Is Linkedin worth it?

[Black Irish]

I am starting a passive job hunt right now. I'm not in desperate need, but I would like to find something better. My concern is that if I update my resume on Careerbuilder and Monster, it could well pop up my bosses' radar, and it's hard to explain away a resume update as anything but a "I'm looking for a new job."

I've been considering Linkedin, not only because it is supposed to be a good job search tool, but because I could explain a fresh Linkedin account as me wanting to increase my network in the local industry as opposed to putting myself on the job market. I've looked at some of the downsides of Linkedin, including lots of spam e-mails and having to devote a lot of time to it so that you'll be seen as an "influencer." I'd appreciate any thoughts, experiences, and opinions on the matter. Thanks.

 

[RDU Irish]

I think you can have a respectable LinkedIn presence without being the freaking social director of the eastern seaboard. It is good to keep up with your network, particularly less well acquainted folks that you are friendly with. You never know when that can come in handy.

Spam isn't that bad, for the most part the emails tell me who has changes so I don't even have to hit the site.

 

[ozzman]

The one thing I would recommend is to keep your profile up to date. If you're always adding new skills, projects you've worked on, etc, then it doesn't raise the "he's looking for a new job" flag when you make a massive update one day.

 

[Irish#1]

BI,
I sent you a PM.

 

[ThePiombino]

It's free, so I'm gonna say yes, it's worth it.

 

[zbikowski88]

It's free and I've been offered job interviews from new connections I made on there.

 

[ClausentoTate]

I get recruiter emails probably 4-5 times a week. Totally worth it. It's quite different than a profile on say, Monster or Careerbuilder.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Yes, yes it is

 

[Cackalacky]

Yes. I concur. If you update it with new stuff you have done, it is very beneficial.

 

[MNIrishman]

I can truthfully say I would be homeless right now w/o Linkedin. It played a key role in my last job.

 

[Henges24]

Yes it's worth it! I'm in the same boat as you, only I'm looking for an internship in supply chain/logistics. I have filled out over 50 applications online in the last few months. Trust me, if you plan on filling out multiple applications then you should get a LinkedIn because many companies use LinkedIn and other professional based "Facebooks" as a short-cut to filling out apps. All you have to do is click the LinkedIn button on the application page (if there is one) and log into your account. It will take literally three times longer if you fill out the applications by hand.


Sorry I'm not sure if that makes sense or not because I am crunched for time ATM, but I can explain more clearly if you'd like me to later.

 

[Henges24]

You really don't need to be active on it, if you don't understand it, just keep it updated. Just having a LinkedIn is a plus if your future employer can find you on there.

 

[Black Irish]

Thanks for all the replies and information. Looks like I'm going to be on Linkedin. Just when I'm telling myself that I need to spend less time online (ha,ha).

 

[PLACforever]

I'm a fan.
I work for a global 500 company covering a 5th of the United States and I find it very useful.
I'm deciding whether it is worth it to pay. I haven't gotten there yet, but I do use it on a weekly basis.
If I were looking to change jobs, I'd start on LinkedIn, I feel that Monster and Career Builder are for entry level positions.

My two cents.

Oh also, if you are looking for a job in a specific industry, I would 'follow' some of the people who are leaders in that industry.
Try to learn a little from the people who have already made it big.

 

[Catholics_Rule]

I can truthfully say I would be homeless right now w/o Linkedin. It played a key role in my last job.

Any suggestions or anything specific your doing? I'm on LinkedIn but haven't seen any job interviews or leads come my way. Need HELP!