Without a doubt, LinkedIn is the most valuable resource you have for networking, for finding jobs, and for being found.

Networking

Put a conscious effort into making connections now - don't wait for when you need them - and don't be shy about making connections. First, the connections you make now can lead to other connections. Second, when the time comes to use one of those connections, it's a bit obvious/gauche if you ask for a favor just after connecting to someone. (Although that's not horrible, so do it if you need to.) When you do make a connection, take a minute to write a personal note for the invitation (don't just use the boilerplate.)

You want to use those connections for:

• Finding out more about a company you are interested in.
• Getting someone to submit your resume, or bring it to someone's attention (i.e. to bypass the usual mechanical filtering that most places do.)
• Just asking people to keep an eye open for positions that might be a good fit.
• Just keeping in touch!

Finding Jobs

A lot of companies are starting to post jobs on LinkedIn, and Linked In has the ability to search for those jobs.

Being found

This is unquestionably the most important value LinkedIn can deliver - a lot of companies are looking for candidates by doing Linked In searches. And even companies that aren't finding people by Linked In are checking them out on Linked In. Some tips:

• Think about searchability - what keywords are hiring companies likely to be using for searches? Make sure your summary includes those keywords, so that you'll pop up in the search.
• Visibility - there are lots of options in LinkedIn for making things visible. If you want to be found, set most of them to make sure that things are visible. One of the options is to show changes - if you're trying to keep your search under the radar, you can turn that off until you get your page current. On the other hand, having changes show up is a good way to make sure people notice you, so occasionally make a change to be noticed.
• Completeness - be sure you have presented yourself positively and moderately completely - this is in effect, a resume, so treat it that way. Be sure to include a link to your personal web site if you have one, your twitter handle if you use it, a blog if you write one, and your on-line resume if you have it posted somewhere. Include a photo unless you're uncomfortable with that. Remember that you can include any certifications, education, publications (probably not many of us :-), and other organizations you are part of or volunteer for.
• Skills - make sure that your skills are listed, so that you can collect endorsements for the skills you want to highlight.
• Recommendations - try to get a few recommendations, as that adds credibility
• Groups - groups are a good way of networking, making connections, and showing that you are active in the industry. Also, groups tend to have discussion boards, and that represents an opportunity to create an active on-line presence (I was told by a retained recruiter that he looked at activity within groups.)

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