LinkedIn has become a powerful tool for job seekers.
The site allows professionals to connect with each other, build their network, and get hired – but according to experts, many of us are failing to use the site to its full potential.
We took a closer look at what does specialization mean on LinkedIn and put together all you need to know to make the most of the platform and boost your chances of successful job hunting.
What Is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is an online professional networking website that was founded in 2003 by Reid Hoffman and Ben Ling. It’s one of the largest social networks in the world, with over 500 million users worldwide.
The service allows people to create professional profiles where they can list their skills, experience, education, and more.
They can also add connections to their network who may be able to help them find work or recommend them for jobs.
The site also offers tools for businesses to manage their employees’ careers, including performance reviews, learning plans, and company pages.
How Do I Find Jobs On LinkedIn?
There are two ways to search for jobs on LinkedIn: through the site itself, or via third-party sites like Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com.
You can search for jobs directly on LinkedIn using the “Find” tab located at the top right-hand corner of any page.
You’ll see a drop-down menu that will allow you to select from different categories such as “Jobs”, “People & Companies”, “Careers”, “Skills”, and “Education”.
If you’re looking for a specific type of job, you can narrow it down further by selecting the relevant category.
For example, if you want to find a marketing manager position, you could choose “Marketing Manager” under the “Careers” section.
What Is A Specialization On LinkedIn?
One major element of LinkedIn is the specialization option.
This allows you to categorize your profile into several areas, which makes it easier for recruiters to find you when searching for a particular role.
There are a number of specialization options, including:
Sales
One of the most popular options for specializations is sales, and this is a broad field. If you have experience selling products or services, you can include these skills in your profile.
Business Development
Another popular choice is business development, which includes account management, lead generation, and relationship building.
These are all important skills for anyone hoping to break into the corporate world.
Account Management
This option is similar to business development but focuses on managing clients and customers.
Account managers must be good communicators, and should be able to negotiate contracts and close deals.
Lead Generation
This option is aimed at those who sell products or services to companies. It includes things like cold calling, emailing, and prospecting.
Relationship Building
This option is focused on building relationships with colleagues, clients, and prospects.
It involves things like networking, attending events, and being friendly, and is especially important for anyone working in HR or similar roles.
Technical Support
This option is useful for those who support computers or mobile devices. Examples include troubleshooting, repairing, and installing software.
Software Engineering
This option is ideal for programmers and developers. It includes things like designing websites, creating apps, and writing code.
Customer Service
This option is perfect for customer service representatives. It includes things like answering calls, handling complaints, and resolving issues.
Marketing
This option is great for marketers, PR people, and advertising professionals. It includes things like promoting brands, generating leads, and managing campaigns.
Data Entry
This option is good for data entry specialists. It includes things like entering information into databases, scanning documents, and transcribing audio files.
Writing
This option is perfect if you write articles, blogs, books, or other content. It includes things like editing, proofreading, and copywriting.
Social Media Marketing
This option is perfect for social media marketers. It includes things like posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Public Relations
This option is ideal if you work in public relations. It includes things like pitching stories to journalists, writing press releases, and managing crisis communications.
How Can I Use LinkedIn To Benefit My Career?
LinkedIn has become one of the best ways to get hired by big corporations. The site offers an easy way to connect with potential employers and build up a professional network.
Here’s how to use LinkedIn to benefit your career.
Connect With Employers
The first step to using LinkedIn to benefit your career is connecting with employers. You can do this through the company page.
Simply click on the“Company Page” tab, then scroll down until you find the “Employer Connections” section. Click on that, and fill out the form.
This will allow you to send messages directly to the employer.
Find Jobs
The second thing you can do is search for jobs. Go to the homepage, and type in a keyword related to your industry. For example, if you are looking for a job in marketing, type in “marketing jobs.”
Then, click on the “Search” button. A list of relevant results will appear. Scroll down until you see a link called “Jobs.”
Click on it, and you’ll be taken to a page where you can browse all available positions.
Build Your Network
The third thing you can do is join groups. These are communities of people sharing common interests.
They often have discussions about topics such as careers, business, and technology. Joining these groups could help you make connections with people in your field.
Use Your Profile
Your profile is also a place where you can show off your skills and experience. Add links to your website, blog, portfolio, and any other online resources you want to promote.
Make sure to add a picture of yourself, so potential employers know what they are getting when they hire you.
It’s important to keep updating your profile regularly. This helps you stay visible to recruiters and hiring managers. If you don’t update your profile, they may not even notice you exist.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building a successful career. By following these tips, and making the most of your specializations, you can start seeing results right away, and take your career to the next level!
