Jobseekers! Be LinkedIn or Miss Out: It’s That Simple.
Five years ago, the validity of LinkedIn in a jobseekers journey was still something of an ‘optional extra’ in every candidate’s toolkit. The debate was still warm as to whether you really needed to be an active and open user of the platform if you were serious about finding a great role in your line of work. Now, LinkedIn is seen as a vital organ for employers, employees and recruiting bodies alike.
LinkedIn is a goal smasher, and achieved exactly what it set out to do: make networking for recruiters, employers and job seekers alike easier and more effective. Founded by Reid Hoffman in 2002, LinkedIn has over 500 million members and is used in over 200 countries across the globe. The transparency and community that LinkedIn isn’t replicated anywhere else on such a scale, so of course, the driving power behind the platform for the working individual isn’t just about finding jobs- for many members it’s a place they’re using to grow their voice, network and improve their personal visibility in a way we’ve never been privy to before.
For job seekers who don’t actively engage on LinkedIn, it can be daunting to realise there’s a whole new social media platform to give careful thought to. But consider this comparison: in today’s social media driven landscape, not being on Facebook can translate to missing out on social opportunities you didn’t even know existed. It’s just the same with LinkedIn. If you’re not on it as a job seeker, then you’re probably missing valuable opportunities, and it’s really that simple.
But it’s not just a matter of being a member. Just as Facebook can go terribly stale for inactive members, of course, it’s the same for LinkedIn. The old adage, “You get back what you put in,” rings very true- the more you network, the more you stand to gain from the platform. Simply being a member won’t get you a foot in any door.
Do you need to work on your LinkedIn presence? Stay tuned for First Personnel’s next blog, where we talk about the value of a good profile.
First Personnel’s recruiting experts are dedicated to ensuring job seekers find the perfect fit in the modern employment landscape. Want to talk about landing a great role in the field you love? Call us on 1800 510 640 today.