8 Underrated LinkedIn Features You Should Know
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professionals to connect, network, and advance their careers. While many people are aware of the basic features that LinkedIn offers, there are several underrated features that can greatly enhance your LinkedIn experience. In this blog, we will explore eight of these features that you may not be aware of. From messaging anyone without LinkedIn Premium to utilizing the career explorer tool, these features can help you make the most out of your LinkedIn presence and increase your chances of success in the professional world.
1. Messaging Anyone Without LinkedIn Premium
One of the most underrated features of LinkedIn is the ability to message anyone, even if they are not a first-degree connection, without needing to purchase LinkedIn Premium. By joining LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your industry or alma mater, you gain access to a larger network of professionals. This allows you to message third-degree connections and expand your reach, all without any additional cost. Joining your high school and college alumni groups, as well as your company’s LinkedIn group, can be particularly beneficial, as these are the people most likely to help you in the future.
2. Utilizing the People Alumni Tab
LinkedIn pages offer a wealth of information, and one often overlooked section is the People Alumni tab. By visiting the alumni tab of your college or university’s LinkedIn page, you can see where alumni currently work. This provides an opportunity to connect with professionals who share your alma mater and may be able to offer valuable insights or even job opportunities. Additionally, you can visit specific company pages and filter the people tab by location and department to find potential connections in your desired field.
3. The “I’m Interested” Button
LinkedIn company pages have an “About” tab, where you can find valuable information about the organization. One often overlooked feature of this tab is the “I’m Interested” button. By clicking this button, you can express your interest in the company and add your profile to their recruiter’s backend database. This increases your chances of being contacted directly by recruiters, eliminating the need for you to actively search for job openings. It is important to note that not all companies have this feature enabled, and it may take some time before you start receiving messages from recruiters.
4. Career Explorer
LinkedIn’s Career Explorer is a powerful tool for job seekers. By visiting the designated URL, you can access a list of job transitions made by professionals in your desired location and industry. This can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and help you navigate your own career journey. Additionally, the tool highlights the skills required for each role, allowing you to tailor your LinkedIn profile accordingly. It is recommended to regularly check for new assessments and skills relevant to your industry.
5. Skill Assessments
Demonstrating your skills is crucial on LinkedIn, and the skill assessments feature allows you to showcase your expertise in various areas. By taking multiple-choice assessments, you can receive skill badges if you score in the top 30%. These badges not only validate your skills but also improve your ranking when recruiters search for professionals with specific skills. It is advisable to take assessments for skills relevant to your career, such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
6. Career Break
If you have experienced a career break or employment gap, LinkedIn offers the option to add this information to your profile. By clicking the plus sign under the experiences section and choosing “add career break,” you can explain the reason for your break and highlight any relevant activities or experiences during that time. This feature allows recruiters and hiring managers to understand your career journey better and can provide valuable context to your profile.
7. Featured Section for Job Seekers
While the featured section on LinkedIn is often associated with content creators, it can also be utilized by job seekers. This section allows you to showcase your resume, portfolio, and other relevant links. By adding a link to your resume and using a compelling thumbnail image, you can make it easily accessible to potential employers. Additionally, you can include links to your website, portfolio, or social media profiles to further enhance your professional presence.
8. Personalized Connection Requests on the LinkedIn Mobile App
When sending connection requests on the LinkedIn mobile app, avoid using the generic “connect” button. Instead, take the time to personalize your invite to increase the chances of the other person accepting your request. By personalizing your message, you demonstrate genuine interest and stand out from the crowd.
Conclusion
LinkedIn offers a wide range of features that can significantly enhance your professional networking and job search efforts. By utilizing these underrated features, such as messaging anyone without LinkedIn Premium, exploring career transitions with the career explorer tool, and showcasing your skills through assessments, you can maximize your LinkedIn experience and increase your chances of success. Remember to regularly update your profile, join relevant groups, and actively engage with your connections to make the most out of your LinkedIn presence.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2024
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