For professionals in every field LinkedIn is an indispensable tool. However, only having a profile is not enough, especially for high skilled technical professionals. Careers that are based on specific technical skills and expertise (e.g. engineers, IT experts, developers) need to do more if they're going to get the most out of LinkedIn.

As of this year, LinkedIn has over 364 million users across over 200 countries around the globe. LinkedIn is also the 14th most visited site on the web. The popularity of this site means getting the most out of it could be very beneficial.

Use these tips to improve your brand, build your network and get noticed by recruitment consultants and hiring managers.
8 tips to get the most out of LinkedIn

1. Ensure your profile is complete
This is a must for every LinkedIn user. You need to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is completed before even thinking about starting your networking. On the right of your profile page there is a Profile strength meter, if this meter is not at 'All-star' then you're not taking advantage of one of the easiest ways to get noticed on LinkedIn.
To maximise the completion of your profile, include a detailed account of your career history which includes a description of your current role, your responsibilities, and your best achievements. If you have a technical role then be sure to include relevant information. For example, coding language or technology used. Your profile will not be complete without a profile picture, so add a good high quality head and shoulders image so people will be able to recognise you. No pictures of you relaxing on the beach or kicking back with a beer – keep it professional!

2. Express Yourself
In the 'Summary' section of your profile, write a compelling outline of your career, your skills and your professional interests. Look at this as a lead paragraph within a newspaper article as if it doesn't attract the reader, it's less likely for them to continue reading.

3. Construct your network
Connect with colleagues you know, whether they're current or old. Also seek out professionals who work in companies that you have an interest in and ask them to connect. You could add a note that you'd would like to find out more about their company and ask if they would be willing to talk to you. It is also a good way to keep track of any job that might become available.

4. Join professional groups – lots of them!
LinkedIn has over 1.5 million groups. Joining and interacting with a few will expose you to your professional peers. You will only get the most out of this feature if you participate.

5. Find groups relevant to you and your skills
Look through various groups until you find a few that suit your career. Be a part of lively discussions that are relevant to your interests and build your network. Participating in these group will also gain the attention of recruiters as they search through to find skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

6. Don't neglect the extras
On your LinkedIn profile, it allows you to include any awards, patents, certifications, languages and projects. For technical professionals especially, it allows you talk in depth about the extent of what skills and knowledge you have.
The 'Skills' sections is equally as important as again it is a great way to advertise the skill-specific endorsements and knowledge from your network.

7. Companies that interest you
LinkedIn has over 4 million company pages. Following companies allows you to keep up to date with company news and updates, they may even mention jobs openings.

8. Seek out specialist recruitment consultants
Recruitment consultants are a valuable asset to connect with on Linked-in, even if you're happy in your current role. Search for consultants who have experience and knowledge and who find roles for people with the same skill set you possess and connect with them. They can give you advice on pay scales and information on what's happening within your field. It pays to be connected to the experts, you never know when you might need one. A good consultant will sometimes have exclusive knowledge of vacancies in your market and maybe the first person to be made aware of job openings.

If you would like to talk to a specialist consultant about technical roles and how we can help you, contact Sarah us on 0116 254 5411.