Use LinkedIn to Get ‘Inside’ Your Next Position
LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused social media platform used by millions of professionals. Can networking on LinkedIn help physicians and healthcare practitioners seeking to advance their career goals? The answer is yes and for several good reasons.
First and foremost, LinkedIn is a place where you can connect with employees, colleagues and others who work at the hospital or practice you’re interested in, providing a path to start conversations that can offer helpful inside info on opportunities.
Why invest time networking on LinkedIn? Consider how many people are using the platform:
- LinkedIn has more than 900 million members in 200 countries and regions
- 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates
- 93% of hiring managers will look at a candidate’s social media profile before an interview
Let’s look at the advantages of creating a LinkedIn profile and using this platform.
3 Reasons Physicians Should Be On LinkedIn
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Networking – Getting Started
The first step in using LinkedIn is to have a well-optimized profile that highlights your skills, experience, and goals. Then you can begin reaching out to people who might help in your career.
One way to do this is by sending connection requests to colleagues, classmates, mentors, and others. It’s good practice to include a personal message that briefly explains why you want to connect. This will make your request more meaningful and increase the likelihood of it being accepted.
Beyond making connections, consider active engagement on the site. For example, you could:
- Regularly share content related to your specialty or interests
- Comment on others’ posts
- Congratulate connections on their achievements
People will read these communications—and many of them could be helpful connections for you.
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More Networking – Showcase Your Expertise
Another powerful way to advance your career is by sharing professional content. Regularly posting articles, research findings, or insights on medical topics not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a competent thought leader.
Or try this: Get yourself noticed by joining a LinkedIn Group related to your field, where you can participate in discussions and share your expertise.
Some physicians use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to write long-form articles. Here you might:
- Delve into medical subjects in your area of interest
- Offer insights into patient care
- Discuss the latest medical advancements
- Share personal success stories or case studies (while respecting patient confidentiality)
All these contributions can bring you notice and highlight your clinical expertise and compassionate care!
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And Even More Networking – Education, Development, and Collaboration
Here are a few other uses of LinkedIn:
- Patient Education: While physicians should be cautious about patient interactions on social media, you can share general health information and educate the public on medical topics, increasing health literacy.
- Professional Development: LinkedIn offers many resources, including online courses, webinars, and networking events. You can use these resources to continue your professional development and stay updated on medical advancements.
- Research Collaboration: Physicians involved in research or academia can use LinkedIn to connect with fellow researchers, collaborators, and potential research partners, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration on medical studies.
LinkedIn: An Invaluable Aid for Doctors Seeking a Career Change
Though physicians are always pressed for time, cultivating a presence on LinkedIn can put you in touch with people at the hospital or institution at which you want to work.
By maintaining your LinkedIn profile and engaging in networking, you may very well learn about the opportunity that is perfect for you. Learn how to create a LinkedIn profile
Written by Warren Goldie
