Launched just 11 years ago in May of 2003,LinkedIn today is a career tool equally (some will argue more) important to a resume and critical to maintaining a competitive edge.
Whether you are looking for work, looking to network, looking to better position yourself or your company, LinkedIn is the place to be. From a networking and best practices sharing perspective – I would argue there is no better platform.
Still have your doubts? The stats are clear about who has signed up to date:
- 313 million subscribers in over 200 countries and territories.
- Executives from ALL 2013 Fortune 500s
- 94% of Fortune 100 talent solution professionals
- More than 3 million companies
- More than 2.1 million LinkedIn groups with members sharing insights and knowledge
As an executive resume writer, I’ve heard most of the arguments as to why an updated LinkedIn profile isn’t necessary. I disagree wholeheartedly – here’s why:
I Have a Job
Perhaps one of the biggest myths about LinkedIn is that it is only for job seekers. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If you are looking to promote your product, service or company either in the U.S. or globally, no professional online network has the sheer volume of membership. In fact, I would argue the case that it would be bad for your company for you NOT to be on LinkedIn.
I Don’t Want my Company to Know I’m Looking
To beat a dead horse, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for sharing best practices and expanding your network. Being on LinkedIn should not, therefore, send up a red flag that you are on the hunt, but rather that you are taking advantage of today’s technology to expand your professional reach.
Still worried about what your boss might think? Take advantage of LinkedIn’s privacy features that allow your profile to remain anonymous when you are searching, or that limit who sees what you’ve updated.
I Have More than One Job and Don’t Want to Make Two Profiles
Have a day job and moonlight as a freelancer? Launching a side business while still paying the bills with your 9-to-5 job? Don’t limit your profile because you are industrious.
Use the summary section of your profile to highlight that you are entrepreneurial and a jack-of-all trades. Direct people to where and how they should contact you to learn more.
Don’t Miss the Boat!
Professionals are signing up to join LinkedIn at a rate of more than two new members per second. Don’t miss the boat – make sure you’re one of them!