As a marketing specialists looking for my own job search opportunities, I know that LinkedIn is one of the premier social networking sites for business. Unlike other social networking sites which offer a variety of entertainment based features and functions, LinkedIn is strictly BUSINESS. It is a fantastic tool to connect with other professionals in your industry and potential employers – and, if done well, can be a great tool to build your credibility as you search for the perfect job to take your career to the next level.
However, there are nuances, net-etiquette and dos and don’ts that you must consider before launching your job search LinkedIn strategy. And it is a strategy; part art, showcasing your unique personality and interpersonal skills, and part science, following the rules of business, connecting to people you know and trust or have a business relationship with, without going crazy and connecting to everyone who might or might not appreciate your overture for connection.
Here is a terrific article to help you strategize your LinkedIn job search. However, the article mentioned LinkedIn Answers. Since I wasn’t sure how to use Answers for my own job search, I dug a little deeper and offer the following advice to add to your job search tool box of knowledge and how-to.
“LinkedIn and Your Job Search,” article at About.com
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/linkedin.htm
What is LinkedIn Answers?
LinkedIn Answers is a feature that enables you to do two key things to build your business and enhance your professional status.
#1 You can ask questions.
Want to know what is the best industry conference to attend? Ask and you’ll receive answers to your question from people who know. Questions range from basic entertainment or value based questions like, “What’s the most unique way you’ve ever networked?” to insightful questions like, “Do I need to include cover letters when emailing a resume?”
The Ask a Question function accomplishes several benefits.
First and foremost it helps you find answers to pressing questions. However, when you ask a question you also assign it a category and you can choose people to direct the question to. This means if you’re looking for an introduction to an expert on LinkedIn and you want to network with them, this is a great way to connect with them. Ask them for their opinion or advice.
#2 You can answer questions.
Answering questions is a fantastic way to build your credibility. Imagine answering questions for key figures in your industry. You instantly forge a connection with them which you can grow into a profitable relationship. You also increase your awareness and exposure.
How Do You Answer Questions In LinkedIn?
Log into your LinkedIn Account. On the main page click on the tab “More.” Scroll down and you’ll see “Answers”. Go ahead and click on that. Now you’re at the answers page. On the top of the page you’ll see a box where you can type a question to ask and a button where you can answer questions. Click on Answer questions. You’ll now see a never ending list of questions to answer.
To narrow the field to your expertise, choose a category from the right hand side bar. You’ll be taken to the category’s page where you can then choose a sub-category. Now your field of questions is significantly narrower. You can choose a question or questions to answer. Click on Answer next to the question and a box pops up. In that box you’ll see:
* A space to answer the questions
* Spaces for references if you wish to cite them
* You can also suggest an expert to connect with more people
* And send a personal note to the person who posted the question
Click submit and you’re good to go. Your answer will be posted and linked to your profile. By providing the best answers to questions, you earn expertise. This “Expertise” can land you on the featured experts home page – talk about a credibility boost!
LinkedIn Answers offers a unique and valuable way to connect and strengthen your profile. It’s an easy tool to use and it can be fun too.
Presented by Trish King
You can also find Trish at http://www.trishking.com/ and http://blog.stayathomebizreview.com/
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