Posted on Jul 20, 2015
How important do you think LinkedIn is?
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Posted in these groups: 
TransitionLinkedIn
TransitionLinkedIn
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
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As a civilian recruiter for the past 18 years I can share with you that Linked In is a professional recruiting tool used extensively by recruiters and HR staff in companies. Facebook is personal, Linked In is professional. If you're looking for employment, you should have a Linked In profile page and it should be accurate, current, and professional.
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In general, I think it is fairly important, but not a deal breaker. Resumes can only hold so much information, so it is a nice "extra page" that can be used to add experience and certifications that might be nice for an employer to know, but may not make the cut for your official application. If you can get your previous coworkers and leaders to endorse you and provide a blurb about your character and work ethic, it can only help in the end. Many employers are now using the site, and I know a few personally who routinely check on their applicants to get a better idea of the "whole person."
For some careers, however, I do think that it is an absolute MUST. For example, if you're in marketing or advertising, you should especially be able to market yourself and your skills. In a time where websites, Facebook pages, and twitter accounts are used as a main source of advertising, it is extremely vital that the team you hire demonstrate their ability to properly use the net and all of its resources.
For some careers, however, I do think that it is an absolute MUST. For example, if you're in marketing or advertising, you should especially be able to market yourself and your skills. In a time where websites, Facebook pages, and twitter accounts are used as a main source of advertising, it is extremely vital that the team you hire demonstrate their ability to properly use the net and all of its resources.
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SGT Mike Zimnicki
Employers usually skip over your endorsements but key in on what others say in their recommendations. The important thing is to fill your profile in completely them spend time each week on growing your network.
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TSgt (Join to see)
SGT Mike Zimnicki, good catch! Too much time on RP. I've got endorsements on my brain when I actually was thinking of the recommendations section in LinkedIn.
You make a great point. While I am not personally hiring anyone, when I view a profile that just has the basics, I immediately get the impression that the individual isn't serious about finding employment. Perhaps they're just playing around to see what is out there. Or, like me, they have no intention of applying for anything within the next few years, and are slowly building a network for whatever the future may hold. Either way, if you want that dream job, demonstrate to your employer that you care enough to take the time and fill up those sections. As we all know, actions (or lack of) speak louder than words, and first impressions go a long way.
You make a great point. While I am not personally hiring anyone, when I view a profile that just has the basics, I immediately get the impression that the individual isn't serious about finding employment. Perhaps they're just playing around to see what is out there. Or, like me, they have no intention of applying for anything within the next few years, and are slowly building a network for whatever the future may hold. Either way, if you want that dream job, demonstrate to your employer that you care enough to take the time and fill up those sections. As we all know, actions (or lack of) speak louder than words, and first impressions go a long way.
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Networking is always good and it is another Networking Tool but I don't think it is the end all, be all that it sells itself as.
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LinkedIn is a great way to get noticed. If you are looking for a civilian career it is a must! Recruiters scoure it daily to find qualified candidates. The key is how you articulate your military career and what you post. Do make sure you post, that will help to give you exposure. All social media has one common principle when job hunting, DO NOT post anything inappropriate and remember your possible employer will be screening through all social media outlets.
I have a class I offer free to veterans, for more info contact me or go to our website.
Www.naadee.org
Mike [login to see]
I have a class I offer free to veterans, for more info contact me or go to our website.
Www.naadee.org
Mike [login to see]
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TSgt (Join to see)
SGT Mike Zimnicki thanks for the info! I will be saving your website and contact info for our younger Airmen who are currently deciding whether to reenlist and make it a career, or to jump now before they're over the 10 year hump.
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LinkedIn is invaluable to my business. Last year LinkedIn connections accounted for 10% of my gross revenues. It also provided resources that might not have been otherwise available to a small business. It is about the networking!
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Since everyone is going electronic, LinkedIn provides a way for us to make an advanced resume. It makes us searchable, but none of my interviewers mention wanting to see my LinkedIn profile. It does help in applying for jobs online though. Otherwise I don't see any utility to it.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
I personally haven't furthered my own career with LinkedIn but I know others who have.
I personally haven't furthered my own career with LinkedIn but I know others who have.
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It did nothing for me and I just received a job offer from a company I wanted to work for. I reached out to them the good old fashion way....a hiring event.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
I am glad you went the hiring event way and it worked out for you. As a recruiter, military recruiter with extensive corporate experience that is probably not the most effective way. I think the challenge with military and you being a senior NCO as I was an E-8 before I crossed over to the gray side Warrant Officer. We are the make it happen type personnel and it is challenging to ask for HELP. Trust me I am not speaking from a book it is from experience. I was a drill sergeant, recruiter and then I hit the wall when I transitioned off active duty and I had to learn how to make networking work and linkedin is a tool not the only tool to maximize your exposure. I travel quite a bit to several military bases and can tell you that is probably the least effective way to engage candidates. When you have more than 5k folks coming through one of the bases mega job fair I end up speed dating and if I find a good potential candidate we have a follow on Get To Know You conversation. But congratulations and best of luck in your future endeavors.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
SFC smith you might want to take a look at your profile and make some adjustment to make you more appealing. Take a look at mines just to get an idea.
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I keep employment opportunities open. My girlfriend has account and several people have viewed it but neither of us has seen anything worth jumping on yet
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