Using LinkedIn to its fullest capacity

If you were to take a brief survey of the people in your social circles to ask them what the benefits of LinkedIn are, you might get a wider variety of responses than you’d imagine. For some, LinkedIn is all about landing a new job with the website serving as an online resume of sorts. For others, LinkedIn is a tool for garnering sales leads. And still others will say that LinkedIn is just as social as Twitter and Facebook, acting as a place to share information and observations.

And while all of these answers are correct, LinkedIn continues to surprise with a full host of benefits to those in the working world. According to CIO.com, the 150 million-plus networking website can also come in handy when establishing a foundation at a new company in a new position.

In an article recently published by CIO.com, LinkedIn connection director and author Nicole Williams says, "It's surprising what first impressions can do for the people you work with. You need to be just as active on LinkedIn as you were during the hiring process."

To gear up for that first day on the new job, most new hires are getting their wardrobe together. In today’s business world, however, it might do a new employee some good to get their presence on LinkedIn up to snuff, as well. Here are five ways to make that happen, courtesy of CIO.com:

1. Get to know the company better. The chances are you did your homework and were armed with company stats when you interviewed. Before your first day, follow the company on LinkedIn and brush up on what's new.

"You want to be well-versed about what the company is about and what they've been up to," Williams says. "Visit their company page and look at who else has been newly hired, for example, what their positions are and where they're coming from. That way, you'll have talking points when you meet them in person and you won't feel as nervous."

2. Connect with people on your new team. Just because you haven't been formally introduced to them doesn't mean you can't introduce yourself first, Williams says. Find out who you'll be working with and send them an invitation to connect.

"Connecting with people before you start at your new job is a good strategy," Williams says. "It's so surprising what first impressions can do, and connecting with people before you start helps you get past that month of 'getting-to-know-you' conversations."

Williams recommends finding out if you have any common threads—such as an alma mater or past coworkers—to make conversations when you start a little easier. Plus, looking them up on LinkedIn will help you recognize them in person when you meet.

3. List accomplishments from your previous position. "There's nothing wrong with making sure your profile is full of experiences and skills from your old job, and do it now while it's still top of mind," Williams recommends.

Jot down a list of your accomplishments and skills, and ask for LinkedIn recommendations from former colleagues. "Don't wait until you're a month into your new job," Williams says. "Get what you want out of your old company before you're too far removed."

4. Add a new photograph and alert others. A new start deserves a new photo, Williams says. "This is an opportunity to rebrand yourself as a professional, especially if you're moving from a lower position to something higher."

Also be sure to alert your network with a status update that you're leaving your old position and starting a new job with your new company. Be sure to list how they can contact you. "Some people might be annoyed with you touting your new job on something like Facebook, but LinkedIn is the place to do it—it's expected."

5. Rely on LinkedIn Groups and Answers. There are tens of thousands of LinkedIn groups for professionals, and LinkedIn Answers is where you can pose a question to your network and other industry professionals.

"In your first weeks you'll likely have questions about projects you're working on," Williams says. "Go to LinkedIn Groups or Answers and without giving too much away, ask other professionals about strategies. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll get high-quality answers."