Infographic – How LinkedIn Works

How does the social media website LinkedIn work? After being inspired by Karl Gude’s presentation about Visual Information at TEDx Lansing, I decided to take a stab at an infographic of my own. Check it out after the break.

OK, here we go. I do not claim to be a LinkedIn pro. That title goes to another TEDx Lansing speaker, Mr. John Hill. (I took this photo in Grand Ledge, MI)

LinkedIn shows professional connections between people.

You need a job.  Your ol’ fishin’ buddy Ben knows Jack, they went to undergrad together.  Jack works with Kate at the firm Laser, Otter, Shovel & Tunic.

LinkedIn shows these connections.  When you search for a job on LinkedIn, it shows possible connections at those jobs.  And these connections aid in making contact regarding job searches.

You apply for a job at Laser, Otter, Shovel & Tunic, and Kate sees that You are connected to Jack via Ben. Kate thinks “Oh, we know the same people.  And I met Ben at Jack’s Wookie Life Day party last year. ”

That’s pretty much it.  As long as I can remember, I’ve always been told that being successful, or even getting chances to be successful, relies on connections and networking.

Sure, you can get lucky and get a break here or there without knowing the right people, but knowing people and making connections helps considerably.