To LinkedIn or Not LinkedIn? That is the question….

A question I’m often asked, and the simple answer is it depends on what type of job you’re looking for.  

For example, if you’re a nurse it’s unlikely you’ll be looking on LinkedIn for your next career move.  If, however, the job market you are interested in is an office environment then yes, I’d recommend creating a profile on LinkedIn.

Having made that decision, do you include a photo?

I recommend including a photo, but as always it is a personal choice.  It can help to put a face to a name.  A prospective employer is likely to look you up on LinkedIn, there’s no getting away from that, you may not like it, but it’s almost certainly going to happen. Same as you are likely to look up your employer and/or interviewer when doing your interview research.  A photo should be friendly and professional i.e. not sitting on a beach or drinking beer at a bar, unless of course you’re planning on working in the drinks industry.  Use your judgement.

What should be contained in a profile?

Essentially, it’s a shorter, less specific version of your CV.  A personal statement to begin with – what are the skills and attributes you are offering. Followed by your employment history including dates and a brief synopsis of what your main responsibilities are/were.  Some of the common CV mistakes also apply to LinkedIn take a look here

And remember to keep it updated as you change jobs, and your skills and attributes change

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