LinkedIn offers basic accounts for free and premium accounts for a subscription fee. There are a variety of options available for LinkedIn users. We all begin with a  free account. ​

LINKEDIN BASIC ACCOUNT

There is always the LinkedIn free account, which is where we all start. With a free account we can :
​

• Build our own page and LinkedIn identity
• Form a significantly large digital network of professionals
• Reconnect with lost contacts
• Build a list of Recommendations

​LINKEDIN PREMIUM ACCOUNT

LinkedIn meets its customers' needs through a variety of Premium options. Options include:
​

• Premium Career -- For those looking for a new job -- $29.99/mo.
• Premium Business -- For power-users looking for more access and insights -- $59.99/mo.
• Premium Sales -- For sales professionals looking to generate leads and build pipeline -- $79.99/mo.
• Premium Hiring ( or Recruiter Lite) -- For HR professionals looking to find and recruit talent -- $119.95/mo.
• LinkedIn Learning -- For those who want to learn anytime and anywhere and advance their career -- $30.00/mo.

LinkedIn is a valuable tool to expand your network and brand yourself professionally beyond what was possible in the past. You can probably connect to almost anyone and learn about almost anyone by looking at LinkedIn.com profiles.

On LinkedIn you have a variety of ways to connect with the right people. You can use your contacts ,your contacts connections, and your entire overall network to help you locate the right people to talk to. Even if you've not yet connected to someone on LinkedIn.com you can bet they are likely there. If you know their name just search for them. You will have to upgrade your account on LinkedIn.com to get the most benefit out of researching others.

se these LinkedIn tips to learn your way around the world's largest professional network. Knowing how to use LinkedIn gives you an edge in today's fierce and competitive job market.

Use a good photo for LinkedIn. 
​Include a professional-looking photograph that conveys your personality. Remember, the keyword is "professional". It's not professional to post a picture of yourself while on vacation and partying at the beach and it's not professional to wear flashy clothes either. Use common sense, do not include anyone else in the picture, and most importantly, look friendly!

Customize your URL.
Read the LinkedIn Help section for instructions on customizing your profile URL. It will help you to show up sooner in search engine results and it is deceptively easy to do.

Show your accomplishments. 
Follow the prompts and links under the About and Experience sections to upload content. This can include many forms and LinkedIn will also show you a list of the accepted forms. They include videos, pdf documents, pictures, etc. There is a wide range of choices as to what you can upload under each section. Present your best work. Make it interesting.

Increase your connections. 
Invite your personal contacts, from your current Manager to your neighbor. This increases your reach on LinkedIn.

Write a personal note with each invitation. 
It's a question of common courtesy. It's much nicer to write something, even if very brief. For example, it's better to write "Dear ____, I would like to invite you to join me on LinkedIn. " than nothing at all. People will be more receptive to you this way, than if they receive a blank invitation.

Ask for recommendations. 
Recommendations have more impact than endorsements. Consider who can give you the most persuasive testimonials.

Use LinkedIn Learning.
Take a look at all the instructional content that is available through LinkedIn. You can quickly build credits and escalate from there. Learn more about LinkedIn Learning.

Share your knowledge. 
Share and express your viewpoints. Post updates about what you have learned and the knowledge you have to offer.

Remember that using any type of social platform for networking means you are in it for the long game. You must nurture your audience and take your time. You must give your network time to get to know you and take the time to get to know your netwrok. 

A significant point of using social media, LinkedIn in particular, is so that your target audience finds you. Simply creating a profile isn’t enough to help your audience find you. But there are some tips that you can use to make it more likely to be found.

• CREATE A CUSTOMIZED URL – On your profile you have an opportunity to create a customized URL that you can use in your signature lines, on your website, and in other places to have a way to link to your profile. But, it’s also a good way to find you. If you create a URL that helps people find you by using a keyword, you’re that much more likely to be found.

