It seems that the majority of users on LinkedIn work in industries such as communication, sales, finance, technology, and media, but that doesn’t mean that LinkedIn isn’t a suitable place for those in the healthcare industry as well. In fact, over 1.5 million users on LinkedIn are healthcare professionals. Having a LinkedIn profile as a healthcare professional can give you a central place to record your credentials and recognitions and can help keep you in touch with the people in your career network. Moreover, it gives potential employers an opportunity to delve deeper into your credentials and work experience. Here are some tips to using LinkedIn as a healthcare professional.
Complete your profile.
It may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised at just how many LinkedIn users have incomplete profiles. Be sure to complete each section of your profile as appropriate—particularly those sections about work experience, education, and credentials. And remember: you don’t need to include every piece of information about your work experience if it doesn’t pertain to your current career aspirations (in fact, it’s better that you don’t.)
Get recommended.
Reach out to colleagues who also happen to be on LinkedIn and who know you well, and ask them to recommend you on LinkedIn; it’s an easy way to present some of your references right on your profile.
Follow LinkedIn groups.
There are a myriad of LinkedIn groups organized with healthcare professionals in mind. Look for groups that dish up information on the latest healthcare technology, offer an open forum for discussing research and policies, or connects you with high quality media resources. Joining them can help you stay current in the healthcare industry, and it shows others that you strive to stay up to date. Just keep in mind as you join LinkedIn groups that some people take advantage of them to try to make sales.
Keep it current.
Many physicians create their online LinkedIn profiles, filling them with information on education, certifications, and work experience, only to leave those profiles stagnant thereafter. Even if you are not looking for a new job, however, it’s a good idea to update your profile regularly. This will keep you relevant, and it lets people know that you keep up to date with the latest technology and practices. It also gives you an opportunity to update your job description as it evolves and as you gain insights about your job. Other easy ways to keep your profile current are to participate in discussions and keep an active reading list.
Are you pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? At Fusion HealthCare Staffing, we know how to prepare job seekers for their healthcare employment search, and we are networked with healthcare facilities all around the country. Contact Fusion HealthCare Staffing today at 855-537-8353 so that we can help you find your perfect match in the healthcare industry.