LinkedIn- what can you tell me?

bassteban · #1 07-11-2011, 10:47 AM

Just got my second request to *join* or w/e- first was from a guy I do NOT want to hear from most of the time, the latest one is not quite as bad. I do NOT want to add yet another venue for invasion of what used to be my *privacy* if there are no real benefits, but don't like not knowing what I don't plan to attend/participate in, etc. Yay/nay?

MJ5150 · #2 07-11-2011, 10:58 AM

I got a job from it, so I like it. I maintain a profile, and there seems to be minimal interaction with the site. I don't hang around and post what I'm doing or anything like that. I have a really good network of friends now away from the site, so I doubt i would need it again to find a job.

-Mike

superbassman2000 · #3 07-11-2011, 11:00 AM

it's worthless. It's supposed to be a career-oriented social network, but nobody networks, and they are sneaky about getting people to join. For instance, they had somehow gotten my contact list from gmail and requested *everyone* in my list, and the problem with gmail is that they save everyone you ever email, even if it's just craigslist, or tech support or something...your second request may have even been from me lol I am going to delete my linkedin pretty soon.

bassteban · #4 07-11-2011, 11:23 AM

Hmm- yeah, the guy who I *got it* from wasn't aware I was on his list. *Do not like/want/approve of*
Thanks.

L-A · #5 07-11-2011, 11:31 AM

Works for me. I set it up a few years ago and update it when my situation changes. It's extremely low maintenance, and I ignore serial networkers.

mrpackerguy · #6 07-11-2011, 12:54 PM

colossal waste of time for the purpose of networking with the idea of attracking business or clients. IMHO.

rydin4lifebass · #7 07-11-2011, 01:56 PM

I've had one for about a year or so...I use it mainly as an online resume and a way to find other people whom I work with. It allows people to "recommend" you and comment about the work that you do which I find helpful. I actually have the link to mine on my resume so people can read more and find other info that might not be suitable for a resume, like the recommendations and a picture, etc.

**zenrad** · #8 07-11-2011, 02:01 PM

Recruiters look there for references and recommendations these days. I send the link to my page along with a resume, and when someone asked for references for my last job I pointed them to my LinkedIN profile and my recommendations from former managers, etc. It worked out very well for me, I've been a member since it started years ago. These are changing times and it's almost necessary to keep an online presence when looking for a job these days. It's very simple to not allow it to scan your email addresses or to reject requests from folks you may not know.

WorkinOnIt · #9 07-11-2011, 02:50 PM

- If you are job-hunting, you should be on LinkedIn.

- If you are feeling safe in your job, then you could still join and give recommendations for your current/past work associates. (If you feel they deserve it.

)

- If you work in an industry that utilizes recruiters, you REALLY should be on LinkedIn.

It is essentially an online rolodex of professional connections you have made along the way in your career. There are other features as well of course. A "join my network" request might look similar to a "friend" request, but it is nothing like FB. FB is for social contacts. LinkedIn is for professional contacts.

tplyons · #10 07-11-2011, 06:40 PM

I love it... in the recruiting I do, I can't recommend it enough. It helped get my foot in the door in my current company, and I know many others that have found employment out of it. I recommend keeping your profile up to date, and recommending those who deserve it.

The people who recommended me have been beneficial in me getting my current job.

I wouldn't call it a "social" network, but a professional one. Very few posts in my network are social in nature, and those that are often ask for a recommendation for places to eat or see while traveling from other field sales reps.

SoonerMatt · #11 07-11-2011, 06:44 PM

It's another place to put my resume online so I have it posted there and made it much more clean cut and open than my facebook page. Also, some of the groups are worth it but for the most part it's pretty meh.

RS · #12 07-14-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

it's worthless.

Lol! Hardly. More valuable for business (landing a job, finding employees and business partners, and promoting yourself/company) than all other social media websites combined.

IotaNet · #13 07-14-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS

...More valuable for business (landing a job, finding employees and business partners, and promoting yourself/company) than all other social media websites combined.

This^ Especially if you are in sales.

MJ5150 · #14 07-14-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

It helped get my foot in the door in my current company.....

You still got the M&M's gig?

-Mike

MrLenny1 · #15 07-14-2011, 05:25 PM

My company just laid off 82 people. Most of them got on LinkedIn before the
cuts. Networking is the only way to find a job quick.
I'm on it and getting ready for the next layoff in Sept. Q3.
Wall St. demands more profit.

tplyons · #16 07-14-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

You still got the M&M's gig?

-Mike

Yep, a hair over two years at this point and still loving every minute of it.

i_got_a_mohawk · #17 07-14-2011, 06:47 PM

I keep meaning to join up. Bit iffy about the emailing thing tho?

Networking is important. Doing so in a professional media is also important.

Certainly can't see it being a bad thing. The old saying of "It isn't what you know, it's who you know" is pretty on the spot!

tplyons · #18 07-14-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I keep meaning to join up. Bit iffy about the emailing thing tho?

I've never heard of this outside of here. All I know is that I don't use my gmail login to add contacts anywhere, since it does save every address I've ever emailed.

i_got_a_mohawk · #19 07-21-2011, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

I've never heard of this outside of here. All I know is that I don't use my gmail login to add contacts anywhere, since it does save every address I've ever emailed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

it's worthless. It's supposed to be a career-oriented social network, but nobody networks, and they are sneaky about getting people to join. For instance, they had somehow gotten my contact list from gmail and requested *everyone* in my list, and the problem with gmail is that they save everyone you ever email, even if it's just craigslist, or tech support or something...your second request may have even been from me lol I am going to delete my linkedin pretty soon.

I just signed up to LinkedIn.

On either the 2nd or 3rd screen of the signing up page, there is a bit that lets you add contacts by entering your email address and password. Doing so is opening up your email account to them so it can hunt through your email contacts.

However, you can just skip that step. And I'm sure most people would (as they wouldn't want to give out the password for their email account!).

OldDog52 · #20 07-21-2011, 08:35 AM

I have been contacted twice by recruiters, solely based on my LinkedIn profile.