 

• CUSTOMIZE YOUR WEBSITE LINKS – LinkedIn allows you to include website links. Make sure to take advantage of this feature, if you have a website or a blog. Remember, SEO is always an important component to consider if you want to be found on LinkedIn.

 

• CREATE KEYWORD-RICH HEADLINES – Under your name, is a spot for you to create a headline. Some people use sentences or their current job title, but if you want to be found faster, it’s important instead to use keywords that describe what you do instead of a job description or title. Writing your favorite quote or including uplifting messages (i.e.: Carpe Diem, or Life is beautiful, etc.) will not help you be found AT ALL.

 

• USE KEYWORDS IN THE ABOUT SECTION – Under your photograph, name, and headline, is an area that is called ABOUT. Until recently, it used to be called SUMMARY. This area is best for introducing yourself to your audience. The first few lines are very important in terms of grabbing your audience's attention. The keywords are great for the search engines but also great for the human eye which prefers to speed-read or scan.

 

• USE KEYWORDS IN YOUR EXPERIENCE SECTION – In the section where you input your work experience, it’s important to use keywords there too. Keywords will describe the expertise that you have and help people find you on LinkedIn.com. Do not leave your job descriptions blank. If you only enter your company name, dates, and title, you are not helping your profile be found any faster or even easier.

 

• TURN OFF PRIVACY FEATURES – This is key if you want to be found on LinkedIn.com or any social media for that matter. Check your Privacy settings to ensure that all privacy features are turned off so that anyone can locate you on LinkedIn.com. Read them closely and remember that they are written for everyone to understand and not in a complicated way. You are required to read and understand your options carefully, so that you remain in control of your own profile and its content.

 

• SIGNAL YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR WORK – LinkedIn offers you a feature whereby you can announce your availability to recruiters and others. Take advantage of this feature immediately, as it is one of the easiest and most important things you can do for yourself if you must be found quickly.

 

• JOIN RELEVANT GROUPS – Groups on LinkedIn.com are excellent ways to get found. You are advised to join multiple groups to be found by your target audience. However, only join a few at a time so that you can participate in the groups. Don't join all of them in one day.

 
Being found on LinkedIn.com is a great way to improve your career, expand your business, and promote your products and services.  Be sure to do it right and you will have a lot of fun along the way.

The LinkedIn Scorecard is a comprehensive self-assessment that allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your LinkedIn profile according to LinkedIn’s best practices in the areas of Profile Completeness, LinkedIn Profile Photo, LinkedIn Headline, LinkedIn Profile Basics, Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, LinkedIn Summary, Common LinkedIn Profile Mistakes, and Engaging on LinkedIn.
 
An effective LinkedIn profile is an asset in a passive job search, allowing you to be found online by recruiters and hiring managers looking for candidates like you. It is also essential in an active job search, allowing you to connect with companies that are hiring, apply for positions online, and use your network more effectively.
 
Give yourself the appropriate number of points for each line. Then total your score.

​Not listed on your profile = 0                           
​On profile = 4

​Not listed on your profile = 0                           
​On profile = 4

No current position on profile = 0                    
​Simple listing (job title/company) = 2                         ​
​Complete listing with description = 4

​No past position = 0
1 past position with simple listing = 1
2 past positions with simple listings = 2
1 past positions with complete listing = 3
2 past positions with complete listings = 4

No current education on profile = 0                 
​Complete listing (institution and degree) = 4

Not on profile = 0   
Minimum of three listed = 4

Not on profile = 0  
Have a profile photo = 4

Fewer than 50 connections = 0
50 or more connections = 4

LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. Is your LinkedIn profile photo giving the right impression?

Older than 2 years = 0 points
Within the last 24 months = 1 point  
Within the last 18 months = 2 points
Within the last year = 3 points

Yes = 2 points 
No = 0 points

Yes = 0 points   
​No = 2 points

Yes = 0 points   
​No = 2 points

Your LinkedIn Headline is one of the first things someone sees when they search for you.

