Linkedin is the number one social networking site for business professionals.  Linkedin encourages its members to discuss, network, and utilize its resources to aid in job searches and the hiring process.
1. Make your profile “public” so people can find you.
If an employer types your name in Google, your Linkedin profile will be on page one of the search results.  Use this to your advantage and impress them with what they find on your profile.

2. Don’t miss out on easy ways to connect by not joining groups.
Click the “groups” tab and search for groups relating to your career field.  Engage in conversation and share your knowledge with other professionals.  Employers will often times post job openings in these groups and if you’re interacting frequently, they will be more apt to look at your resume.

3. Make sure you participate in discussions.
There are so many things to learn from people in your industry.
Linkedin offers a Q&A forum that gives members an opportunity to ask questions to get advice from professionals in their industry, and an answer forum where professionals can share their knowledge-this is a sure-fire way to get you noticed by a potential employer.

4. Complete your profile.
Your summary is the place to inform people what you do and how well you do it.  Utilize this feature, it’s most often the first thing a new contact will look at.

5. Ask for introductions.
Asking your connections to help you network with people that are potential hiring managers will help you get your foot in the door a little faster.  This gives you an opportunity to speak directly to them and impress them with your skills and knowledge.