Is LinkedIn a helpful social media tool?
A simple Google search will give a near-unanimous answer: yes. LinkedIn is the social media most often used when it comes to professional networking, getting jobs, and finding employees. “LinkedIn is a social media site used almost exclusively for building professional relations. It is a professional networking site that has become a widely recognized tool since its launch in 2003. According to its website, as of June 13, 2013, professionals are joining LinkedIn at a rate of approximately two new members per second throughout 200 countries” (qtd. in Zide et al.). While LinkedIn may not be the best choice for keeping friends updated on your personal life, it certainly seems to be the hot pick for keeping potential employees updated on your professional life. Often, when employees are looking into different candidates, one of the first things they will do is look at your LinkedIn profile.
Should you use it to build your professional online image?
One online article gives four reasons why you should use LinkedIn, starting with the most obvious fact that managers and employers are on LinkedIn, and use it when looking at candidates for a new job. The other reasons are: your profile will build trust and make you appear more credible, it creates new networking opportunities, and it will help keep you up-to-date on job openings (4 Reasons Why). It goes on to give explanations and details for each of its points.
The scholarly article previously mentioned says, in its conclusion, that while LinkedIn should not be used instead of a resume, it definitely looks good alongside a resume. “It is clear LinkedIn is a widely used form of professional social networking, and will continue to grow as a selection tool in the workforce” (Zide et al.) In a world increasingly dependent on technology, LinkedIn seems to be a great option when it comes to putting yourself out there and showing off your experience to job recruiters and employers.
Works Cited:
“4 Reasons Why to Use LinkedIn for Your Professional Success.” My Computer Career, https://www.mycomputercareer.edu/news/4-reasons-linkedin-important-professional-success/#:~:text=LinkedIn will help you find,recruiters are already using it.&text=Having an active and well,on your skills and experience. Accessed 30 January 2022.
Zide, Julie, and Elman, Ben, and Shahani-Denning, Comila. “LinkedIn and recruitment: how profiles differ across occupations.” ProQuest, 2014, https://www.proquest.com/docview/2084386738?parentSessionId=hn0y05UHnZqAfQLuW6dJP4yq6Pe33%2BXrHd%2F4tSIQR%2BQ%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=11085. Accessed 30 January 2022.