4 LinkedIn tips and tricks

Tip #1: Optimize for Search: Strategically deploy keywords throughout your profile. Become familiar with the industry-specific terminology that professionals use to describe traits, position titles and skills in your field. Then decide which keywords resonate with the people who might hire you for the right kind of job that you'd like.

Tip #2: Keep Your Profile Current: If you've grown in your career and acquired a distinctly specialized background, you may need to sell yourself as a candidate by emphasizing a different skill-set than the one that got you hired years ago. Seek out recommendations and share projects that reflect your current level of expertise and accomplishments while letting go of less relevant content.

Tip #3: Market Yourself: From your professional profile picture to your summary and headline, your LinkedIn profile should present a unified picture of your unique personal brand. As part of your brand, make sure that you're doing your best to display your soft skills and highlight your high levels of motivation. Recommendations are a good way to do this, as are your everyday interactions on the site. Tip #4: Join the Conversation: The more you comment, share, post and publish, the more opportunities you'll have to expand your network and develop your personal brand. An active presence on the site will show recruiters that you're a potential candidate who's highly engaged.