work. People who view your profile can look through your samples to get a sense of how you perform your work.
Think about it like this: If your resume tells people what you can do, your portfolio shows it.
Here’s how to showcase your work as a portfolio on LinkedIn:
1. Sign in to LinkedIn and go to your profile. To do so, click **Me** \> **View Profile**.
2. In the first box, under your name, click **Add profile section**.
3. Click **Recommended** \> **Add featured**.
4. Click the **plus sign** and select **Add a Post**, **Add an Article**, **Add a Link**, or **Add Media**.
5. Selecting **Add a Post** or **Add an Article** allows you to add any posts or articles you’d like to feature here.
6. To add a link to your work, select **Add a Link** and then paste the URL of the content you want to import. Add a title and description to your link and click **Save**.
7. To add media, select **Add Media** and choose the file from your computer. Add a title and description to your media and click **Save**.
## Common LinkedIn mistakes
The following mistakes could hurt your chances of making meaningful connections or finding new opportunities on LinkedIn. Avoid these sometimes costly errors.
### Not writing your own summary
Rather than having a publicist write a third-person summary of who you are and what you do, write the summary as your genuine, authentic self. Writing in the third person creates distance between you and those reading your summary. They want to know who you are, so show them. When someone else writes your summary for you, it takes away the personal aspect many people hope to encounter.
### Having a bad photo (or none at all)
A profile picture allows viewers to connect with you immediately, showing them who you are as a professional. Having a picture can also help them identify you in person at an event or networking opportunity.
If you have no picture, it can be difficult for people to recognize you and make a connection. On the flip side, having an unprofessional picture can be almost as bad as having no picture at all. Unprofessional photos may have bad lighting, other people halfway in the photo, or feature you in an unprofessional setting, such as a party or a bar.
Tip
Invest in a professional headshot to put on your profile so other users get a great first impression of you.
### Sending generic invitations
It’s easy for other users to ignore your messages if you use generic language and don’t provide a reason for them to engage. The purpose of using LinkedIn is to connect with others and build your network. You won’t be able to do this if other people’s first impression of you is a half-hearted invitation. Make sure you share why you want to connect, such as having similar groups, shared connections, or an interest in their profile.
### Not updating your profile
Users who aren’t active regularly but who suddenly start posting and updating their profile when [looking for a new job](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9358-digital-job-search-guide.html) are making a big mistake. Their boss and colleagues will be able to see the person posting after inactivity and may become suspicious that they’re looking elsewhere for a job.
Consistent activity on LinkedIn will most likely prevent this from happening due to the blend of posts and updates over time.
### Misusing LinkedIn’s blogging platform
Anyone can create blog posts on LinkedIn, though a lot of users make the mistake of using this capability to advertise their brand or post a link to something they wrote or created. Instead, the best use of the platform is for users to establish themselves as influential leaders with thoughts that are worth engaging with or exploring.
To create a blog post, go to your LinkedIn homepage. Underneath **Start a Post**, select **Write Article**. Select **Save** after you’re finished.
Did You Know?
If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn isn’t the only game around. Some [LinkedIn alternatives](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8218-networking-sites-job-seekers.html) are Aleto, Nexxt, Indeed and Mediabistro.
## Join LinkedIn to take advantage for your business
Getting started on LinkedIn is easy. Head to LinkedIn.com and click **Join Now** on the top right of your screen. The site will walk you through the process of setting up your profile, filling out your portfolio and experience, adding people you know professionally, and joining groups or following interests. From there, you can explore the entire site and start using it to grow your business.
*Tejas Vemparala and Max Freedman contributed to this article.*
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Written by: [Sean Peek,](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/author/sean-peek) Senior Analyst
Sean Peek is the co-founder of a self-funded small business that employs more than a dozen team members. His years of hands-on entrepreneurial experience in bootstrapping, operations management, process automation and leadership have strengthened his knowledge of the B2B world and the most pressing issues facing business owners today. Peek uses his expertise to guide fellow small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the areas of marketing, finance and software technology. At Business News Daily, Peek primarily covers a range of business tech, such as email marketing platforms, document management programs, payroll services and project management software. Peek also excels at developing customer bases and fostering long-term client relationships, using lean principles to drive efficiency and cost-saving, and identifying growth areas. He has demonstrated his business savvy through collaborations with Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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| Readable Markdown | LinkedIn is a social network for the business community. Founded in 2002, the site is a place for professionals to connect with past and current colleagues, increase business connections, network within their industry, discuss business ideas, search for jobs and look for new hires.
LinkedIn users create professional, resume-like profiles that allow other site members to learn more about their business background, areas of expertise and [professional development](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10092-encourage-professional-development.html) organization memberships. Once users create a profile, they can add other users to their network.
