LinkedIn, the popular business networking site, has announced it has one million users in New Zealand and 259 million users worldwide. According to Nielsen's Market Intelligence Survey, LinkedIn had 63,525 average daily users from New Zealand browsing the site in October. Despite the 1 million number of Kiwi LinkedIn users, only a few thousands are active on a daily basis.

According to LinkedIn's data, the student market is growing with over 30 million students around the world signing up on LinkedIn. Students have also welcomed the newly launched LinkedIn University Pages which was created to develop professional connections. The LinkedIn pages can also be used search for jobs and universities. Businesses can benefit by building their professional brands.

LinkedIn said New Zealand's biggest corporations and organisations are already on the site. The most followed companies in the country are Fonterra, Air New Zealand and Telecom New Zealand.

According to LinkedIn Australia -New Zealand managing director Cliff Rosenburg, ASB Bank, New Zealand Post, Fisher & Paykel, Xero and Vodafone have used LinkedIn to recruit employees. LinkedIn said the site has not been a hit for everyone in the country based on the average number of daily users.

Despite the sluggish user base, the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGW) indicated that Kiwis were leading Australians in using social media as a recruitment tool. More than 120,000 employees from 31 different countries were surveyed including 3,500 Kiwis.

About 40 per cent of Kiwis have been contacted for a possible job offer through a social media network and 17 per cent have secured a new job.

5 Ways to improve your LinkedIn Profile

1. Post a professional profile photo.Since LinkedIn is used by professionals and global companies, it is only appropriate to have a professional-looking photo of yourself in office attire. Image is everything especially if you are looking for a job.

2. Use your complete name as a LinkedIn username. Some members often add an email address or phone numbers after their name. Don't be obvious in promoting yourself. It's ill-advised.

3. Showcase your skills or strengths in your title page or headline.Don't just place your name, company and title.

4. Boost your bio.Focus on jobs and other projects you think are valuable to potential employers.

5. Create relevant posts.Don't post updates that are not important to your industry or field. Watch out for opportunities to inform users about significant developments in your industry.