If your job involves connecting with other professionals or businesses, then you're probably already using LinkedIn to help manage your professional network. If not, there's no time like the present. LinkedIn is the ultimate social networking tool for professionals.

Since networking is one of the most important elements of any job search, it therefore follows that LinkedIn is a tremendous job searching tool as well. It allows you to see profiles of anyone else on LinkedIn, and gives you ways to connect with them. If you'd like to join my network, you can view my profile here.

Set up your profile then reach out via all channels (twitter, your blog, import email contacts, etc). Once you're connected to the people you know, you can then ask them to introduce you to others in their network. That's a powerful tool if that job opening is at a company in your network.

Other ways to use LinkedIn in your job search:

Job Postings - The most obvious way to use LinkedIn is to search their job openings. LinkedIn has its own postings, most of which are usually high quality, professional jobs. Then it also allows you to expand your search into SimplyHired's aggregated search results. Tip: use LinkedIn's advanced search function to do a zip code radius search.

Company Search - You can use LinkedIn to do research on a company you are interested in. Search for the company, and find people you know who are connected to other who work at the company. Then ask your personal contact to connect you.

Email - Use LinkedIn's email system to keep your network informed of your job search status. Send an email with links to your profile, personal website, portfolio, etc to your network when you're first laid off. Ask them for help or people they could put you in touch with. This has resulted in good leads for me.

Applications - A relatively new feature in LinkedIn is the ability to add 'widgets' or applications to your profile. Have a presentation on Google Documents or Slideshare? Add that. Use the Box.net application to post example documents or white-papers that would aid in showing your expertise.

Blog Link - One of the more powerful aplications on LinkedIn provies the ability to link your blog posts to your profile. Every time you post a new blog post, it will update on your profile. This is a great way to showcase your expertise.

Answers - If you have experience in an area, there are likely others on LinkedIn who can benefit from it. Answers let's you ask and answer questions to help others. Another great way to showcase your expertise.

Groups - Last but not least, is Groups. Join some active groups that relate to your career and industry. Even better, join inactive groups and make them active again with your contribution. There are also regional groups that will allow you to keep an eye on events and networking opportunities in your area.

Tags: linkedin, social+media, socialmedia, job, career, resume, online+cv, job+search, social+networking