Only name and/or credentials = 0 points 
​More than your name and/or credentials = 2 points

Yes = 2 points
​No = 0 points

Yes = 2 points
​No = 0 points

Yes = 2 points  
​No = 0 points

No volunteer work = 0 point  
At least one volunteer position = 1 point
Multiple volunteer position listed = 2 points

No Projects listed = 0 point 
​At least one Project listed = 1 point
Multiple Projects listed = 2 points

No Organizations listed = 0 point 
​At least one Organization listed = 1 point
Multiple Organizations listed = 2 points

You have fewer than 5 Skills listed = 0 point  
​You have 5-24 Skills listed = 1 point
You have at least 25 Skills listed = 2 points

No personalized URL = 0 points 
Personalized URL = 3 points

None of the links renamed = 0 points
Some text links renamed = 1 point
Most text links renamed = 2 points 
All text links renamed = 3 points

Many errors = 0 points
Several errors = 1 point
Few errors = 2 points
​No errors = 3 points

Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points

Yes = 1 point 
​No = 0 points

Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points

The LinkedIn Summary is your opportunity to tell your story — briefly and succinctly.

Yes = 2 points  
Somewhat = 1 point
No = 0 points

Yes = 2 points
Somewhat = 1 point
​No = 0 points

Yes = 2 points
Somewhat = 1 point
​No = 0 points

More than 100 words up to the max = 2 points 
​Between 40-100 words = 1 point
No content or fewer than 40 words = 0 points

Avoid making common LinkedIn mistakes on your profile. 

Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points

(An informal profile should be in first person [I, me].
a formal profile should be written in third person [Sharon, she or Tim, he]).

Yes = 1 point  
No = 0 points

(Make sure to include information in all relevant sections — 
i.e., Honors & Awards, Languages, Certifications, Patents, Publications, etc.)

Yes = 1 point 
No = 0 points

Ask for Recommendations; aim for one Recommendation for every 50-100 connections

Yes = 1 point   
​No = 0 points

Add connections every time you log in = 4 points
Add connections weekly = 3 points
Add connections monthly = 2 points 
Add connections only occasionally = 1 point
Have not added any connections since joining = 0 points

Log in at least twice a month = 2 points
Log in at least once a month = 1 point
Log in less than once a month = 0 points

Following at least 5 Company Pages = 2 points
​Follow at least 1 Company Page = 1 point
Don’t follow any Company Pages = 0 points      

Post three times a month or more = 3 points
Post twice a month or more = 2 points
Post on your profile at least once a week = 1 point
​Post less than once a week = 0 points

Post photos three times a month or more = 3 points
Post photos twice a month or more = 2 points
Post photos at least once a week = 1 point
​Post photos less than once a week = 0 points

Yes = 3 points
​No = 0 points

90-100 Points                   
Congratulations! You’ve positioned yourself to be found by recruiters and hiring managers and are on your way to building a strong network for your career goals. Keep up the good work!
 
80-89 Points                     
Your profile is very strong, but there are some opportunities to improve it. Review the scorecard and see where you can raise your score. 
 
70-79 Points                     
You’ve got a good start, but you’re missing some key areas where your profile can help you attract career opportunities. Review your scorecard and shore up the areas where your scores were low.
 
60-69 Points                     
Your profile isn’t as effective as it could be. Spend some time working on it and you’ll increase your career opportunities. Focus on making sure your profile is complete and spend some time engaging on LinkedIn.
 
59 Points or Below          
Help! Your profile needs attention. LinkedIn isn’t a “set it and forget it” platform. Invest some time in on your profile.

On LinkedIn, your posts and connections are the main ways to get noticed on the professional social media platform. However, LinkedIn recently unveiled three new features on its website that can help you enjoy more relevance on the platform.
 ​

Following the introduction of this new feature, LinkedIn users can now filter search results based on the location of the service provider. LinkedIn advises users to enable the “showcase services you offer” option on their profile to be visible in searches and to also highlight such services as open for business. Additionally, you can also indicate where exactly you offer these services and if you are willing to work remotely. LinkedIn is promoting this feature as another way for freelancers and businesses to get new clients.
​

LinkedIn is introducing a new feature called a “Skill Assessment” feature. This feature allows users to take a test in a particular skill and earn a badge if they prove their proficiency. The test is usually comprised of 15-20 questions based on the skill being tested, and questions have to be answered in a specific time.

