To Be or Not To Be (on LinkedIn)

By Huseyin Akten

LinkedIn; it is not an option anymore!

Yes, there are still people out there that don’t use social media, I know that! There are still people who don’t know how to use a computer and they don’t care!

But we are not them, we are professionals! If we are talking business here; social media, particularly LinkedIn, is not an option anymore but a big must!

For professionals, regardless if you have a job or not, LinkedIn is the key to a successful career. Employed professionals can always benefit from the ever-expanding network of people, with the ability of reaching professionals with very unique knowledge or skills.

For example, if your company is moving into a new field, from manufacturing protective covers to making outdoor tents, the easiest and fastest way to reach the people that you are going to need during the process is LinkedIn. Via LinkedIn, you can search for people who are exeperienced outdoor enthusiasts to get an idea what makes the best tent. Or, you can add marketing on top of that and you will reach people who probably knows the best channels to market those new products to consumers.

And, for professionals who are not currently employed, LinkedIn is definitely the tool that you want to use. You do not have to throw out your old resume yet, but if you want to get the job that you want, LinkedIn is your best bet. LinkedIn has been described as a free online resume that never sleeps, so you should take that into account; create a strong profile, and start networking, that is where the job is going to come from.

According to a research, 21-29 is the second least populated age group on LinkedIn and that is why a lot of college professors are encouraging their students to start using LinkedIn. By using LinkedIn, young professionals can differentiate themselves from the rest of the crowd and start networking with their college friends, professors and faculty members. Staying in touch with your professional contacts and being easily found by other professionals will sure help you get a job faster than others.

For others, who are already in the middle of their careers, late is better than never, instead of resisting the change, embrace it, and see yourself climbing up your career ladder faster than ever.

#linkedin #resume #cv #networking