4.2 Expanding your LinkedIn reach
As you go along, you will want to build up the number of people in your LinkedIn network. Since LinkedIn searches are conducted over your network of contacts, this means more people can find you and vice versa. Another good way to build up your number of connections is to join groups.
Activity 7 Joining the OU Returners’ LinkedIn group
A Returners LinkedIn group [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] has been set up especially for this course. The following video will guide you on how to join the group so you can make contact with the group members and stay in contact with them during the course. You might want to share useful resources, information on employers and interview tips, or just some encouraging words for others in your situation.
Transcript: Expanding your reach
There is also an OU Careers Advisory Service LinkedIn group, TOUCaN, which will be useful – in total you can join up to 50 groups on LinkedIn.
Activity 8 Joining additional groups
Using the search box at the top of the LinkedIn home page, with ‘Groups’ selected from the adjacent drop-down menu, search for relevant groups that match your sector interests.
The following groups are a useful starting place:
- Open University (for current and past students)
- Women in Science, Engineering & Technology
- STEM Returners.
If you haven’t yet got an up to date CV you can build your CV at LinkedIn Labs using the information you have put into your profile. This site allows you to choose from different templates and formats. It’s a good idea to start working on your CV at the same time as your LinkedIn profile. Later on in the course, you’ll return to your CV and look at optimising it for particular job opportunities.