The Importance of LinkedIn?

intparent
Sun, 26 May 2013 22:17:59 +0000

In addition to linking to recruiters, LinkedIn is also a very good way to stay in touch with people you meet in any professional capacity. Link to anyone you met at an internship (other interns or employees/bosses), with older students who have already graduated and are working that you know, and anyone else who offers to help you in your jobs search (parents of roommates, anyone who grants you an informational interview, etc.). The power of LinkedIn isn’t just in today’s job search, it is in job searches for the next several years. As people move companies/change jobs, LinkedIn helps you stay connected with them.

I don’t think the OP means HR people. In some industries, like tech, there are TONS of people looking for talent. Companies who want to hire in those fields (either contract or full time employees) often go to recruiting firms for help. I am sure there are a more than 100 technical recruiting firms in the city I work in (city in the top 15 in size in the US).

It sounds like the OP has this nailed, but LinkedIn is for professional relationships. You should feel comfortable linking with people you have only met a couple of times in a professional context even if you would not “friend” them on Facebook. Make sure your LinkedIn site is professional in tone and appearance (don’t list your hobbies…) – it is about your credentials and experience.