Is a LinkedIn profile really necessary to secure a job?
I deleted my LinkedIn profile about a month ago primarily because I had a relentless online stalker who kept trying to connect with me and infiltrate my network. This person tried to contact me in other ways too, but I was able to block those outlets. I have been unemployed for about 3 months, and wonder if this will be a significant hindrance in my search. In the 7-8 years that my profile was active, I never got a job through any contacts, and was able to secure only one interview through outreach and after 3 months of repeat meetings was not offered the position. My only concern is that there are a few organizations I would like to contact about opportunities and their primary method of connection seems to be linkedin. Thoughts?
Cyndi Peterson Hash
Recruiter | Dog Mom | Photographer
97
11/20/19 at 6:15PM UTC
It depends. If you are in a field where it is common for recruiters to use LinkedIn then you want to be on LinkedIn so they can find you. If a company only post jobs through LinkedIn (unusual) then you'll need to be there. Essentially you will need to 'fish where the fish are' for the type of job openings you are looking for.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.73k
11/19/19 at 6:20PM UTC
LinkedIn is essential to your job search and is the first thing that pops up on Google. It's your personal brand. Sorry to hear about the stalker. I would report him to LinkedIn and block this person from your other social media accounts. Do not allow others to interfere in your career path and progress to succeed!
Anonymous
11/19/19 at 4:44PM UTC
I think LinkedIn is really valuable in getting visibility and a first look at your resume- I completely hear your perspective, but I'd agree with the above comments that it's necessary.
Anonymous
11/19/19 at 4:06PM UTC
I don't think it's necessary, but I know a lot of employers will cross reference things you put on your resume or say in an interview with a LinkedIn profile. I think Shandon had some good advice about contacting LinkedIn to block stalkers, but if you can find a company that doesn't place so much of their recruiting efforts on LinkedIn you should still be able to get a job without a profile!
Anonymous
11/19/19 at 4:05PM UTC
Hmm, I know plenty of people who were able to get jobs without LinkedIn, but I think it really depends on what the norms are for the industry you're seeking a job in; that said, I only was recruited via LinkedIn when I worked in fintech...after that, pretty much crickets.
Suzanne B20 yrs ins, FL 4-40 RCSR/6-20 ACA licenses.
69
11/19/19 at 2:33AM UTC
I tend to look at LinkedIn as a necessary evil, and I don't honestly know why so many put so much stock in it. To be frank, I don't "see" the whole thing with living "online" behind electrons and potentially getting involved in the drama of others. I figure there's enough real live drama in the world, so online is simply another outlet to "borrow trouble", as my Grandma would say. I would love to ditch LinkedIn because I don't see value in it, but it's the preferred darling of HR administrators who seem to feel everyone needs a presence or a marketing strategy.
Shandon HayesConnecting Great People to Achieve Great Things!
85
11/18/19 at 10:52PM UTC
LinkedIn is not necessary but VERY helpful to keep and maintain your professional network. Mostly, it's a porthole for good information and job posting these days. You can also see who posted a job or who you might be connected to that can make introductions to someone at your ideal company!
I'd always recommend keeping a LinkedIn profile, even if you're only active on it when you're searching for a job. I've had a few stalkers in my day and now it's pretty easy to get them 1000% blocked. They take cyber security pretty seriously.
