How to Use LinkedIn for Career Women Over 50

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card and it’s essential to keep it up-to-date with your latest achievements, endorsements, and skills. Make sure your profile picture is professional, and your headline accurately reflects your career goals.

Use keywords relevant to your industry so that recruiters can find you more easily. Also, make sure to personalize your URL to make it easier for you to share your profile with potential employers.

2. Connect with Other Professionals on LinkedIn

Ideally, networking is a continuous process.  However, we tend to focus our time, attention, and energy on performing in our jobs, rather than keeping our contacts informed.  If it’s been a while since reaching out to your networks, you may have to warm them up first before asking a favour!

Start building your network by reaching out to former colleagues, classmates, and industry professionals. When sending connection requests, be sure to personalize your message and mention how you know the person or why you want to connect with them. Join relevant groups and follow influencers in your industry, so you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news. Engage with your connections by commenting on their posts and sharing valuable content.

3. Showcase Your Skills and Expertise

Use LinkedIn’s profile sections to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Under your “Experience” section, list your job titles, achievements, and responsibilities. Utilize the “Projects” and “Publications” sections to highlight your notable projects and published work. Adding endorsements and recommendations from previous employers, colleagues, and clients can help provide additional credibility to your profile.

4. Utilize LinkedIn Jobs

LinkedIn’s job board features numerous job postings from various companies worldwide. You can utilize the search filters to find opportunities that match your skills and experience. You can also set job alerts to receive notifications when relevant positions are posted. Follow companies you’re interested in to stay informed about their latest job openings and industry news.