The profiles also include status updates that let people in a user’s network know what they’re working on and when they might be [traveling for business](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7072-business-travel-tips.html). There is also a feature that allows people who are not signed in to LinkedIn to view parts of a user’s public profile.
LinkedIn business profiles are for organizations seeking to hire, generate leads, grow and market their business, and more. LinkedIn also offers solutions and resources for businesses of all sizes.
We’ll explore LinkedIn’s various tools and resources for both individual professionals and businesses.
## LinkedIn’s main features
While the LinkedIn platform incorporates numerous features and solutions for individuals and businesses, its primary and most-used features include the following.
- **Keeping in touch:** People often change jobs and find new opportunities. LinkedIn allows users to stay updated on where the people in their professional network are working and how to contact them.
- **Getting help:** When a user’s network of contacts can’t help with a business problem, LinkedIn Groups help the user connect with experts through trusted introductions.
- **Searching for jobs:** LinkedIn’s job search feature lets users access thousands of employment listings, with options for filling out applications directly on the site. The application and the user’s LinkedIn profile are sent directly to potential employers.
- **Hiring new employees:** [Hiring managers](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15752-employee-hiring-guide.html) can use LinkedIn to find candidates with [in-demand career skills](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5686-the-most-in-demand-career-skills.html) and appropriate experience.
[LinkedIn has over 875 million total users](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-stats-looking-2023-robert-c-stern#:~:text=LinkedIn%20Usage%20Stats,the%20biggest%20networking%20sites%20worldwide.), 310 million of whom are active monthly users.
## What are the personal features of LinkedIn?
When you’re new to LinkedIn, it’s easy to overlook some of its valuable features for personal users. First, you’ll need to create a profile. Think of it as your professional resume.
From there, you can write blog posts, share commentary on articles, and join LinkedIn Groups. You can even search for jobs or [sign up as a freelancer](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5242-freelancer-tips.html).
Using LinkedIn Pulse, you can post [thought leadership](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9253-thought-leadership.html) articles or status updates to gain a stellar reputation among your industry peers. This news aggregation service gathers high-quality articles from major media outlets mixed with posts from LinkedIn users.
Also, consider asking co-workers, clients and colleagues for skill endorsements on LinkedIn. These endorsements act as recommendations for potential employers. You’re in control of what you share.
## What is LinkedIn for Business?
[LinkedIn for Business](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10376-linkedin-for-business.html) lets you create a business profile for your organization. From there, you can create job postings, search through profiles to learn about potential clients and vendors, and much more.
LinkedIn is an enormous platform that lends itself to marketing, especially for [B2B businesses](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5000-what-is-b2b.html). In 2016, Microsoft — which has long catered to enterprise users — acquired LinkedIn.
Because it’s built for professionals, LinkedIn is a great [lead-generation platform](https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/how-to-market-on-linkedin). You can [target potential clients](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8714-know-target-customer.html) by industry, company, job title and more to reach the people who matter most to your business.
Before you start [generating leads](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10648-lead-generation-small-business.html), make sure you understand who your potential customers are, what they care about, and how you’ll measure success.
## Is LinkedIn free?
LinkedIn is free for a basic membership, but your options are limited. You can only send messages to people in your network, and you will have access to limited data on the last five people who viewed your profile. Searches are limited to 100 results, and you can’t perform more advanced searches.
Still, a free LinkedIn membership has the benefit of including you among your professional peers. A free LinkedIn account allows you to create a portfolio, add people to your professional network, join and create groups, and [write blog posts](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8630-company-blog-tips.html).
A free LinkedIn membership is an excellent way for beginners to gain exposure to a broader professional audience.
## What is LinkedIn Premium?
If you want more robust features, you’ll need to upgrade to LinkedIn Premium. Premium tiers let you view more search results beyond the default 100 and save more than the three searches the free account allows.
Premium accounts are preferable for businesses that want to organize multiple profiles from one centralized dashboard.
With a Premium account, you can see everyone who’s viewed your profile over the past 90 days. A Premium LinkedIn member can also send and receive messages from any other user at no additional cost.
### LinkedIn Premium paid options
LinkedIn Premium is a four-tier system that consists of Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator Professional and Recruiter Lite. Each has different costs and limits, but all have tools to help businesses with their needs.
- **Premium Career:** Premium Career costs \$39.99 per month and allows five InMails (messages to people outside your company) per month, access to on-demand learning videos, and applicant insights.
- **Premium Business:** Premium Business accounts are \$59.99 per month and offer additional information about businesses. You’ll also get 15 InMails per month and unlimited people searches.