Currently, there is a limited list of skills that users can earn badges in, and most of them are based on popular business software like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project. Users can also get proficiency badges in AutoCAD, JavaScript, AWS, C++, XML, Hadoop, Ruby, AWS, HTML, and the likes. LinkedIn has indicated a willingness to expand this list in the future.
Note that not all LinkedIn users can access the Skill Assessment feature yet.
​

Promoting events throught the Event Feature can be a practical method of fostering communication in your network. For instance, you can use the event feed to communicate with attendees, and also ask attendees to connect with you on LinkedIn.
​
Again, attendees to your event can now send invitations (if granted access) which can grow your network. Any user can join events, but not all users can create one yet.

The three new features being added to LinkedIn Pages are geared at fostering stronger relationships amongst followers and increasing community engagement.

According to the professional social media platform, more than 50 million companies now use Pages globally, and LinkedIn will regularly update features quarterly.

Some of the most recent updates include “LinkedIn Live” integration, “Invite To Follow”, and new “posting options”.​

​To enhance the growth of their following, Page managers can invite top profile connections to follow their Page. Moreover, users that would not like to receive such invites can opt-out from them.​

​Previously reserved for only personal profiles, LinkedIn Pages can now enjoy the live broadcast and streaming feature. LinkedIn believes that this feature can generate more than 24X more comments and 7X more reactions than conventional video posts. To enable this feature, Page managers will need to request access to use this feature via the LinkedIn Live website.

Users can now use a toggle switch on their Home page to switch between posting content as an organization or individual. In the past, users had to separately access their Page to publish under it. Currently, users can manage and publish posts from the same dashboard.

Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but most job seekers are overlooking this valuable opportunity.
 
If you’re like many professionals, you probably created a profile and occasionally go back to add more connections. However, there is so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.

Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers. Try these tips for designing and using your LinkedIn profile.

• EDIT YOUR HEADLINE. Start by writing a specific headline. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more. Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them.

​

1. UPDATE YOUR SUMMARY. Your summary is where you can add more details and showcase your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact. Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.
   
   
2. CHOOSE YOUR PHOTO. Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light.
   
   
3. ADD KEYWORDS. Help recruiters and automated search tools to find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary.
   
   
4. CUSTOMIZE YOUR LINKEDIN URL. LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can customize your LinkedIn URL to something that you like better or might work more effectively for you. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial or hometown.
5. WELCOME RECRUITERS. Is your profile visible to recruiters? Go into your privacy settings to be sure that you’ve opted to let them know that you want to hear from them. You’ll need to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.
   

​​

1. UPDATE YOUR "JOB PREFERENCES". Below is LinkedIn's advice about updating your job preferences and requirements in your profile.  

1. BE CONSISTENT. Your resume is usually written for a specific opening while your profile is a more general statement. Still, you want them to be similar enough to avoid causing any confusion.
   
   
2. CHECK THE METER. LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you optimize your profile and rate yourself. It will give you helpful recommendations about additional steps you can take, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.

1. GATHER RECOMMENDATIONS & ENDORSEMENTS. Recruiters want to know what others say about you. Ask former employers and other contacts for recommendations. Use your endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.
   
   
2. WRITE & PUBLISH. Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. Develop a content strategy and use a calendar that will remind you to publish regularly.
   
   
3. JOIN GROUPS. Look for groups in your subject area of expertise and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions. Avoid any temptation to over-promote yourself.
   ​
   
4. MONITOR YOUR CONNECTIONS. Stay on the lookout for valuable connections (try the TOP 20 PEOPLE LIST) to add to your network. Send them personal invitations that will make a positive impression.
   
