by Scarlett Uribe
I recently found out that LinkedIn was launched in 2002. It’s been around longer than Facebook, Snapchat and even Instagram. But it didn’t start to become popular until 2007 and only finally reached 500 million users in April of 2017. So the question is: why is LinkedIn important? Why should you set one up if you haven’t already?
Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Showcase your skills
LinkedIn is a place where you can have a “live resume”. You can link your work experience direct pages as well as add skills.
- Get notified of open positions quickly
Using your previous work experience, profile and interests, LinkedIn will recommend open job positions.
- Network! Network! Network!
One of the most important things you can do when beginning your professional career is to network and connect with anyone and everyone on LinkedIn. These connections can help you in unexpected ways in the future. Don’t miss a chance to connect with those who can share their knowledge and experience with you.
- Applying for jobs is a two way street
When you are looking for a new position, make sure that you research the company! Not all positions and organizations are a right fit for you. “If the company knows what it’s doing, you should get a good, solid feel for its culture and its people to make sure it’s a fit for you before diving into the interview process or accepting a job” (TopResume).
- Build your personal brand
This is the chance you get to show and tell others why they should hire you, what makes you different and get you on the map. A professional headshot and a powerful LinkedIn summary can make a huge impact when recruiters and future employers search you on google.
Below are some links to article you might find useful when setting up your LinkedIn: