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If you've ever engaged in a job search, you've probably used LinkedIn at some point. For many of us, it's a love-hate relationship.
It's a platform where we all, at some point, have tried to flex our professional muscles. But what’s the real deal? Let’s dive into the numbers, the history, and recent updates to see if LinkedIn is the networking dreamland it claims to be.
7 LinkedIn Tips You Actually Need To Know
#1 Fill out all of the items on your profile.
Really, do it. Recruiters are 40 times more likely to contact all-star LinkedIn accounts, and hiring managers are 18 times more likely to find them in search results.
#2 Claim Your Digital Real Estate
First things first, customize your LinkedIn URL. This isn't just a vanity play—it's about making your profile as accessible and memorable as possible. Keep it simple and identifiable: your name will do the trick
#3 Showcase Your Passions
Your 'Featured' section is prime real estate. Use it as a stage to spotlight your greatest hits and passions. It's your personal gallery, so curate wisely.
It’s a great spot to show your interests and achievements that wouldn’t make it on a CV, papers, projects - all that good stuff.
#4 Captivate with Your Picture
Your profile picture is your digital handshake. It's the first point of contact and can leave a lasting impression, so make sure it's a good one.
If you don’t have a good photo use this AI headshot generator.
#5 Craft a Killer Headline
Your headline should be a power-packed capsule of your professional persona, not just a dry recital of your job title. Treat it like a movie trailer for your career—it's short, but it's got to hook 'em in.
And, please, avoid “ninja” - “guru” type words that don’t say anything meaningful.
#6 Keyword is King
Much like search engine optimization, keyword-optimizing your profile can bring you into the radar of the right connections. Remember, you want to pop up in relevant searches, not get lost in the crowd.
I suggest using Applicant Tracking System ATS friendly keywords, ChatGTP does a great job helping with things like this.
This is also why we leave titles like “Javascript Ninja” behind.
#7 Tell a Compelling Story
Your summary is your stage - own it. It's where you narrate your professional journey with authenticity and flair. Make it engaging and insightful, peppered with your accomplishments, skills, and specialties.
Despite LinkedIn's perpetual identity crisis, it's a treasure trove of opportunities if navigated right. With these nifty tricks under your belt, you're all set to transform your profile from just another face in the crowd to the life of the networking party.
Now let’s learn more about LinkedIn and see what the numbers tell us about this platform 👀
LinkedIn by the Numbers
So, 875 million members – sounds impressive, right? But wait, only 141 million of them check in daily. And guess what? A hefty 77% of these folks are from outside the US. Kudos to LinkedIn for going global but... how many of these accounts are even legit? As per their S-1 filing from way back in 2010, LinkedIn themselves weren’t sure about the actual member count. Yikes!
57% of the traffic on LinkedIn is from mobile devices. But this number hasn’t changed since 2018! Seriously LinkedIn, are you slacking on the mobile front?
Flashback to 2010: Humble Beginnings?
Let's hit rewind to 2010. LinkedIn had 25,000 job postings a week - cute compared to now. Marketing solutions had over 33,000 customers, and hiring solutions attracted nearly 3,900 companies. No big fish dominating the revenue stream, though. The team? A tight 990 people. Mostly engineers, product people,sales & marketing folks. Now, LinkedIn's a behemoth, but bigger doesn't always mean better. The close-knit vibe of 2010 is history. You've gotta wonder, did the platform’s soul grow with the size?
A Job Matchmaker, or a Pricey Date?
LinkedIn's used to make big bucks off these matchmaker dreams - 41% of their revenue came from recruiters. But when they’re shelling out between $100 and $900 a month, is it worth it? Opinions vary on the quality of LinkedIn’s data.
Have you ever found a job on LinkedIn? We’ve asked our audience and would love to hear from you too.
🤖 Algorithm Makeover - But Will It Last?
Alright, here’s the latest scoop: LinkedIn’s trying to clean up its act with a new algorithm. But is it too little, too late?
🙋🏽♀️ Your Connections Take Center Stage
LinkedIn’s now focusing on your 1st connections in your feed. But, is this just gonna make your feed an echo chamber?
🤓 The Gurus Get a Soapbox
They're trying to focus on expert content, which sounds good on paper. But are we talking actual experts or just self-proclaimed gurus?
So, that’s the skinny on LinkedIn. It's like that ambitious friend who means well but doesn’t always get it right. They're making moves, but there's room for improvement. What do you think? Is LinkedIn your job-seeking BFF or just that place you visit when you're kinda, sorta looking for a new gig?
How do you feel about LinkedIn?