   
5. BE SUPPORTIVE & ENCOURAGING OF OTHERS. Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections.
   
   
6. BE DISCREET. While you’re working to raise your visibility, keep in mind that there may be times when you want to keep your job-hunting activities off view from your current boss and HR department. Change your privacy settings so you can control what information you want to make public.

 
Optimize your LinkedIn profile and increase your visibility. It can make it easier for others to find you and help you reach your professional goals. 

1.-  Build a profile and follow LinkedIn's tools and guidelines carefully as you go along.
2.-  Optimize your LinkedIn profile for job search and to attract employers.
3.-  Learn how to build a LinkedIn network that can open doors and connect to jobs.
4.-  Search and apply for a job on LinkedIn.
5.-  Access additional job search and career advancement resources on LinkedIn.

Things you should not do on LinkedIn:

• Don’t Dismiss LinkedIn as Something Only for People Who Are Looking For a New Job. The best time to build your LinkedIn profile, connect with people, and participate on LinkedIn is now, before you need it. If you find yourself suddenly unemployed and decide that now is the time to start using LinkedIn, you’re going to be playing catch up. Instead, take time to “dig your well before you’re thirsty,” as author Harvey Mackay says.

• Don’t “Set it and Forget It.” Your LinkedIn profile is an evolving snapshot of you. You should learn how to use LinkedIn and be updating it regularly with new connections, status updates, and activity (especially within LinkedIn Groups).

• Don’t Ignore It. Check in on LinkedIn regularly; at least every other day if you are in active job search mode; at least once a week for passive jobseekers. Plan on adding one new status update each time you log in.

• Don’t Be A Wallflower. LinkedIn is most effective when you engage with it. Seek out opportunities to connect with thought leaders in your industry. Join 3-5 Groups and participate in conversations.

• Don’t Be Selfish. You will get more out of LinkedIn if you focus on how you can help others, not how they can help you. The phrase “give to get” is very powerful on LinkedIn. You can earn the respect of your peers and people of influence if you “help enough other people get what they want,” in the words of Zig Ziglar.

• Don’t Wait For Others To Find You. Use the LinkedIn People Search function to look for people you know and invite them to connect with you. You should aim to add 2-5 new connections each week if you are a passive job seeker, and 6-10 connections a week if you are actively searching for a new job.

• Don’t Forget to Explore the People Your Connections Know. One of the most powerful functions of LinkedIn is the ability to connect you with people who are connections of the people you know. Follow LinkedIn’s guidelines on connecting with these folks, however (using InMail or requesting connections through your mutual friend), so that your account is not flagged for spam.

• Don’t Indiscriminately Try to Connect With People. One of the strengths of LinkedIn is the connections you make, but it’s not a race to get to 500 connections. Have a reason for each of the people you connect with — either it’s someone you already know or are related to, or someone it would be beneficial to connect with. If you don’t know someone, get to know them a bit before sending a personalized connection request. (You can do so by seeing who you have in common — or who they are connected to, checking out their LinkedIn Summary and work history, visiting their website or blog, and seeing what Groups they belong to).

• Don’t Forget to Give Recommendations. Acknowledge and recognize the contributions of people you know by providing unsolicited, genuine Recommendations for them.

• Don’t Restrict Your LinkedIn Networking to Online Only. Use LinkedIn to connect with people — but then request in-person get-togethers, when possible. Meet for coffee, or lunch, to catch up. 

The “Summary” section of your LinkedIn profile is a vital part of your LinkedIn presence. Knowing how to write a good LinkedIn Summary will have a direct impact on whether or not a visitor will continue reading the rest of your profile. You have 2,000 characters to give readers a brief snapshot of who you are.
 
The first 2-3 sentences need to instantly get your prospects interested in your profile — or, even better, get them excited about reading the rest of your profile. How do you add more value to the company, or solve problems better than other job candidates? Your LinkedIn Summary can set you apart from other jobseekers on LinkedIn by demonstrating that you understand what employers want — and what you have to offer that meets that need.

