You’ve probably heard that LinkedIn is crucial, but is it really? And if that’s the case, what’s the rationale for it? We delve into the networking platform in depth.
LinkedIn, the professional social networking site, has been around for longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram combined. However, it is more relevant now than ever before.
Why? Because LinkedIn has over 600 million professional profiles, it provides an almost limitless source of networking possibilities and career chances. Using LinkedIn is a vital aspect of being a full-fledged professional in any area these days, from looking for a new job to maintaining your personal brand.
Here are seven compelling reasons to register a LinkedIn account — or reactivate an old one.
- You can use its extensive employment board.
What are the advantages of using LinkedIn? This list has a variety of reasons, but let’s start at the beginning: As a job seeker, you may use the networking site to peruse its extensive job board – and even apply for positions.
Keywords and location are used to search for employment. You may establish job alerts based on your professional interests to receive email updates and keep in the loop even if you aren’t actively looking for new work.
It’s also possible to be deceptive about it. Turn on your “I’m interested” button if you’re connected with coworkers and managers. This will let recruiters and future employers know you’re interested in hearing about new opportunities. This open invitation will be hidden from people at your current workplace by LinkedIn.
You may get much more information on job vacancies if you upgrade to a LinkedIn premium account. Send direct messages to recruiters and hiring managers, use insights to evaluate how you stack up against other candidates, and get fast compensation information. While the first month of LinkedIn Premium is free, it isn’t required if you don’t want to pay the $29.99 monthly charge.
- You have the ability to develop your own brand.
It’s critical for you to develop your professional identity online in the same way that organizations do. How can you set yourself out from the competition in your field? What distinguishes you as a marketable individual? Why should you be paid a six-figure sum?
Personal websites are fantastic for this, but they sometimes come with additional charges — as well as hours and hours of creating and finessing. LinkedIn is a quick and easy method to get your name out there in the business world. Upload a professional profile photo and create a compelling LinkedIn description that highlights your skills and personality. Recruiters, employers, coworkers, and supervisors should be able to get a good sense of who you are and what abilities you bring to the table after reading your profile.
- It can aid in the ranking of your name on Google
If you apply for a job, it’s likely that one of the first things an employer or HR manager will do is Google your name. Even sending an email to a new customer might result in a Google search.
Now is the moment to Google yourself if you haven’t already. On the first page of results, what do you find?
Another advantage of LinkedIn is that it can be tough to rank on Google’s first page, but LinkedIn is a well-known and influential network — and Google is interested in it. As a result, getting your LinkedIn profile to rank on Google is usually easier than getting your handmade website or online portfolio to rank. If a prospective employer sees your LinkedIn profile first, it’s time to create one… or update your existing one to stand out from the throng.
- It keeps track of your contacts in your rolodex
Remember that amazing young professional you met three years ago at that conference? Or that buddy of a friend who wanted to work for your firm as a freelancer?
To be honest, I doubt it.
When you meet new people, instead of tossing their business cards in your desk drawer or adding their email addresses to your out-of-date address book, add them to your LinkedIn professional network. Keep them in your contacts so you may reconnect with them when the moment is perfect.
- You may do research on businesses and their personnel
Sure, if you’re looking for work, you may look for positions on other job sites; there are a lot of them. LinkedIn, on the other hand, has a number of advantages.
Many businesses now have their own LinkedIn accounts, where they may update corporate information, provide company news and insights, and highlight current workers. Before entering into the interview process or taking a position, you should obtain a strong, solid feel for the company’s culture and people to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
- It can assist you in keeping up with industry news
When you log in to LinkedIn, it creates a timeline similar to other social networking sites. You’ll discover the latest news from your contacts, organizations, and company there. Keeping track on industry trends and reports is both entertaining and prudent.
- Create a network, a network, a network!
Is it possible to overstate this? Professionals rely heavily on LinkedIn as a networking platform.
You can make significant LinkedIn connections even if you’re an introvert who despises networking gatherings. You may connect with common contacts, people in your sector, and even your greatest role models on LinkedIn.
If you were unsure about how many advantages LinkedIn may offer, perhaps this list has persuaded you that it is one of your most valuable professional tools. You may use it to expand and maintain your network, look for opportunities, and improve your professional reputation. It’s also completely free. So, what are you waiting for?
Is your LinkedIn profile in desperate need of a makeover… or do you have no idea where to begin? TopResume provides LinkedIn makeover services to help you create a strong brand, attract recruiters, and expand your network.