- **Sales Navigator:** There are three Sales Navigator account levels — Professional, Team and Enterprise. The Professional level (\$99.99 per user per month) features advanced lead and company search capabilities, alerts on your leads and accounts, and the ability to create custom lists. Team (\$149.99 per user, per month) adds the ability to share content and track engagement, and offers “warm” introductions from teammates. Contact LinkedIn for Enterprise pricing, which includes customization and advanced integrations.
- **Recruiter:** Recruiter, the highest tier, costs \$8,999 annually and grants access to numerous search and recruiting tools and projects. You also get 30 InMails per month.
You can access LinkedIn Learning career development modules as an add-on for an additional \$29.99 per month.
## What are LinkedIn Groups?
LinkedIn Groups help users make connections with others in the same industry, as well as their overall network. Groups provide opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and engage in conversations about each user’s [brand](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10549-brand-building-guide.html) or professional standing.
LinkedIn Groups are designated private spaces to view, post and comment on conversations with other group members. Only those invited to the Group can see and interact with posts, though each Group can set specific parameters for admission. Additionally, users within the same Group can send message requests to start chatting.
Here’s how to get the most out of LinkedIn groups:
1. **Be patient.** Like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups are communities, some of which are tightly knit and lead to real-life relationships. Becoming a part of them may take time. If you jump in too quickly, your connection could feel artificial, discouraging others from working with or referring you in the future.
2. **Introduce yourself.** Your initial introduction doesn’t have to be long, since your profile should speak for itself. Still, ideally, you should include a welcome greeting (“Hello, I’m happy to be here”), an explanation of your trade (“freelance graphic design in the fashion industry”), and a [call to action](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15935-how-to-develop-a-cta.html) (“feel free to connect if you work in the fashion industry”).
3. **Browse previous posts.** Get a grasp of the group climate before making a post, and especially before asking for help. Otherwise, you might burn some bridges before you even get to cross them. Plus, getting a feel for the group climate can determine how much time you’re dedicating to churning connections. For instance, it’s easy to see if a group is inactive or full of spammers from clicking through different posts, which only takes a few minutes.
Some [LinkedIn marketing tips](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7206-linkedin-marketing-business.html) include staying on your customers’ radar, [growing your email marketing list](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9072-email-marketing-contact-list.html), and consistently posting high-quality content.
## How to use LinkedIn for hiring
LinkedIn is one of the top destinations for job seekers. Recognizing the central role it plays in connecting aspiring employers and employees, LinkedIn has revamped its hiring tools to build a streamlined pipeline for applicants and leads. It has combined a large batch of existing tools into a comprehensive set so hiring managers can [recruit the best talent](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7155-startup-hiring-tips.html).
### Using LinkedIn Skill Assessments to find the right fit
One of the most valuable features is LinkedIn Skill Assessments, which help job seekers and recruiters. These are some of the program’s most valuable features:
- **It helps job seekers stand out from the pack.** Participating in Skill Assessments can help users become more popular among recruiters and hiring managers. Company reps say the feature allows members to “build a stronger profile” that helps them stand out from the pack.
- **Job seekers will show up in more searches.** LinkedIn claims it will make candidates who have completed a Skill Assessment more likely to appear in searches.
- **Job seekers will receive job recommendations.** Anyone who passes an assessment for an in-demand skill will receive relevant job recommendations as soon as they’re available.
- **It streamlines the candidate search for recruiters.** Through Skill Assessments, recruiters and hiring managers can streamline the candidate search. Employers won’t have to set up custom assessments to prove a candidate’s abilities. Instead, they’ll be able to find out at a glance who passed a LinkedIn Skill Assessment and go from there.
- **Recruiters can send assessments to applicants.** Recruiters will also be able to send applicants assessments to complete. It won’t be mandatory, but it will help candidates stand out. If an applicant takes an assessment but does not pass, that won’t be visible to the recruiter.
### Attracting and retaining high-quality candidates
Since the current market is driven by candidates rather than employers, hiring managers must understand how to [attract and retain high-quality candidates](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5189-attract-skilled-workers.html). Here are some useful LinkedIn tips and tools:
- **Be transparent about your workplace.** According to [2021 data from Glint and LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/hybrid-work-here-to-stay), about 87 percent of workers prefer a [remote workforce](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15846-manage-remote-workers.html) or hybrid work setting. Be upfront with candidates about the type of workplace you’re offering so they can find the role that suits their needs or priorities.
- **Search candidates based on preferences.** You can also search directly for candidates based on their workplace preferences and reach out to co-workers to help you narrow down your search.
- **Use the Recruiter mobile app.** Another strategy to use during the [hiring process](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9121-understand-the-hiring-process.html) is the [Recruiter mobile app](https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/product-update/recruiter-mobile-app). This app notifies you anytime a candidate responds to a message. You can also review applicants’ profiles and search for candidates using the Recommended Matches feature.
