Ok, now I’m going to turn my attention to Linkedin. Unlike other popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, Linkedin (the way I see it) is basically a professional version of Facebook, for careers and jobs. Your profile page is almost like a resume, detailing the places you worked at, went to school and your career goals and objectives.
I have had a profile on there in the last 4 years, and despite getting quite a number of connection requests through the years, only in the last year have been using the site more actively. Some say that Linkedin is the new business card or the new resume. For me, I don’t think it will replace the resume, but I do think it’s a great additoinal tool to have to add to accompany your resume. And of course, it’s great to have to make connections, and find jobs in your desired field too.
My favorite feature of Linkedin has always been the recommendations, which gives the user to boost their achievements and credibility, by having their colleagues, co-workers, classmates, etc. endorse them, giving them an idea by detailing their strengths and acheivements, and how they will benefit a future employer. It’s something that expands on what a cover letter and a resume can’t do.
I truly believe that the site will be a really effective tool for me to have as I continue to develop my career.
Although most of my connections are just beginning their careers or current students, I also believe they will be useful to me down the road as they will be in the workforce and developing their careers as well, making them great networking connections.