Professional Chisme: How to Use LinkedIn like a Pro

If you’re anything like me, you know that social media is the ultimate way to stay caught up on chisme. But what if I told you that you could keep “stalking” your friends while growing your network and increasing your chances of getting hired?

Here are 5 tips on how to set up your LinkedIn, use it effectively, stay in the loop, make your profile stand out, and take your career to the next level.

1. Picture Perfect: Choose a Professional Profile Photo

While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, in this case you very well might be judged. It’s kinda like when your cool tía, who always is dressed to the nines, gives you the up and down look at your cousin’s birthday party–and you never know what she might say. Your profile picture is your first chance to make an impression so make sure you look like yourself, have a clear and clean background, take up the majority of the frame, and finally, make sure the photo is high resolution. Save the blurry, artistic pics for your Instagram stories.

2. All About You: Stand Out From The Rest

The About section on a LinkedIn profile is arguably the most important element to selling yourself to potential employers. The key is to find a unique element about yourself and use it to your advantage. Whether that’s highlighting a second language ( Speaking Español, for example), special skills, or a niche hobby, find a way to stand out from the crowd.

3. The More the Merrier: Grow your network

This is the time when all of the “tios” and “comadres” your parents made you say hello to at family gatherings will be useful. Add that family friend, old soccer coach, or high school teacher to your network. Once you add one person, you have access to their entire network, opening a whole new world of opportunities. Be strategic with your connections, as you never know who could be your next mentor or employer.

4. Subtle Flex: Time to Presumir

Our moms always reinforced the notion of not being “una presumida” but this is exactly the place to do so. Show off your experience and be proud of the skills you’ve gained along the way. Nothing is too small to mention, and any experience you share is valuable. Even the skills you learned from your high school babysitting job or college side-chambita will stand out to recruiters so don’t be shy and show off your talents.

5. Chisme To Your Advantage

Your prima’s roommate got a promotion… congratulate her! An old friend started a new position… wish them the best! Commenting on Linkedin posts is the ultimate way to gain traction and have your profile viewed. Staying updated and interacting with posts isn’t only a fun way to catch up with friends–it could also land you your next job. 

Final Thoughts: 

I never would’ve thought that building my profile and hitting 500+ connections on LinkedIn would be such a thrill. This goes to show that taking steps towards your future doesn’t always have to be so daunting and can often be more exciting than you might expect. So, if you learned anything today, it’s that you can still keep up with your chisme while also building your professional network and growing your career.