Lauren Lewis, StaffBuffalo Partner, gave some amazing tips to get your LinkedIn Profile noticed and how to network! Not only is LinkedIn a great tool for networking, but it is also essential for people looking for jobs. Click here for more StaffBuffalo Guides!!

Tip #1: Make a LinkedIn Profile

Have a professional picture: This doesn’t have to be a professional headshot but you want it to represent you. Ideally, it would be a picture from the shoulders and up - not a full body shot. This gives potential hiring managers an idea of who you are and helps build a better connection. By putting a name to the face, it helps build that personal connection.
Put a location on your profile: People are more likely to connect with you if you are located close to their area!
Build out your resume: This helps people know where you have worked and your previous experience. This includes what jobs you had and what you have done in each role! Don’t forget to include any awards you have won, certifications you have, or volunteer work you have done. Use your regular resume as a guide of what you should put on your profile!

Tip #2: Connect with people

Connect with people in your industry, at the company you work for, in your region, and people you went to high school/college with! By making these connections, it helps build your network.
Follow the companies you are interested in! This includes companies you admire or might want to work for in the future. This is a great way to stay up to date in that industry and in the business world!
Connect with people in a job or company that you want to work for! This is an amazing idea to see what that person’s career path looked liked and how they go to their current position. This will help navigate you on how to get there.
Send them a personalized note when sending a request! This lets them know why you want to connect with them. People are more likely to accept when you take the time to write a personalized note.

Tip #3: Use LinkedIn for Job Searches

This is a great way to do research on the company and hiring manager. You can find a lot about the hiring manager including where they went to college, their career path, how long they have been with the company, and what roles they’ve been in!
By doing the research, this helps you come up with questions based on the interviewer’s profile. There is no better way to build up these questions before the interview! These questions can be based on their own career path and what opportunities are present for them in that company.
You may find out you have a connection with the hiring manager! This includes going to the same high school/college or volunteering with the same organization. Not only does this build rapport, but it also helps start the conversation!

Tip #4: Make sure you are engaging on LinkedIn

Follow things you are interested in, comment, like, and share posts! The more engaged you are, the more traction you will gain.
Put the time into making your LinkedIn profile. This is a great way to start building relationships, your network, and connections!