|Ask anything (even anonymously)…
© 2021 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
is it possible to "relaunch" your LinkedIn page?
I changed careers a few years ago. Let's say I made a change that would be like moving from accounting to graphic design, or from corporate law to preschool education, two completely different fields. At this point, many of my contacts are still in my old field and would probably have no interest in anything I post, and I haven't even been in touch with any of them in 10 years. I would rather build up a network relevant to my current career and posting content relevant to that group. Does that make sense? Has anyone just deleted their page and started fresh? Is that advisable? Is there really any point in maintaining a network that's no longer valid? I also do not want to appear scatterbrained by posting say, my artwork for view by people not interested in it.
10 Comments
Lesa Edwards
THE career expert for high achievers
777
01/05/21 at 4:37PM UTC
As a LI expert who writes profiles for my clients and teaches them how to use LI, I don't recommend relaunching your profile. If the "old" connections aren't interested in your new posts, they can ignore them or disconnect with you. However, it's important to remember that those people don't live in a vacuum - they have family, friends, and colleagues who may be very interested in your art.
11
1 Reply
Christy SchwartzLead by example and listen to learn
185
01/05/21 at 8:43PM UTC
I completely agree here. I have switched career fields (not as drastic) but many of my old connections now reach out and connect new connections for me based on their work relationship with me before. It's actually been a great resource for connecting and expanding my network.
1
Reply
Marie
16
01/05/21 at 4:46PM UTC
I've read that loose connections are often a good source of job leads - i.e. someone that you haven't spoken to in a while or a friend of friend knows about an open position. So it's worth holding on to those old contacts.
https://www.inc.com/david-burkus/how-to-network-by-reconnecting-to-old-friends.html
2
1 Reply
Anonymous
01/05/21 at 5:29PM UTC
I was connected to my companies recruiter and can confirm that I would get about 3 messages a week from her saying "Hey, can you tell me about so-and-so you're connected to?" so the extended network can definitely help in unexpected ways.
1
Reply
Joanne RosenResume Writer Extraordinaire!
139
01/05/21 at 5:25PM UTC
As a career coach/resume guru, I teach my clients to do a complete makeover on their profile and then start building their network with 2nd connections. It gives you a whole new group of people who may be interested.
In iterations of my life, I was a banker, a businesswoman, and a university instructor. All those people love to hear about what I'm doing now. They also refer their friends to me because they know who I am and trust me. They are great people to have as supporters. You never know . . . you might inspire one of them to change careers, too.
Cheers
Joanne
Reply
Keelyn SebenyManager Talent Acquisition - Boston
66
01/05/21 at 7:32PM UTC
I agree with @Lesa Edwards and @Marie... I say keep your contacts. However, think about this as you would a campaign... Make a splash! When you are ready to go live with your new profile details, publish those updates and make them visible to your network. Send out a post to let folks know about your re-brand. Consider multi-media content. Author your own content sharing your journey. Use some of your available characters in your summary to share about the shift and what transferrable skills make you a star. Good luck, from one career changer to another!
Reply
ChelseaCareer Coach Empowering Ambitious Women
14
01/05/21 at 7:44PM UTC
As a career coach, I would absolutely echo @KeelynSebeny in terms of making your rebrand a true 'launch'. This is your opportunity to start building your brand and becoming an active member of your industry on LI. Your former colleagues will be happy to read about your new endeavors and they will see you as a thought-leader in your new industry. You never know who they may be connected to in that field so there is no reason to burn (or eliminate) bridges. Best of luck in your new field!
Reply
Roz BoltonGuiding you to unleash your inner YOU
86
01/06/21 at 3:18AM UTC
Opening new doors to life. You go girl. Start fresh.
Sparkle & Shine
Roz x
Reply
Anonymous
01/06/21 at 3:24PM UTC
Definitely keep your contacts, but by updating your LinkedIn I think you’ll be able to help grow a new network in the new industry you are interested in. I’m looking to make a career change and by changing the phrasing of my LinkedIn and also proactively searching for webinars, researching companies and people, etc I have started to grow my network in the industry I would like to pivot to which has exposed me to so much more! Best of luck!
Reply
Anonymous
01/10/21 at 4:41PM UTC
Thank you all for the question and the posts! As someone getting ready to do the same, I got some great tips on what steps to take.
1
Reply
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions
Employer Reviews
Foxtel
Be ready to know everything about your job and do the job...
Amadeus
Flexible when needing to take time off, but not the most...
Medica
Many women thrive here! The ones who don’t fit well with...
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Very good place to work. Co-workers are commited in what...
Wells Fargo
If you dont have someone supporting/promise your career,...