Linkedin

[hebangsthedrums]

Evening peeps.

I've been prompted by a work colleague to join linkedin, and I'm curious as to how it is perceived.

I'd long thought of it as a 'career facebook' where people just add their workmates and anyone they've ever worked with in a facebook esque friend haul.

However I'm told it does have its benefits, and one of the PR bods here had their profile viewed as part of the recruitment process.

Thoughts? Anyone here had any benefit from having a profile?

[Monk]

I'd say most people I know who have an account seem to think it's pointless and just leave their profile on there with under 10 contacts. If you use it effectively it's a great way to make new business contacts, and depending on your industry, to be headhunted. There's a lot of recruiters on there, and you can make your page up to look pretty professional.

[Alexikokopops]

My understanding is that it can be excellent when you're trying to find a new job, especially if you're a contractor/freelancer.

My experience, on the other hand, is the following:

Phone rings

Me: Hello, Alex speaking.

Voice: HI ALEX. I work for a recruitment agency, recruiting for a well known European company. They're searching for Insight Analysts and from your profile on LinkedIn you look like you'd be perfect for the role

Me: But my profile on LinkedIn just has job titles, with no description of what I actually do. Plus, I'm not looking for a job at the moment

Voice: Ok. Can I add you as a connection on LinkedIn?

Me: Sure, if you'll stop ringing me

I've had that exact conversation about three times. I don't even think I put my number on my profile. I swear these people are magicians.

[MikeyT]

I'm on there and added all my info, as well as photography stuff, but i haven't really had a good look through the place yet. Maybe i should!

[cambridgefox]

My wife uses it ,and it seems to do her business a world of good,she is a business banking manager(boo hiss)but she meets up with accountants,solicitors and the like and just seem to go out on the piss once a month, then they pass her new clients and vice versa!