As a company operating out of Ireland and serving a global market of 16 countries, we use LinkedIn a lot. Whether it’s connecting with people we meet on our travels or with people whom we are doing business, we make full use of this business-focused social media site.
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But what can LinkedIn offer Responders?
1. Job opportunities - If you’re doubting the merits of using LinkedIn for job hunting, don’t. At [D4H] Technologies we have made the majority of our hires through the social network. If you have a strong set of credentials include them in your profile, upload your CV, Search for relevant listings and, finally, describe your previous roles in detail. Too often one can go to a profile where a job title is given but with no explanation of duties performed.
2. Articles - You may feel your interests are too niche for the likes of LinkedIn, but thats not the case. Whether you're an Industrial Fire Chief, Public Service Paramedic or Volunteer Responder, there is a huge variety of responder-relevant information and conversation happening around that content.
LinkedIn acquired Pulse back in April 2013 to improve how they handled content and make the social network a place “where all professionals come to consume content and where publishers come to share their content”. This has definitely greatly improved the quality of content being shared and also the ease of finding content.
3. Reunite - Joining your alma mater group page is a must. Once you’re accepted, see if you can become somebody’s fairy godmother offering advice to new graduates. Oftentimes, students or recent graduates will use group discussion to seek guidance or look for internship opportunities. You can, of course, use the group to ask questions yourself.
4. Download Useful Apps - LinkedIn has a number of third-party apps - used in tandem they can give you the opportunity to add some functionality and personality. SlideShare is a nice example, WordPress is another.
Traveling? TripIt plugin will let your connections know where you’re going. Buffer is a nice way to share links to interesting content with friends or group. Why not experiment with a few apps and see how your LinkedIn experience changes?
5. Join Discussion Groups - Not everyone realizes you can search LinkedIn by interest (note: interests don’t have to be only business related, there are fun groups too. For example, you can join a group to chat about Emergency Management, Hiking, Industrial Fire Protection, Science Fiction or even Tumblr. If you don't like any or can find one specific enough - make your own. We did! [D4H] Professional Emergency Responders Network.
Remember, since LinkedIn is first and foremost a professional community, you never know if your current or future boss is checking out your group memberships. So try not be agitator or ‘troll’ and you’ll be fine.
To learn more about [D4H] download an information pack here
