Joshua Coller 
Tell your best story on LinkedIn
Unlike the old days, we don't only interact with one another in person anymore. Companies, recruiters, and job seekers are all staying connected via social media - and they're using an ever-expanding collection of online tools to do so.
Technology allows us to keep up to date with the latest job opportunities, to connect with recruiters and potential employers, and to form relationships with fellow job seekers. Since building professional relationships is no longer just about scheduled interviews and formal meetings, LinkedIn has created a feature to help: LinkedIn Stories.
What are LinkedIn Stories?
The new Stories feature is LinkedIn's own tool for staying in touch and sharing content online. By using LinkedIn Stories, you can post images and videos up to 20 seconds in length, and they last for 24 hours. You can add text over the image or video content and even add stickers and music.
Stories are available to every LinkedIn user, so you can keep up with what your connections are doing and share your own Stories. They provide insight into everyday moments, documenting your professional journey and keeping you more closely connected with your network - all great ways to engage with an audience and maintain your online personal brand.
How do LinkedIn Stories work?
Please note that LinkedIn Stories are only available in the LinkedIn mobile app. On your mobile device, you'll see the Stories feature at the top of the screen:
Stories from your connections will appear here and you can share your own stories with LinkedIn users by clicking the "Your story" button on the left.
Down at the bottom of your screen, you'll see a large button in the middle. Click to take a photo or hold it down to record a video. You'll see icons that allow you to upload images and videos from your phone, adjust your flash settings, and reverse your camera:
At the top of the screen, you'll find options to adjust the sound and add stickers or text:
Once you've taken your photo or video, you'll have the option to choose who you share it with. When you're done, click the "Share story" button:
How are LinkedIn Stories different from other social media?
Most of us are familiar with similar features on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other sites. With social media playing such a big role in our lives, it's important to present your best image to the world. This is especially true when it comes to LinkedIn.
Unlike Instagram, LinkedIn is exclusively a professional networking platform. Think about how you'd behave when you're in the office and imagine how you'd feel if your boss was watching your LinkedIn Stories. That should give you a good idea of how you should act when you're posting content on the platform.
How can job seekers use LinkedIn Stories?
As a job seeker, using LinkedIn Stories will allow you to document your journey, share your experiences, and let the world know what you're looking for and what you have to offer. It's also a great way to share tips and advice with fellow job seekers and build your online presence. It's an excellent tool for showing off who you are and what you bring to the table ‒ to stand out in a way that brings you to the attention of recruiters.
There's also the Question of the Day. Each day, a new question is available in the Stickers dropdown menu within your LinkedIn Stories. By answering the question, you can share your own take on topics, provide insight for users into who you are and how you see things, and show that you're keeping up with the conversation.
Start with a professional LinkedIn profile
In order to use LinkedIn Stories, you must have a LinkedIn profile. If you don't yet have one and need help getting started, check out our comprehensive guide to creating a LinkedIn profile. For some expert assistance to fully optimise this social network, you can take a look at TopCV's LinkedIn makeover service, where a professional will rewrite your profile to show you at your best online.
LinkedIn Stories are a great tool for putting yourself out there; they're a more personal and personable way to connect with people and followers online. Give them a try. The more you use all the tools at your disposal, the more likely you'll be to succeed.
As you tell your story on LinkedIn, let us help you tell your career story on your CV. Learn more about TopCV's professional CV writing services.