What is life without constant change, and what is social media without its constant revamps? LinkedIn has just announced a new assortment of changes coming over the next quarter to the business connections site.
LinkedIn Stories
Starting with Snapchat and moving to Facebook and Instagram, the 24-hour disappearing stories trend has spread to LinkedIn. While its predecessors’ concept of stories has been casual peeks into users’ everyday lives, LinkedIn is adding a professional spin. Amidst the “new normal” of the COVID-19 world, people miss the everyday interactions at the office and small talk with co-workers at the coffee station. LinkedIn’s stories provide a different means of personalized engagements to its users.
According to LinkedIn’s Head of Consumer Products, Pete Davies, “(Stories) spread for a good reason: they offer a lightweight, fun way to share an update without it having to be perfect or attached to your profile forever.”
Here’s how you can harness the positive potential of LinkedIn’s stories on your profile.
- Share quick customer and client testimonials.
- Post valuable Q&As with experts in your field or leaders in your organization.
- Give a sneak peek into your professional life and highlight your skills and strengths.
- Watch your connections’ stories and engage with them.
Video Meetings
This addition is “classic 2020,” right? LinkedIn’s video update allows messenger chatting to easily switch over to a video call through Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Verizon BlueJeans. With this update, it is more vital than ever to ensure “video readiness” at the drop of a hat.
A Simple and Sleek Site Look
The latest version of LinkedIn will be all about community and engagement. The new site design will reflect this sentiment with an efficient and streamlined appearance that makes it easy for users to find the functions they need. LinkedIn’s goal with this new design is to create a sense of belonging through its site experience.
Searching has been simplified, too. Users will be able to seek groups, content and events, along with the original search of people and jobs.
LinkedIn is known throughout the business world as an effective virtual tool that can be channeled to build a personal brand, engage with other professionals and seek career opportunities. This array of fresh components will continue to enhance the power of professional connection — virtually.
Want to “connect” with more professional development tips? Check out the Professional Development section of our blog!
By Clairemont intern Anna Beth Adcock, a senior at NC State.
