Ask The Career Coach: LinkedIn Stories

Q. What is with LinkedIn Stories? Is this something that I should be doing if I am looking for a job?

LinkedIn has been testing stories for the past few months in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the UAE. LinkedIn released it in the US and Canada during the week of September 23rd, 2020. For those that are also on Facebook or Instagram, this feature will have a familiar feel. It is a place to share smaller bits of content available to viewers for a short period. There certainly has been a lot of buzz about the LinkedIn version and how you should use it.

Stories are just another avenue to build personal connections and to promote yourself. As a job seeker, it gives you additional visibility. It also may allow you to share more about the personal side of yourself. Stories could help Recruiters and Hiring Managers who are not only determining whether you have the skills and experience for a position but also would you be a good fit with the team. So you might want to try it and see. If you are uncomfortable with writing posts, this may be an avenue for you to provide short snippets of content that can attract people to know more about you. Or, you can add stories in addition to all the content you post and comments you make on others’ posts. You choose. Just know that like with any new LinkedIn feature, Stories will be the new, hot thing that LinkedIn pushes, so it is always helpful to get involved with a feature that LinkedIn will be heavily promoting for increased visibility.

Content is important

So what should you put in your LinkedIn Stories? There are many ways you can use it to highlight your knowledge and what you stand out for as a job seeker. Here are a few ideas for content:

-Go behind the scenes of your work (that could include your job search)

-Showcase an aspect of any of your work product (such as selected slides from a presentation).

-Give tips or advice

-You can talk about a challenge you are facing

-If you are also posting content, you can go a bit deeper into an aspect of it

-You can provide a mini-training on something

-You can ask questions of your audience

-You can promote the content you may have on other social media platforms (or on a website or your creative portfolio)

-You can showcase something fun you are doing

-You can share resources

-If you are at an in-person or virtual conference/meeting, showcase it 

The whole idea is to provide compelling content that will prompt someone to reach out to you. If you provide information that is of value, you should see more people reaching out to you.

So here are the “nuts-and-bolts” of stories

Where do I find LinkedIn Stories?

Currently, it is only available on the mobile app. Stories will be on the top of the screen. You will see your picture and Your story underneath. Click on the plus sign to add a story. To view the stories of others, click on the person’s image. Those that are putting out the most stories will show on your screen. You will need to scroll through the list to the right to see others.

What type of media can I use for my stories?

Currently, this feature supports pictures and videos. There is presently no music or GIFs available.

What are the options available in this feature?

Here is an example of the screen you will see (I made it blank to see the features better).

On the top right, you see the Sticker icon and the T for text. You can add stock stickers and @ mention people. You can type text onto your story in six colors and two font styles.

On the bottom left, you will see a media icon. You can add upload either picture or video. You also can take videos on your phone for immediate use as part of a story. Video can be no more than 20 seconds.

Who will see my story?

Your connections and followers will have access to your story?

Can a person see all my stories if I have more than one?

Yes, there are horizontal lines at the top of your story. One horizontal line indicates you have one active story. Two separate horizontal lines indicate two stories, and so on.

Can I delete my story?

Yes, you can delete a story that has been published. Go to the story, and you will see three dots. Touch this icon, and you have the option to delete the story, download it, or send it in a private message.

How long is each story available?

24 hours.

Can I see who has viewed my story?

When you click on your picture with Your story underneath, if you have an active story on the bottom left, you will see the number of views on the bottom left where you see the eye icon. Touch the eye icon, and you will be taken to an Insights page, where you can see all your active stories. Touch each active story, and you can see the profile picture, name, headline, and degree of connection. There is also a message icon to the right. Touch it, and the messaging functionality opens. You are then taken to any previous messages you have had with the individual. This message icon only appears next to your 1st-degree connections.

Can people reply to one of your stories?

Yes, a person can direct message you from the story screen.

Can you share your regular posts in a story?

No, this is not currently an option.

Stories are a way to elevate your personal brand. Try it and see if it is for you.