When you hear “LinkedIn” what do you think? Resume-uploading and business-connecting social media, right? But, according to co-founder Reid Hoffman, users are not getting everything they potentially can out of the site. In a recent profile by Wired, Reid says, “People don’t think of it as a place to get business intelligence, to research problems, to establish an online presence where other people in the network can find them.” “It’s as if we’re a screwdriver in a world where people don’t quite understand screws.”
To help you better understand the “screws” of LinkedIn, here are 5 useful tools you probably didn’t know about that will help you get the most out of the site.
The News Feed Tool
LinkedIn Today is a nifty news-feeding, link-sharing tool for your business connection needs. The page features daily doses of news and links people are sharing on LinkedIn. It also allows you to customize the vertical so the topics you most care about will always be on the top. You can also browse popular articles by topic or check the home page for the top news overall.
To access LinkedIn Today, click the “News” tab at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
The Resume-Generating Tool
Did you know LinkedIn can actually build a resume for you? This feature takes all the information in your profile, coverts it to a simple resume that you can then customize through tons of template options and print out to bring with you on your next job interview adventure.
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to use it.
The Google Search Tool
LinkedIn is a favorite for people searches on Google, i.e. potential employers searching for new job recruits. This means the more current and complete your profile is (that means filling in ALL of your experience, skills, education, etc. and regularly updating it) the more people can understand where you’re coming from and what you are capable of. Keepin’ it real and fresh just might land you a job.
The Profile Viewer Tool
This tool (although, a little on the stalker side and probably not suitable for places like Facebook and the like) lets you see who has viewed your profile. Free users can only see who has looked at their profile over the last few days. Paid LinkedIn users can see everyone who has ever looked at their profile.
This comes in handy when you are curious to see what types of companies and people are searching you, and helps you to reach out accordingly.
This info can be found on the right side of LinkedIn’s home page after you log in.
The Recruitment Tool
This tool isn’t so much of a secret. We all know LinkedIn is an excellent community to start researching and recruiting the best job candidates. LinkedIn helps the process by providing a corporate recruiting page to help you find the best talent out there.
Now that you know the secret “screws” for maximum usage potential, LinkedIn is ready for you to have your way with it. Co-founder’s orders, not mine.
