Just how important is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn,a business oriented wedsite aimed at professionals is very popular in Ireland. Started in December 2002, it has grown to have 472,687 irish users. (Irish Social Media Statistics). How can it work for you? As LinkedIn is basically a huge big database of professional people it can be used as a "get in touch" website as the searches can be more specific - you are searching within a specific demographic unlike Facebook etc that can have a broad reach. It can be used to get information and help from the exact people you need to talk to - the ones with the expertise in their chosen fields, so you can join a group or discussion board and get all the help you need. You can use it as your online CV. Remember - empoyers check these websites BEFORE they hire you for that full time position. Here are some basic dos & don't 1. DONT put up that cool picture of you at the PR ball last year with a pint in your hand. Ideally, it should be a corporate shot with the logo of your present employer in the background. KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL - facebook can be used for social chats. Keep you CV updated with the lingo from your chosen field - ie it's better to say I'm an expert in java script, coding etc than say your a computer programmer.. Dont be afraid to approach people - thats what its there for, ask for that meeting or to keep you in mind if a job comes up. www.linkedin.com Lorra