What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a professional networking site that connects users with employers and fellow employees to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities.

Why should I use LinkedIn?

With a LinkedIn profile, you can connect with former classmates, browse job listings by locations and job field, and contact fellow professionals in your field to increase your professional network.

Colorado State University organizations can use LinkedIn by creating groups to connect with students and alumni, and to post job openings for paid positions and internships.

How do I use LinkedIn?

Start by creating a LinkedIn profile here.

Enter a valid e-mail address and fill in all required information fields. This will help you find people and organizations that are relevant to your professional interests.

Fill in your profile. The more thorough you are, the better you will be able to utilize LinkedIn’s features. Add your web sites, other social media sites, any published or patented material, résumés and other contact information.

By registering on LinkedIn or using the LinkedIn website, you are agreeing to LinkedIn’s User Agreement:

You must:

  • Comply with all applicable laws
  • Provide accurate information and update as necessary
  • Review and comply with LinkedIn’s privacy policy
  • Review and comply with notices sent by LinkedIn
  • Use the services in a professional manner

You must not:

  • Post inappropriate, inaccurate or objectionable content to LinkedIn
  • Include information in your profile that reveals your personal identity or personal information such as an email address, phone number or address or is confidential in nature
  • Remove any copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights notices contained in or on LinkedIn
  • Remove, cover or otherwise obscure any form of advertisement included on LinkedIn
  • Harass, abuse or harm another person, including sending un-welcomed communications to others
  • Collect, use or transfer any information obtained from LinkedIn except as expressly permitted by LinkedIn or the owner of such information
  • Share information of non-users without their express consent
  • Upload a cartoon, symbol, drawing or any content other than a head-shot photograph of yourself in your profile photo
  • Use or attempt to use another’s account without authorization
  • Falsely state, impersonate or otherwise misrepresent your identity
  • Post content that is unlawful, libelous, abusive, obscene, discriminatory or otherwise objectionable
  • Include any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials or other forms of solicitation

Start networking

Find connections. Click the “Contacts” tab at the top of your profile to search for colleagues and classmates. Click on “Add Connection” to search based on e-mail address, company, location, year of graduation and much more.

Search or post job listings. Search jobs based off of location and job field in the “Jobs” tab. If you are looking to hire an employee or intern, post a job listing here.

Join Groups to discuss topics relevant to your interests, discuss ideas and meet people to network with.

Making the most of your profile

It is important to put forth the most professional and representative image of yourself possible. Part of what makes users so powerful on LinkedIn is the content and information that they share. Consider these tips when constructing a profile and networking with other professionals:

Headlines. The headline is a short field next to your profile picture that gives your name, current job position and employer, and main roles or positions of expertise that you possess. Utilize this space to accurately and intentionally describe positions you currently hold and what skills you have to offer.

Sections. LinkedIn allows users to add different sections to their profiles. These include things such as languages, projects you are/have been working on, volunteer experience, and honors received. These can enrich your profile and add to your appeal when making connections.

Summary. Similar to an “about me” section, the summary field is a great way to more specifically describe who you are, what goals you wish to achieve, and what skills and abilities you have to put forth. This section can also be used to explain or illustrate successes that you have experienced and results you have produced in your work. Important tip: try to remain concise and clear.

Have Focus/Purpose. Since LinkedIn is not simply for casual social interactions, users are encouraged to network on LinkedIn with a particular intent in mind. Whether you are trying to find a job, connect with like-minded professionals at CSU and around Fort Collins, or learning more about a particular professional entity, having a focus will help make your time on LinkedIn more effective.

Post and Share. Just like on many other social media platforms, users can post statuses on LinkedIn. Statuses on this platform should express a professional tone and highlight work-related information. Posting about current projects or organization activity is appropriate and keeps connections updated on your work.

Create a LinkedIn group

LinkedIn Groups allow for professionals in similar industries to network, find answers, share content post and find new jobs. You can find groups to join in the Group Directory or view suggestions of groups that are suggested for you. You can also create a new group focused on a particular topic or industry.

Don’t focus on “selling” your organization/entity. Rather, put the focus on the group and members. Provide content that would be appealing to them.

Consider using the polling function. Implement a poll to gauge the pulse of the group.

Carry on the conversations. Facilitate group discussions by posting useful information and prompts for future discussions.

Thank people for contributing. If a member becomes a frequent poster, acknowledge them and encourage them to keep it up.

Make introductions between members. Simple introductions can add a personal touch to your group members’ experience.

Promote the group. Promote your group to your personal LinkedIn network or by posting the group URL on external websites and marketing materials.