Even if you’re a user of LinkedIn along with the 200 million others, there’s every chance that you aren’t using all of the features of this business and career networking service.

Staying in touch with your LinkedIn is probably a good idea despite the fact that you aren’t looking for a job as it will give you that competitive edge while also giving your boss something to think about in terms of your value as an employee too.

So, here are 5 easy steps to becoming a LinkedIn power user:

Step 1: Polish Your Profile
The professional profile is the most important element of LinkedIn. It’s often the most neglected part as well. Even if it is where you display your skills, education and work experience, it’s a good idea to add some personality and most importantly – up to date.

Step 2: Stay and Get Connected
LinkedIn is very valuable in the sense that you get and stay connected with people that you might have worked with, met sometime back, did business with or even were in a collaboration with. Of course, this works only if you stay in touch with each other.

Apart from this, you can even search for contacts that you might have made through email – only ones that have lasting value. Also, make sure that you send personalized messages.

Step 3: Get Search-Savvy
Just typing keywords related to your job search won’t suffice. You have to do more than that. For example, use the Advanced People Search feature and look for the hiring manager or for people who are in the department you want to work with. Look if you are connected to any of these people or better still, ask for an introduction if you can.

Step 4: Join a Number of LinkedIn Groups
Joining LinkedIn Groups is one of the best ways to connect with professionals from your industry and keep in touch with the latest happenings but most of all, they can help you find employment. Apart from that, they can not only help you expand your network but also gain a lot of influence within your industry.