Another [recruitment strategy](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15821-small-business-recruitment-strategies.html) on LinkedIn is sponsored job postings. If you select this option, LinkedIn will feature your job ad to targeted audiences on sidebars and via email. This is a fantastic way to get the attention of qualified candidates who might not be actively looking.
## How to post a job opening on LinkedIn
Once you know how to use LinkedIn’s hiring and recruiting tools, here’s how to post a job opening on LinkedIn:
1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage and select **Jobs** from the top menu.
2. Click **Post a Job**.
3. On the **Job Details** page, enter your company and job opening information in the **Description** text box.
4. Click the **Add Skill** icon to include desired skills and expertise.
5. Click **Continue**.
6. On the **Applicant Options** page, choose how you want to be notified about applicants and add screening questions to help identify your top recruits.
7. Review the posting and click **Post Job** when you’re satisfied.
When [writing a job description](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7899-better-job-description.html) on LinkedIn, convey what your company is about, including its products and services. Candidates want to work with companies they connect with and respect.
## How to display your work with LinkedIn portfolio
A LinkedIn portfolio is a featured section in your LinkedIn profile. Your portfolio contains samples of your work. People who view your profile can look through your samples to get a sense of how you perform your work.
Think about it like this: If your resume tells people what you can do, your portfolio shows it.
Here’s how to showcase your work as a portfolio on LinkedIn:
1. Sign in to LinkedIn and go to your profile. To do so, click **Me** \> **View Profile**.
2. In the first box, under your name, click **Add profile section**.
3. Click **Recommended** \> **Add featured**.
4. Click the **plus sign** and select **Add a Post**, **Add an Article**, **Add a Link**, or **Add Media**.
5. Selecting **Add a Post** or **Add an Article** allows you to add any posts or articles you’d like to feature here.
6. To add a link to your work, select **Add a Link** and then paste the URL of the content you want to import. Add a title and description to your link and click **Save**.
7. To add media, select **Add Media** and choose the file from your computer. Add a title and description to your media and click **Save**.
## Common LinkedIn mistakes
The following mistakes could hurt your chances of making meaningful connections or finding new opportunities on LinkedIn. Avoid these sometimes costly errors.
### Not writing your own summary
Rather than having a publicist write a third-person summary of who you are and what you do, write the summary as your genuine, authentic self. Writing in the third person creates distance between you and those reading your summary. They want to know who you are, so show them. When someone else writes your summary for you, it takes away the personal aspect many people hope to encounter.
### Having a bad photo (or none at all)
A profile picture allows viewers to connect with you immediately, showing them who you are as a professional. Having a picture can also help them identify you in person at an event or networking opportunity.
If you have no picture, it can be difficult for people to recognize you and make a connection. On the flip side, having an unprofessional picture can be almost as bad as having no picture at all. Unprofessional photos may have bad lighting, other people halfway in the photo, or feature you in an unprofessional setting, such as a party or a bar.
Invest in a professional headshot to put on your profile so other users get a great first impression of you.
### Sending generic invitations
It’s easy for other users to ignore your messages if you use generic language and don’t provide a reason for them to engage. The purpose of using LinkedIn is to connect with others and build your network. You won’t be able to do this if other people’s first impression of you is a half-hearted invitation. Make sure you share why you want to connect, such as having similar groups, shared connections, or an interest in their profile.
### Not updating your profile
Users who aren’t active regularly but who suddenly start posting and updating their profile when [looking for a new job](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9358-digital-job-search-guide.html) are making a big mistake. Their boss and colleagues will be able to see the person posting after inactivity and may become suspicious that they’re looking elsewhere for a job.
Consistent activity on LinkedIn will most likely prevent this from happening due to the blend of posts and updates over time.
### Misusing LinkedIn’s blogging platform
Anyone can create blog posts on LinkedIn, though a lot of users make the mistake of using this capability to advertise their brand or post a link to something they wrote or created. Instead, the best use of the platform is for users to establish themselves as influential leaders with thoughts that are worth engaging with or exploring.
To create a blog post, go to your LinkedIn homepage. Underneath **Start a Post**, select **Write Article**. Select **Save** after you’re finished.
If you’re looking for a job, LinkedIn isn’t the only game around. Some [LinkedIn alternatives](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8218-networking-sites-job-seekers.html) are Aleto, Nexxt, Indeed and Mediabistro.
## Join LinkedIn to take advantage for your business
Getting started on LinkedIn is easy. Head to LinkedIn.com and click **Join Now** on the top right of your screen. The site will walk you through the process of setting up your profile, filling out your portfolio and experience, adding people you know professionally, and joining groups or following interests. From there, you can explore the entire site and start using it to grow your business.
*Tejas Vemparala and Max Freedman contributed to this article.* |
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