If you’re asking “Do I actually need to have a LinkedIn profile?” Or saying to yourself "Nobody cool is on LinkedIn so why should I be?” Or thinking “There should be a way to get a great job without applying.”
Yes you need a LinkedIn profile and there’s 4 compelling reasons why:
#1 Recruiters live and die by it
I know this because as recruiter - it’s just a fact. It is just the hub that we use beyond our referral network and candidates we already have in our pipeline, LinkedIn is where we find the talent. and it's how we network with talent, it’s how we keep up with who’s new in the market.
LinkedIn is THE recruiter platform. If you want to reach recruiters you need to be where they are - on LinkedIn.
I’m willing to put money on the fact that about 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary tool for finding candidates? It's the reality of today's job market and how hiring works.
When recruiters are tasked with filling positions, the first place they turn to is LinkedIn's powerful search functionality. Without a profile, you're essentially invisible to this vast network of hiring professionals actively looking for talent like you.
Even more compelling is that many recruiters now use LinkedIn's AI-powered matching algorithms to identify potential candidates before even posting a job publicly.
By having a complete, keyword-rich profile that highlights your skills and experience, you're positioning yourself to be discovered through these automated searches. Remember, you can't be found if you don't exist on the platform where everyone is looking.
#2 Personal networking
Not just with recruiters but with: things you're genuinely interested in out in the wider world, people who have the positions you’re interested in getting, alumni, potential mentors, people doing things you’re generally interested in. All of that networking can take place on LinkedIn in a much less ‘personal Investment’ sort of way since you’re not standing in front of someone and awkwardly offering them your card.
Networking is the reason LinkedIn exists and it is the pinnacle, the go to, the source for strategic networking.
LinkedIn has transformed networking from an occasional activity into a daily opportunity. With over 900 million professionals on the platform, your potential network is virtually limitless.
Unlike traditional networking events that might happen monthly or quarterly, LinkedIn gives you constant access to industry leaders, potential collaborators, and mentors.
What many professionals don't realize is that effective LinkedIn networking isn't just about connecting, it's about engaging. Commenting thoughtfully on posts from industry leaders, sharing relevant articles with your own insights, and participating in industry-specific groups all help establish your personal brand and expertise.
This ongoing visibility keeps you top-of-mind when opportunities arise, creating a sort-of passive networking effect. Basically it’s when relationships developing even when you're not actively reaching out.
#3 Job opportunities
A lot of companies don't use the wider job boards they just post openings on LinkedIn. Beyond job postings, if you’re following a company on LinkedIn, you can get the inside track on any/all opportunities they may have. If a company you follow posts about winning new business, creating a new product line, opening a new office… that means they’re most likely hiring staff to take care of those things. This is THE time to connect with people in the organization! Take advantage of current job opportunities and create future opportunities for yourself.
It’s not secret that many (dare I say most) jobs are filled through networking rather than job boards, and LinkedIn has become the digital hub where these connections happen.
What's particularly valuable about LinkedIn job searching is the transparency it provides. You can often see who posted the job, how many people have applied, and sometimes even who you know at the company.
The platform's "Easy Apply" feature also streamlines the application process, allowing you to apply to multiple positions quickly while maintaining a professional presentation.
Additionally, LinkedIn's job recommendations become more tailored to your skills and interests over time, creating a personalized job search experience that traditional job boards simply can't match.
By regularly updating your profile and engaging with content in your industry, you're signaling to hiring managers and recruiters that you're an active, engaged candidate worth consideration, even for positions that haven't been publicly advertised yet.
#4 General information and learning
You can do the formal LinkedIn learning - which includes online courses for everything from software to management skills. You can also watch videos that recruiters, HR reps and companies are posting. You can watch inspirational talks that people post.
You can also keep an eye on what people who inspire you are posting in their feed. Their feed will be populated with things they find important which can give you an in when connecting with them. Does something they post resonate with you? Let them know.
Those are your four big reasons why, yes, you have to have a LinkedIn presence: for being accessible to recruiters, networking, finding job opportunities and learning and development in your career.
All of these, together with a kick ass profile, are things you can do to further your career that you just can’t skip.
It can help you get a promotion, a new job, and create general career success because it allows you to see the bigger picture of what’s going on in your field and it allows you to broaden your network in a way that you just couldn't possibly do one on one, in person at a local networking event.
It is such a valuable tool, that is free for you to use, that I can't stress enough to job seekers and career climbers how important LinkedIn is. And I swear this isn’t sponsored!
So please, make sure it’s a resource you’re taking advantage of.
Once you’ve set up your profile connect with me. I’d love to join your network!
Yours in connected career goodness,
EBS
P.S. Want some one on one help with your profile? Check this out!
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EB Sanders
Career Coach for Creative Types
My Website | Free Stuff | Pinterest
Helping you figure out what you want to do and how to do it your way!
