How critical is LinkedIn in getting hired?

8 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 4,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

   It is not unusual these days for employers to check out social media (including LinkedIn) when they are making hiring decisions. As long as everything on there is professional, and you don't have any disparaging remarks about a former employer or post political opinions, you should be okay. Especially since the profile still matches your resume. It is a way they have to get to know you a little better. I generally keep all postings on my more private social media (like Facebook) to major life events: births and deaths, congratulate friends, colleagues, and family (especially grandchildren), and leave my political and social views to in-person gatherings of people with similar views. Employers aren't shy about checking out Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, so it's also best to make them bland to the point of boring. Anything you post on LinkedIn should be relevant to your job search and something you would not mind a prospective employer seeing.

2. Kate HopkinsNovember 4,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

   LinkedIn is just another data point for recruiters/HR. So it's natural for them to look at your profile during the process. I wouldn't worry too much about being a power LinkedIn user - unless you're in a business that requires expertise in PR, communications, social media or sales. If you don't use LinkedIn much, then it is a limited data point for them - basically a neutral factor in the interview process.

   Do make sure your profile is up to date. Spend a little time on writing a concise, compelling headline. You can elaborate on some of your key accomplishments in your employment section. Include a professional photo - or at least a decent headshot. Think of it as a second resume - one that can be a bit more chatty and descriptive.

   Good luck.

3. AnonymousNovember 6,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

   Potential employers typically check all social media. As long as your resume is consistent with what’s on LI and you don’t have questionable photos or postings on other social media sites, you should be ok..

4. Tami CannizzaroNovember 6,2023 at 4:26PM UTC

   As a business person and job searcher, we should have at least a minimal LI profile. The critical points for a job searcher are:

   Heading - job titles, industries, etc. - think about how a recruiter would search for a candidate

   About Section - this is where you can speak to the reader about why you are the best candidate, what skills you bring to the table, and add a bit of flair - maybe why you got into your field? Something memorable.

   EXPERIENCE - This section is most important and should match your resume. If recruiters see a difference between this and your resume, they may question which is correct, and wonder why it's off.

   Photo/headshot - something simple. You can do this using your phone, as long as it's a clear photo of you, head and shoulders.

   There are other things you can add to LI to boost your visibility, yet these are the most important and will get you started.

5. AnonymousNovember 7,2023 at 2:46PM UTC

   I agree with everything but the photo/headshot. This reveals the race and (potentially) age of the person. It can also disclose disabilities, depending on what type of background and how much of the body it includes. Those subject to one or more of the -isms can easily be excluded with a simple photo.

6. AnonymousNovember 7,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

   Often companies look to see who you might be connected to that they know or could back channel reference you with. What does that mean? If they see a common connection point they might reach out to that person and without your knowing find out what that person thinks about you. I strongly suggest you have some connections on your linkedin that endorse the strength of your work from places where you have been for at least a year or more. Have peers or former managers write something if possible. Sometimes they will also confirm dates of employment at a glance, look to see your writing skills or check for other variances between your resume and the site. It is often considered a point of truth for many in HR and hiring managers. When you are not job searching you can always hide your profile from being public or showing that you are seeking employment.

   If you are a sales/marketing/pr person to not have a lot of connections is considered a concern because good sales/marketing/pr people usually have strong networks.

7. AnonymousNovember 7,2023 at 5:07PM UTC

   With my LinkedIn profile they were able to hook me up with a recruiter who specializes with military veterans. They actually reached out to me, not the other way around. I'm happy they did, I was hired and recently promoted.

8. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMENovember 7,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

   After working in the advertising/marketing industry for almost 11 years, I chose not to post my criticals on LinkedIn.

   In addition, I do not have any social media accounts. Why? Personally/professionally, I do not want to be part of that group. My personally and professional privacy is very important to me. When a company uses this information as part of a hiring process -- I feel violated.

   Unfortunately, companies use this information in different ways and depending upon the person(s) reviewing it, it can have a profound impact on you.