I've been using LinkedIn a lot more recently. Since they updated their iPhone app it has been much easier to access content on the go. I think the groups are particularly helpful to help you stay connected within your sector. If, like me, you aren't currently looking for a job then it's a great tool to build up your connections and if you are looking for work it could prove invaluable.
Last week a new volunteer experience section was added to profiles. Even if you don't work in the sector your volunteer experience can really help you differentiate yourself; if it's directly related to your line of work it shows your commitment and if not it shows how well rounded you are. Of course, all volunteering shows that you are compassionate, socially aware and engaged in your community.
I for one know that my CV is much stronger when I include my volunteer experience and it's good to be able to showcase this alongside my paid work. In a tough job market, with record youth unemployment, I think Gen Y-ers
can particularly benefit from their volunteering being presented as a key aspect of their experience. I only graduated three years ago and am in my second job but there are voluntary projects which I worked on whilst I was a student that are a key part of why I have come to work as a fundraiser - our volunteer experience is what makes us stand out from the crowd.At the same time as this new profile section LinkedIn have also given everyone the chance to show off which causes they support so whether or not you work for a charity you can tell people what is important to you - I think the causes we support can say a lot about us to it's another way to inject some personality into your profile.
I'd love to know what you think of the new features so check it out and get in touch (plus you can connect with me on LinkedIn here)
