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Linkedin is where you need to be to discover jobs that may not be posted anywhere else, build valuable relationships with industry leaders, and be notified immediately when new opportunities become available.
LinkedIn has been one of the most underrated social media platforms for years. As other channels like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Whatsapp, and Snapchat have surged in growth and popularity, having a LinkedIn profile wasn't on as many people's radar. But that is starting to change.
In March 2020, Hootsuite reported that 27% of Americans use LinkedIn, up 2% from 2018. Today LinkedIn is now the 5th most popular social media platform for Americans. I'll put it like this:
Linkedin is where you need to be to discover jobs that may not be posted anywhere else, build valuable relationships with industry leaders, and be notified immediately when new opportunities become available.
Everyone is creating or updating their LinkedIn profile now - especially because of COVID-19. Companies, recruiters, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and content creators are just a few people joining the platform. Here's why you need to be doing the same.
Most people fail to realize that you can use LinkedIn for so much more than applying to jobs.
What Is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is an online platform that seeks to connect the world's professionals by promoting and encouraging networking and career development. Rather than humorous memes, dance challenges, and comedic videos, your LinkedIn feed will contain business news, career and job search tips, and company updates, and BTS content.
Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn requires people to use their real first and last names and their job information. This means that when you connect with someone, you can see their full name, job title, career history, industry, experience, and much more.
Aside from being able to connect with other industry professionals, peers, and leaders, you'll also be able to take online courses, obtain certifications, attend webinars, and apply to jobs.
Even if you're not looking for a job right now, LinkedIn can still be used to grow and establish your professional brand and position yourself as a thought leader.
Who Uses LinkedIn?
Anyone in any industry can use LinkedIn. Yes, there are hiring managers and recruiters on the platform. But there are also entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, resume writers, thought leaders, job seekers, influencers, and industry professionals. Regardless of your title or career level, you can leverage the power of LinkedIn to reap all of its benefits.
Most people fail to realize that you can use LinkedIn for so much more than applying to jobs. You can learn new skills, launch your professional brand or side hustle, connect with other specialists or leaders in your industry, share career or professional content, and chime in on conversations and trending topics.
How to Get Started on LinkedIn?
Like other social media channels, you'll need to create a profile and sign up for an account. Once you set your username, which will be your primary email address, and password, the fun of designing and optimizing your profile begins. Your LinkedIn account will include the following information:
Profile picture
Background banner
Professional summary
Headline
Work experience
Educational background
Awards and achievements
Skills and competencies
Once you create your profile, anyone can view it on and off the platform, depending on your privacy settings. Various privacy settings allow you to filter and control who sees your profile. You are able to block people as well.
5 LinkedIn Stats You Need to Know
Still not convinced that LinkedIn is where you need to be to make some major career moves? These impressive figures are guaranteed to have you logging on to LinkedIn to create or revamp your profile ASAP. Keep reading to discover 5 LinkedIn stats you need to know.
94% OF RECRUITERS USE LINKEDIN TO SOURCE CANDIDATES FOR JOB OPENINGS
When recruiters need a talented and skilled professional to get the job done, they go to LinkedIn. By using filters, keywords, and other search features, recruiters can create and view a solid pool of qualified candidates by using LinkedIn Talent Solutions.
If you're wondering why recruiters choose LinkedIn versus other platforms, the reason is simple; LinkedIn is the only place where they can view your entire career history and skills.
And some recruiters will only exclusively use LinkedIn, meaning job boards won't even be used. That's because your resume may not be as detailed as what would be listed on your LinkedIn profile. This means that if you have a profile, your chances of getting an interview using the platform could be significantly higher than using any other channel.
20,000 U.S. COMPANIES USE LINKEDIN TO RECRUIT
Some of the most notable brands and companies (large and small) rely on LinkedIn to build their talent pipeline with the best of the best. If you're aiming for a role at a well-known corporation, being on LinkedIn could give you a leg up on the competition.
20 MILLION JOBS ARE ON LINKEDIN THAT MAY NOT BE LISTED ANYWHERE ELSE
As time goes on, LinkedIn is sure to become a more elite, preferential job forum. In fact, it's already on its way there. Over 20 million jobs are posted on LinkedIn that are not posted anywhere else. So if you don't have a profile, you're limiting yourself to only job boards and websites, which aren't always effective.
Posting jobs cost companies money, and since only 50% of applicants who apply for a job are actually qualified, they may or may not actually see an ROI on using sites such as Indeed or Careerbuilder.
However, LinkedIn can yield stronger candidates and allow them to tighten their qualifications and make screening applications easier. This means they could potentially spend less money and discover the perfect person. Creating a LinkedIn profile could double your job prospects instantly.
40% OF RECRUITERS MESSAGE CANDIDATES DIRECTLY FOR OPEN POSITIONS
Typically you only hear from a recruiter after you submit your resume or application for a job online. But with LinkedIn, if a recruiter is looking for someone to fill a position and they like what they see on your profile, they can initiate the process by messaging you directly.
Having an all-star, fully completed, and optimized LinkedIn profile is the secret to attracting recruiters to your profile like bees to honey. And since your profile is open and available 24/7, you could essentially get job leads in your sleep without having to send dozens of resumes out into the Indeed abyss.
IN APRIL OF 2020, LINKEDIN SURPASSED 690 MILLION PROFILES
In January 2020, Social Media Today reported that LinkedIn had grown to 675 million users, with record engagement being recorded during the last few months of 2019. Merely 3 months later, it had amassed 15 million more users as people flocked to the platform after job loss and unemployment due to COVID-19.
More users and more profiles means access to more opportunities, more people to connect with, and a better chance at standing out than other candidates. And even if you're not looking for a job right now, LinkedIn can still be used to grow and establish your professional brand and position yourself as a thought leader.
Most experts are estimating that LinkedIn will continue to grow now that people are realizing its benefits and advantages. To increase your weekly searches and profile views, you'll need to be active and post regularly. For posting ideas, check out the Thompson Resume Writing Co. 120 day LinkedIn posting calendar.
What are you waiting for?
Reading everything above should have you logging into LinkedIn to create a profile or get your existing one revamped ASAP.
The longer you delay getting started on LinkedIn, the longer you let opportunities and connections that could change your life and career pass you by. Yes, there may be a learning curve. Yes, it will take some time to grow and get the hang of the platform.
But it'll be worth it in the long run when you get messages from recruiters about an exclusive job, meet a leader in your industry that can help you with your professional development, or connect with someone who works for a company on your targeted list. So what are you waiting for? Go update or create your LinkedIn profile - now!
Tamika Thompson is a full-time Digital Marketing Leader by day, and a master resume writer by night and on the weekends. Since starting her resume writing business, Thompson Resume Writing Co. (formerly known as MCM Professional Resume Writing Services), she has helped over 600 job seekers land jobs at Fortune 500 companies with targeted, customized resumes that portray their value. Connect with Tamika.
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