First Recruitment Group's guide to your next career move.
Handy hints, tips and advice on all aspects of the recruitment cycle.
5 reasons why you should be part of LinkedIn!
If you are a job hunter and don’t have a LinkedIn profile, chances are you’re already 5 steps behind the competition
The world of Social media is rapidly expanding each year and I understand that social networking is now the number 1 activity on the internet. So, if you’re reading this now, chances are you’re already up to speed with most social media platforms. Surprisingly, there are still many people that have not caught up with the social media whirlwind and, as a result, they are missing out on professional opportunities on a massive scale.
Last week, I was a speaking to a friend who’d just emigrated to Perth. He knew I was a recruitment professional and started asking some questions on the best methods to get hired etc. I gave him numerous hints and tips including CV presentation, referrals and job search boards etc. I then asked him how he was leveraging the power of LinkedIn and he looked at me with a blank expression. It soon became apparent that he hadn’t created a LinkedIn profile or ever thought about doing so. He worked in Finance, one of the most popular areas on LinkedIn! Was this a technology phobia? No: The guy works with computers every day. Was it a privacy issue? No: He had no problem adding some of his details. Well, why not LinkedIn? Of course he’d heard of LinkedIn but never knew how to use it or what to expect from it.
Here are my thoughts on why professional job seekers, non-job seekers and companies alike should be part of the LinkedIn network.
1.Networking
By joining LinkedIn you become part of the largest professional network in the world. This is the best platform to manage your professional identity, connect with professionals in your field, research companies, promote yourself, your products (or your company) and build an easily manageable professional network.
2.Searchable
By having a LinkedIn profile you become searchable not only through LinkedIn itself, but through Google. This allows people to view your profile based on their search criteria. They could be a former colleague or even a new client or employer.
3.Privacy
LinkedIn offers great privacy options and protects its members from unwanted spam. Only the people you choose to connect with will be able to message you regularly, and displaying contact details is also optional so you don’t have to worry about getting unwanted attention.
4.Content
LinkedIn news feeds, groups, publishing platforms and company pages provide a source of content for whatever it is that you are interested in. You can follow companies, gaining you to access their latest updates; engage in group discussions over topics of interest, driving traffic to your company or profile; or gain real insights by reading the latest articles from business leaders such as Richard Branson and Hunter Walk. Whether you’re involved in Engineering, Human resources, Marketing or Finance, LinkedIn provides industry insight to every professional field.
5.Business Opportunities
- If you are a job hunter and don’t have a LinkedIn profile, chances are you’re already 5 steps behind the competition. Most recruiters live by LinkedIn and use it as their primary or secondary search tool.
- For the Passive candidate, you may not currently be looking for a new role. However, creating a profile provides you with an opportunity to be headhunted by recruiters who may have that “once in a life time” opportunity. You are not obliged to speak over the phone or even reply to their Inmail (email governed by LinkedIn), but having the ability to be contacted can provide you with an interesting opportunity or business contact for the future. Why would you not engage with individuals that can genuinely advance your career and help achieve your professional aspirations?
- For Business - If you are a business owner or trying to develop business for your employer, LinkedIn is a great place to do business. Here you can highlight your companies’ capabilities and even gain recommendations that boost your credibility.
When I first joined LinkedIn 8 years ago it was fairly simple to use. At that time I was firmly strapped in for the ride and easily able to handle the many changes and improvements that were to come. However, if I was to create a profile today and try to learn everything from scratch, I’d perhaps be intimidated by the scale and power that LinkedIn now has to offer. That said, LinkedIn offers a step by step guide for beginners to help you on your journey, and best of all it’s free!
Creating a LinkedIn profile is only the first step of many. But, by taking that step, you’re opening the door to many new opportunities. You don’t have to be an expert, just be involved.
If you have a question for us email us at recruit@firstrg.com