LinkedIn is more relevant than ever. It hosts around 1 billion+ members, and for a user, this means unlimited networking and job opportunities. LinkedIn is an essential part of being a successful professional in any industry these days, from seeking a new job or maintaining your personal brand.
Here are 6 crucial reasons that you should create a LinkedIn profile or optimize your long-forgotten one.
- Access to great job opportunities
On LinkedIn, you can search for job vacancies and even apply through the platform. Everyone can search for jobs by keywords and location. If you’re not seeking new employment, you can still set job alerts based on your career interests. LinkedIn will send you regular email updates to keep you updated on new opportunities.
You can also turn on the “I’m interested” button, which will let recruiters know you’re open to hearing about new opportunities. On top of this, LinkedIn will hide this open invitation from other workers at your current company.
Meanwhile, with LinkedIn’s premium account, you can access more information about job vacancies. You can send direct messages to recruiters, see how you compare to other applicants, and gain instant access to salary insights.
2. Build your brand.
Just like companies build their brands, individuals need to build their own professional brands online. How do you set yourself apart from others in your industry? What makes you the best candidate? Why should a company pay you your asking salary?
Personal websites are great for this (we have someone great that can help with this! Reach out to hear more). However, they often come with extra costs and many hours of building and finessing. LinkedIn provides a simple way to have your name on the professional map. Upload a professional profile picture, write a powerful summary highlighting your strengths, and showcase your skills. When recruiters, employers, co-workers, and managers scan your profile, they should be able to easily understand who you are and what you bring to the table.
3. Rank your name on Google
Chances are, when you apply for a job, one of the first things HR will do is Google your name. If you have a LinkedIn profile and Google yourself, you will find your profile on the first page of Google. If you have a website, ranking on Google’s first page can be hard. Since LinkedIn is a well-known and powerful network, it’s easier to get your LinkedIn profile to rank on Google than your website or online portfolio.
4. Search for companies and their employees
Besides applying for jobs and searching for job openings on job boards, LinkedIn offers other perks. Many companies maintain their own LinkedIn pages to share company news and insight, update company information, and showcase current employees. You can get a good, solid feel for a company’s culture and its people by examining its LinkedIn page. These pages can help you ensure a company is a good fit for you before accepting an interview or a job.
5. Tap into industry news and learn the latest
LinkedIn has a timeline like the other social networks. In this timeline, you can find news updates and articles from your connections, your groups, and your company. Keeping tabs on industry trends and reports is both fun and wise at the same time.
6. Network, network, and still network!
Networking is one of the most essential and necessary professional moves in 2021. LinkedIn is the most important networking tool because it allows you to build a network in the best way possible. Even introverted people who hate networking events can cultivate meaningful LinkedIn connections. LinkedIn enables you to build relationships with mutual connections, professionals in your field, and even your greatest role models.
In Conclusion
The list of LinkedIn benefits included in this article are just a select few of many. Still, the list is enough to convince you that LinkedIn is one of your most powerful professional tools. It enables you to search for jobs, build and maintain your network, and build your professional reputation. Furthermore, it is free. So why wait?
Contact us today, and let us help you grow on LinkedIn!
