As someone who promotes job search tips and practices to students, I am a huge advocate of LinkedIn. I feel there are many myths around LinkedIn I am taking upon myself to debunk and prove why having a LinkedIn account is a great asset to your professional career and growth.
1. LinkedIn is just another Facebook
I get it. You create a profile, pick a profile photo, add people and share content. These are all things you do on your Facebook page. So how is LinkedIn any different? While Facebook is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, LinkedIn is a great way to do that with your professional network. There is a common understanding around LinkedIn that it is designed around a professional, business focused purpose. The negativity that can come from Facebook (politics, fake news, personal complaints, etc.) are not as common. While there will always be that one individual who steers away from professionalism, the majority of users are connected to better themselves.
2. "I got a LinkedIn and didn't get hired"
Well, you made a good start. Simply creating a LinkedIn account does not guarantee you a job. LinkedIn is another USEFUL outlet to ASSIST in your job search process. While many have found success in their job search simply by having their LinkedIn profile, it typically is a time focused process. You can use LinkedIn to network with old colleagues, professionals in your field, and to learn more about companies. LinkedIn is what you put into it. Many use LinkedIn as a way to brand themselves professionally, other to seek employment. Whatever your ultimate goal, you need to be sure that you take the time and put in some effort. Rome wasn't built in a day.
3. I am happy in my current position so there is no need for a LinkedIn profile
GREAT! Being happy in your position is amazing and what several job seekers are looking for. But is there not ever a need to continuously grow? LinkedIn is so much more than another outlet for job search, it is a great way to communicate with other professionals, receive updates, and stay current in your field. You can also be a great resource for those in the job search process. Many students are encouraged to reach out to individuals in a position they aspire to be in and start a conversation. People are interested in how you got to where you are, and you can share your wealth of knowledge.
I, for example, do not actively use my LinkedIn as a way to obtain a new job. I use my LinkedIn to promote my brand, share helpful resources, and act as an advocate for my current position. This allows me to have a professional presence across my professional learning network and also to assist those seeking the information I provide. Due to the nature of my current position with an end date in the future, you better believe I will utilize my LinkedIn as a way to assist in my job search process. Be sure to connect with me and we can grow our network together!
What a great post, and a wonderful argument for the use of LinkedIn. I signed up for LinkedIn months ago while reading "What Color Is Your Parachute? 2017: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers" by Richard N. Bolles. Bolles strongly recommended creating a strong presence on LinkedIn to assist in job hunting. I created a basic profile and added a couple connections, but didn't go any further. Adding our classmates as connections this week has been a great jump-starter, and hopefully the momentum with continue. :)
ReplyDeleteAdd our classmates has already proven beneficial for me! The way everyone shares content on twitter can be done the same on LinkedIn and I have been learning so much! I know for me, my Linkedin has taken a lot of man hours to develop any sort of presence! But it is so worth it!
ReplyDeleteI would say I am LinkedOut - not a good thing. :) Your post was very helpful for myself and the current position I am in. I am not looking for a job and probably won't be seeking employment outside of my house for a few more years. But, as you said, I can still reach out past colleagues, and others that have a position that I aspire to one day have and hopefully make a connection. I really appreciated your post! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post. You did a great job debunking the myths about having a LinkedIn account. I especially like the one you mention about being happy at your job, so why would you need a LinkedIn. I absolutely love my job and the people I interact with on a daily basis. The reasons why I have an account with LinkedIn is to learn from other professionals and seek inspiration from others. LinkedIn doesn't have to be source that is only for job seekers. There is so much more to LinkedIn than what people realize.
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