Use these ideas as examples of what to write in LinkedIn Summary:

• How will your next employer benefit by hiring you? Quantify the value in terms of numbers, money, and/or percentages. Use specific numbers and facts to build credibility.
• What experience can you offer that will provide value to your next employer?
• What additional skills do you have that set you apart from other candidates with a similar background?

 
Write naturally and conversationally. In contrast to your résumé, you should use pronouns in your Summary. Speak in the first person, not third person. (“I did such-and-such.”) Write as if you’re speaking to an individual reader. Make it personal. Be sure to emphasize outcomes — as well as what makes you uniquely qualified to do the job you do.

Never loose sight of the fact that your resume and your Linked profile are not the same thing.

There are many diferences when it comes to the use of a resume vs. LinkedIn profile. Unlike the rules of resume writing, please be conversational and informal in your tone when it comes to writing a LinkedIn Summary. Use contractions (“you’re” instead of “you are”). Every word counts! And pay attention to grammar and spelling. Make sure there are no mistakes in your profile. Re-read and edit it. Have a colleague, friend, or spouse read it. Copy-and-paste it into a word processing program and run a spell-check on it.
 
You can also use asterisks, dashes, hyphens, and other keyboard characters to format the Summary and make it easier to read.
 Try to find a common THREAD through your work. Then, once you have a theme, use storytelling principles to write your Summary as a narrative. Have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

There is a limit of 2,000 characters (not words) to write in the Summary (About) section of your LinkedIn profile.

Your Summary can be anywhere from a few sentences up to a few paragraphs. But don’t waste any words — make the most dramatic, powerful, attention-getting statement you can. Don’t use any more words than is necessary, and don’t be overly flowery in your language. The point of the first sentence is to get the prospect to read the second sentence. And the next sentence. And the next.

On LinkedIn, a 'character' can be a letter, number, space, and punctuation. The current LinkedIn set up and design of a profile only shows the first two lines of your Summary or About section to the reader. The reader will then have to click on SEE MORE to see the rest. So, the two-liner opening is only about 200-250 characters (or about 25-42 words). Make sure you use these words to write a compelling opening .

​The CBS This Morning show invited Dan Roth, the Editor in Chief of LinkedIn, where it was explained that with the national unemployment rate at a 50-year low, October could be the perfect time to land your dream job — and Monday the best day to apply for a job, based on a recent LinkedIn survey.

​

​October has the highest number of job openings on LinkedIn, and 89% of hiring managers filled those spots in less than four weeks.
 
 
 
 
 

As an experienced resume service in Los Angeles, Market-Connections takes pride in providing a large selection of package deals with multiple tools and resources to help its clients as they try to demystify the job search process. To facilitate the process for prospective clients, we offer a "Special" throughout the month of October. It consists of a Free Resume Critique for the first 10 prospective clients every Saturday morning during the month of October, on a first-come-first-served basis. This includes dates: from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
 
“If you are just relying on a piece of paper, you're doing it wrong,” says Roth. “The most important thing is to be out there.”
 
LinkedIn also published a blog post talking about the autumn job search process titled “A New Holiday to Celebrate: Fall Hiring Season.”
 
Watch the full CBS This Morning segment here:
​

Do you wonder how to use LinkedIn TO ADD VALUE to your career or job search? Do you know how to use it to lead you to results?

LinkedIn can be an excellent resource for new business development or for job searching. Following a recent blog post about LinkedIn Settings in 2019, this post is an infographic on How to use to LinkedIn for job searching or for new business development purposes.

When it comes to posting your resume online, your privacy is of utmost importance. It may be a good idea to learn how to protect your privacy on LinkedIn as well.
​
Follow the steps in the infographic above and you will discover an amazing professional platform to catapult your career and you will broaden your perspective about this great professional resource; plus, it’s free!