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.
Truman State University uses LinkedIn to connect students with alumni. It also provides a great database to research companies and organizations.
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, resumes, and other contact information.
By registering on LinkedIn or using the LinkedIn website, you are agreeing to LinkedIn’s Terms of Service:
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 unwelcome 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. Also, join the Truman State University Alumni group to make connections.
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. This is a great resource for your own professional development.
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.
Create a LinkedIn badge for members to post on their external sites.
Additional resources
Visit the LinkedIn Learning Center to learn more about how to use LinkedIn’s features.
More tips to enrich your LinkedIn experience.