Post: #1

I signed up for linked in years ago but never really did anything with my profile and never log in. I don't use it or even look at it. A lot of people these days are claiming that linked in is almost necessary to have if you're on the job market.

Do you feel that's true these days? For those of you on in, has it made a big difference in your ability to find work and network? Maybe I'll start using the site if it's truly helpful. If it's just another bullshit scheme like Facebook designed for nothing but making you another node in their data mining algorithm, then I'll pass.

Post: #2

(03-12-2013 04:37 PM)speakeasy Wrote:  I signed up for linked in years ago but never really did anything with my profile and never log in. I don't use it or even look at it. A lot of people these days are claiming that linked in is almost necessary to have if you're on the job market.

Do you feel that's true these days? For those of you on in, has it made a big difference in your ability to find work and network? Maybe I'll start using the site if it's truly helpful. If it's just another bullshit scheme like Facebook designed for nothing but making you another node in their data mining algorithm, then I'll pass.

Yes, it seems that way. I've had several people in the professional sense tell me "let's continue our dialogue via linkedin", or "I'll connect you two via linkedin".

Post: #3

i get a few job vacancies announcements out of it. but everything is filled with indians and paquistanis spamming the same message everywhere.

Post: #4

(03-12-2013 06:22 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  i get a few job vacancies announcements out of it. but everything is filled with indians and paquistanis spamming the same message everywhere.

Post: #5

(03-12-2013 06:22 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  i get a few job vacancies announcements out of it. but everything is filled with indians and paquistanis spamming the same message everywhere.

Jesus, the IRTs are now fucking that up too??

Post: #6

(03-12-2013 04:37 PM)speakeasy Wrote:  I signed up for linked in years ago but never really did anything with my profile and never log in. I don't use it or even look at it. A lot of people these days are claiming that linked in is almost necessary to have if you're on the job market.

Do you feel that's true these days? For those of you on in, has it made a big difference in your ability to find work and network? Maybe I'll start using the site if it's truly helpful. If it's just another bullshit scheme like Facebook designed for nothing but making you another node in their data mining algorithm, then I'll pass.

Are you hearing this from recruiters? I've found it to be entirely worthless. Recruiters are on there and a lot of job ads are posted so it may make sense to keep a profile if you are looking for a job. Otherwise, it is just a professional version of Facebook, but instead of seeing what people from high school look like you can see were your former colleagues are now working. There is always the chance someone has moved to a place where you want to work but I can't be bothered with it.

Post: #7

Use it to inflitrate networks.

Post: #8

I go to some networking events, and I'll just add people who I think might help me in the future..easier than remembering them in my phone or a business card.

Post: #9

Thanks for putting this out there. I'm gonna have to check it out. I'll be looking for a job starting next week.

Post: #10

I only add people that I've gotten along with very well. It's a nice way to keep track of where everyone is working.

Your profile is basically your résumé. Your present company searches the other job sites like careerbuilder for keywords related to the company. If your résumé pops up on their list one day and they realize you work there ...you're screwed. So be careful.

That's why I feel LinkedIn is better. There's also plenty of recruiters on there that will friend you. It's a good resource.

Post: #11

I just found a new job last month. The recruiter, and three managers that I interviewed with all looked at my profile.

I think it's important to either put up a professional, well-done profile that makes you look good. These days, everyone google's your name before a meeting. I do it for meetings and dates. I think you should either see something good, or nothing at all when your name is google'd.

Post: #12

(03-12-2013 04:37 PM)speakeasy Wrote:  I signed up for linked in years ago but never really did anything with my profile and never log in. I don't use it or even look at it. A lot of people these days are claiming that linked in is almost necessary to have if you're on the job market.

Do you feel that's true these days? For those of you on in, has it made a big difference in your ability to find work and network? Maybe I'll start using the site if it's truly helpful. If it's just another bullshit scheme like Facebook designed for nothing but making you another node in their data mining algorithm, then I'll pass.

Almost a dupe thread:

/thread-7895.html

Post: #13

I've met recruiters on there, who you can always spend a few minutes probing for info. Mostly, I've gotten the occasional, totally irrelevant, job offer. I connect with people I've worked with. Honestly, I'm not sure if it's made a difference for me, but I suppose a company could look me up and see who I know, the work I've done, etc. My industry's small enough that I know what companies to contact if I'm looking for a job. Not that I'd always get one, but I'd know where to look, or who to ask about where to look.

I'm skeptical of social networking, but LinkedIn is very low maintenance, if you want it to be. The response you get will probably depend a lot on your industry, how tight the job market is, and how much you stand out. Certain kinds of tech talent, for instance, may get several job offers a month on LinkedIn, to the point that the market is saturated with recruiters offering.

Post: #14

I think that if you are in a competitive industry, it can be very important. If employers or clients are deciding between paying you or somebody else, I have heard (and personally believe) that a well laid out linked-in profile, with many connections, groups, and interests, can make you stand out in a great way.

I think that this is especially true if you want to get hired in an industry where a lot of networking is necessary (real estate, lawyer, sales, etc). Somebody with a lot of connections is assumed to be more sociable, and thus perhaps more likely to acquire more clients.

Of course, I also think its important that your profile is 100% polished - if its half-assed, its probably best that you dont even have one.

Post: #15

I started a profile and used it a lot before I left for the Canadian Oil patch.

I found it a complete waste of time.

I received lots of spam from other users and couldn’t reach anyone myself. I got more people asking me for work (even though I have no company lol ) then I got real offers for myself.

Compared to real networking and face to face it’s a very poor return on time invested.

Maybe it is different for other countries and industries but I would not recommend it.

Post: #16

(03-12-2013 04:37 PM)speakeasy Wrote:  I signed up for linked in years ago but never really did anything with my profile and never log in. I don't use it or even look at it. A lot of people these days are claiming that linked in is almost necessary to have if you're on the job market.

Do you feel that's true these days? For those of you on in, has it made a big difference in your ability to find work and network? Maybe I'll start using the site if it's truly helpful. If it's just another bullshit scheme like Facebook designed for nothing but making you another node in their data mining algorithm, then I'll pass.

I never even bothered uploading a profile. The last thing I want is my details on the web, especially in a professional sense. I understand that its helping people get headhunted a little more these days and I know some people are absolute whores on Linked In, but for the most part its for people I like to call "business warriors".

The sort of dude who has 20 different one man businesses, the vast majority of which are online businesses, pyramid schemes and franchise model consultancies he got into for free. It gives them a great chance to get in touch with each other so they can discuss their hair brained schemes and "business opportunities".

Some high end corporate people do use it, they tend to be tech heads though who have an issue picking up the phone.

Post: #17

A girl hit me up on LinkedIn recently. We're meeting up in BKK next month (shes Thai). Are girls using this website to meet guys?

Post: #18

i just got a job offer in singapore from a recruiter looking at my linkein profile. Second interview is Thursday. I'm not holding my breath, but could be lucrative.

Post: #19

Any one gamed a Chic using LinkedIn