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Feb 28, 2012

A Word to Professionals: LinkedIn



Linkedin has become a very popular form of social networking over the past year. This form of networking allows you to connect virtually with everyone you have ever worked for. An interesting aspect of Linkedin is that your previous employees, or even bosses, can write a recommendation on your profile to show off your potential in the workforce. Many people believe that Linkedin is becoming the "Facebook" of professionals, in the sense that you are able to personalize your own profile but yet have nothing but your work experience and skills on it. Also, most recently, I personally applied for an internship with Blizzard Entertainment in which I was asked to provide my Linkedin profile address if it was applicable. What this proved to me was that more businesses today want to see more than just a basic resume and cover letter. They want to see an in-depth look about who you are, what you like, and what you are good at. From a networking aspect, you're able to connect with people that you may not personally know, but they are familiar with someone you have worked with. With this perspective, you are able to quickly communicate new ideas, job openings and more to a very wide audience.

Linkedin is a great asset for anyone looking to sell themselves to possible employers. There are many groups on Linkedin that consist of individuals from different corporations such as Bank of America. Users can actively engage in conversations and talk to people who work for these companies. This is a great way to get your foot in the door with a company and its employees without ever having to physically step foot in their place of business.

What do you think of Linkedin? How have you used it to get a job in the marketplace, or have you?



8 comments:

Andrew Hatfield-O'Hern said...

I do agree that LinkedIn is becoming more of a necessity for professionals. I feel their is a trend to have just more than you cover letter and resume. I just recently made an account and found it very useful to connect with future employers. Very good article!

Courtney Fedorcha said...

I recently joined Linkedin as well. Soon after, my internship I am working for had one of their professionals add me and I was not quite sure how I felt about it at first. Being as I am new to it. Do companies look through Linkedin for potential employees as well?

richardfergen said...

I have heard positive things about linkedin, such as that it will be a great source for networking when I start looking for employment. I personally have not joined but in the near future I will.

Julian M said...

I've seen a lot of people join LinkedIn. It seems as if it is beginning to get more and more necessary in the business world to get yourself out there. Employers seem to want less interaction with potential employees unless they are able to gather as much useful information as possible on their own. LinkedIn seems to make it easier for them which in turn will make it easier for you.

Social Networking and You said...

Courtney - companies are hiring directly from LinkedIn because they know that these individuals are connected to others, perhaps within their own company, who have the skill set they require. So yes, LinkedIn is a great way to acquire a job if you know the right people. Grow your network!
Julian - along with that availability of information comes a lot of privacy and security concerns. Be careful what is put on LinkedIn as it can help as well as hurt. Very insightful however as employers seem to definitely be transitioning to LinkedIn as a definite source of hire.

Xa said...

I don't have a LinkedIn account but how fast does employers contact you for the opportunity? I understand it depends upon how well your resume is and your experience. Well I will probably have to try it myself....
But thanks for the information.

Social Networking and You said...

Xa, I personally do not have a LinkedIn account so I am unaware of the reply rate from potential employers. I will look into this matter and reply as soon as I get the appropriate answer.

Social Networking and You said...

Xa - employers will not necessarily contact you about an opportunity even if they do see your profile. They will only contact you if they see that your skills match a skill set that they are looking for and recruiting for at that point in time. Unfortunately, not everyone has the perfect profile, thus employers may never contact you, or they may take weeks to pare down candidates. It really depends on how much you network and make yourself available, and whether or not employers are looking at your profile.