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In addition to changing the ways in which people read, write, and gather information, the Digital Age has changed the job market. A number of online resume sites have arisen in the Digital Age, creating an opportunity for employees and employers to connect via the Internet.
[[File:LinkedIn.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The official LinkedIn logo. ©LinkedIn]]
 
[[Web_Based_Digital_Media_for_College_Writing_Students|Home]]
 
In addition to changing the ways in which people read, write, and gather information, the Digital Age has changed the job market. A number of online resume sites like LinkedIn have arisen in the Digital Age, creating an opportunity for employees and employers to connect via the Internet.
 
Hannah Morgan comments on the value of using LinkedIn. She says, "Reaching far beyond the capacity of just a website for resumes, LinkedIn serves as a platform where people can communicate on a social and professional level, advancing their interests and opportunities in the process.<ref>Morgan, Hannah. "8 Ways to Amp Up Your Career Using LinkedIn." [http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/11/14/8-ways-to-amp-up-your-career-using-linkedin US News.], 14 Nov 2012. Web. 14 Nov 2012.</ref>
 
While it may seem unnecessary for a college student to use LinkedIn, it is important to begin obtaining information about various industries so that upon graduation, the student will be ready to enter the field of his or her choice. Demonstrating an understanding of an industry increases the chances of getting hired. The job market is increasingly competitive and, when armed with knowledge of a desired industry, a student is more likely to get the job desired.


==Job Hunting in the Digital Age==
==Job Hunting in the Digital Age==
:When entering the job market, it is vital to have a comprehensive resume ready to show a potential employer.  Creating a professional image that blends with the personal is one of the major advantages that comes with the online resume site, [http://www.linkedin.com LinkedIn].
Creating a professional image that blends with the personal image is one of the major advantages that the online networking site [http://www.linkedin.com LinkedIn] has to offer. Through LinkedIn, prospective and current employers and their employees can connect with each other. This creates an opportunity to build a network, which is a vital part of obtaining and maintaining a successful career.


==Professional and Social Connectivity==
==Professional and Social Connectivity==
:According to [http://www.mashable.com mashable.com], "The social network for professionals has been growing at a rate of 10-15 million users per quarter.As of November, the site boasts over 187 million members. While this may seem like an overwhelming amount of users, LinkedIn can be seen as a close-knit online community when compared with the amount of users on Facebook and Twitter (over a billion each).  
According to Seth Fiegerman,<ref> Fiegerman, Seth. "LinkedIn Now Has 187 Million Members." Mashable. [http://www.mashable.com Mashable], Inc., 1 Nov 2012. Web. 3 Nov 2012.</ref> "The social network for professionals has been growing at a rate of 10-15 million users per quarter."As of November, the site boasts over 187 million members. While this may seem like an overwhelming amount of users, LinkedIn is a close-knit online community when compared with the amount of users on Facebook and Twitter (over a billion each). Unlike other social media sites, LinkedIn has a targeted membership: professional individuals and people who are ready to enter the professional job market.  
===Benefits of LinkedIn===
===[http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=what_is_linkedin&trk=hb_what What is Linked In?]<ref>"What is LinkedIn?" [http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=what_is_linkedin&trk=hb_what LinkedIn]. LinkedIn Corporation, Inc., nd, Web. 1 Nov 2012. </ref> ===
The LinkedIn site says that creating an account gives the individual an opportunity to
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* "Re-connect [with] past and present colleagues and classmates."
<center>©LinkedIn Corporation</center>
* "Power your career" by discovering "inside connections when you're looking for a new job or business opportunity.
 
* "Get answers" by taking advantage of the "industry experts willing to share advice."
==Features==
===Contact Plug-In===
LinkedIn bought Rapportive<ref> Boulton, Clint. "LinkedIn Buys Rapportive Gmail Contact Plug-In." [http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Messaging-and-Collaboration/LinkedIn-Buys-Rapportive-Gmail-Contact-Plugin-208870/ eweek.com.] QuinStreet Inc., 24 Feb 2012. Web. 3 Dec 2012.</ref>, a website that creates browser plug-ins that integrate social media contacts into Gmail in order to increase opportunities to make connections via LinkedIn.  Increasing connections increases a network and thus, increases the chance of getting a desirable job.
 
===Skills and Expertise===
With this tool, LinkedIn users are shown skills related to the ones entered in their profiles. This feature allows users to brush up on important skills they might not have. Taking advantage of this tool is wise and can be quite useful. In the competitive job market of the digital age, it is important to show mastery of all skills related to a field in order to increase chances of obtaining a job.
 
===Groups and Answers===
Employees can seek help in answering business questions by linking with other business associates with this feature. This tool is especially useful for newcomers to business, or for those who are just curious. It is easy to be intimidated in the work force by higher-ups and superiors, and this tool allows a new employee to potentially avoid bothering a supervisor with a question.
 
===Today’s News===
LinkedIn users have easy access to industry-related news. This is an important tool, because relevant information about the industry can be shared with co-workers and superiors. Being up-to-date on news and happenings in the industry shows that the employee is motivated, interested, and valuable.


Reaching far beyond the capacity of just a website for resumes, LinkedIn serves as a platform where people can communicate on a social and professional level, advancing their interests and opportunities in the process.
===Influencers===
The “Influencers” section follows industry leaders. Demonstrating knowledge about important people in the industry shows initiative and shows that the employee cares enough about the industry to find out relevant information about industry leaders. If someone is genuinely attempting to succeed in the industry, it is vital to know who the leaders are because, one day, they could be working with those individuals.
===Endorsements===
Colleagues can assist each other by giving and receiving good recommendations. One of the major benefits of LinkedIn is that it helps build a network for a user. By giving good recommendations for colleagues, employees increase their chances of receiving good recommendations. This helps to build relationships with co-workers and associates.


==Resume Types & Tips==
===Resume Builder===
:There are several different types of resumes, outlined by __________ in __________. A resume must be relevant and professional in order to obtain a good job. No matter what type of resume is chosen, it is vital that relevant and up-to-date contact information is provided. This includes a cell phone number, and an email address that is checked at least once a day. Resumes, especially online resumes, should follow the criteria outlined in [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Good_Writing Good Writing].
LinkedIn's newest feature, a resume builder, incorporates user's information into a resume format. The feature offers various resume styles that fit the user's skills, career field, and expertise. The benefits of a cohesive resume are outlined in [[VisualCV]].
===Chronological===
This type of resume is ideal for a person with an extensive job history. Guerry says that chronological resumes:
* Are popular with recruiters
* Quickly reveal candidates education and experience
* Show steady career growth & experience in field  
* Are not ideal for recent college graduates who do not have a lot of job experience
===Functional===
A functional resume is good for a candidate who has little employment experience. A functional resume:
* Showcases skills, rather than past employment
* Groups skills and accomplishments
* Takes away the negative connotation of a spotty or weak employment history
===Combination===
A combination of the aspects of functional and chronolgical resumes, this type of resume is good for a recent graduate who has a bit of job experience. A combination resume:
* Emphasizes abilities and job history
* Is a good choice for recent graduate
* Exemplifies skill sets targeted to job description of choice


==References==
==References==
Fiegerman, Seth. "LinkedIn Now Has 187 Million Members." [http://www.mashable.com mashable]. Mashable, Inc., 1 Nov 2012. Web. 3 Nov 2012.
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