I’m LInked-out

Question

I recently applied for a job and on the job application, they had asked me for my linkedin website. Now, a) I don’t use LinkedIn very often. This is my choice. I did not want to be subject to another facebook like app where it took hours away from my actual existence to live a virtual existence seeking approval and what not. But I fear, because of the choices I made on LinkedIn NOT TO BE ENDORSEd or NOT to post anything that would subject me to a like or dislike, I may have lost potentiality to be a candidate for the position to which I was actually very qualified for. I don’t understand why in a day and age where all of us are aiming to affirm to not let others opinions of us decide who and what we are, LInkedIn and other such social media sites still allow for a thumbs up or thumbs down or yet even to be endorsed. It is my choice to use my social media as an opening for when I WANT to apply for a job or when I am working for one that is worth going to bat in social media for. I also do not want my coworkers to know and see every single thing I may say or not say and so I use it very limitedly unless to share inspiring videos, or projects but IF I AM REPRESENTING a certain company then technically I probably cannot be sharing much anyways whether it be thoughts, articles, posts because at any given time, those things can be turned against me. Can someone explain why LInkedIn has become the new “popularity” crowd that resembles the “it” girls of high school. You’re either in or you’re out and in this case I am out but that is NO reflection on me, my talents nor my skills and qualifications.

Leslie A Strazzullo · Answer

If you are a business professional, a strong LinkedIn presence is as important as having a good CV/resume and cover letter.

Anonymous · Answer

I concur with Sweet Caroline.  I also know IT very well.  LinkedIn is a professional tool that connects you to people, then from those people you connect to jobs.  Its professional.  I am private on my Instagram and do not use my total name.  I am also private on Facebook.  When they say private its not really private because the actual vendor Facebook and Instagram have access to you regardless if you are private or not its their company.
I think you should take the time to put a nice picture up and get your LinkedIn up to date.  I think with the way things are going now companies are going to be very particular with whom they hire.  If that is a tool they use then that is a tool they use if you have issues with it then you should not move forward with that company.   Good luck to you!

Sweet Caroline · Answer

LinkedIn is a business tool.  Most people share only business related content.  It serves as a platform to showcase your personal brand as well as your company and your work.  I’m not really sure what type of role your in but many of us learn and connect via LinkedIn.  a for me it’s my only social media linked to my professional life.  My facebook, insta and snapchat are under an alias to shield
my private views from prospective
and current employers.

Elyse Shermer · Answer

I agree with the above and feel LinkedIn is different then all other social media platforms. It is strictly professional and especially in 2020,it is seen as a must have. If you choose not to activate your old profile or start a new one, that is your choice but please understand it comes with limitations, especially during this Covid times when there is high competition for jobs. Also, Linkedin allows you to find and follow companies that you otherwise may not be aware of. You can find out who works at these companies and reach out to contacts directly and  proactively.  Linking to other professionals is not for popularity reasons but to connect with new and old connections that may be in a new company that you are interested in. Most jobs are found through connections. The more connections you have the better chance of getting a new job .Also, the more connections you have the better the changes your profile will come up in job searches. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I have a profile but I Refuse to be active on it. I do not want a company that hires 5000 people and a bullying catty environment to have anyone responde, make comments nor know what I do, am up to in the future. I don’t need the approval of anyone to tell me I am good or not good at what I do. That’s  what references are for.  I only ever got contacted from people over seas. I feel as though too much emphasis is placed on it. It is a persons choice whether to reveal all about their life or not and nobody should be penalized for that.

Anonymous · Answer

LinkedIn is supposed to be used as a professional networking site, but I have had numerous inappropriate messages in my mailbox. So many at one point I deleted my account.

After interviewing I realized it is good to have and connect with recruiters and find jobs.

I have since reactivated my profile and if I receive an inappropriate message, I report it to LinkedIn and block the person.

There are companies who look at your LinkedIn profile and even decide if they will interview you if you have a profile or not.

Create the profile and see what happens

Dakota Hugo · Answer

In my experience LinkedIn is very different than other social media sites. The primary use is to connect with other professionals in an effort to grow your network. If you are seeing posts that are only geared towards popularity of recognition maybe you could change who you follow. LinkedIn is not generally used to see what you're doing, but more so to share your thoughts and ideas about work and the professional world. Even if you're not looking for a job it can be a great tool to connect with others in your field and build your network.

I’m LInked-out

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.