I Ignored LinkedIn for Years—Big Mistake
People get jobs on LinkedIn, but I didn't understand that for a long time. When the whole world shifted into running digitally in 2020, I didn't exactly catch on with the train. So things like X, LinkedIn and others that gained more activity—I wasn't even existing on them. But for a long time now, I immersed myself in many of these spaces to learn and see how things are done there.
There's something entirely different about LinkedIn. It's so not like the others. Generally, people are way more serious there than pretty much anywhere else. I don't go there to randomly find weird and unwelcome things, or trashy posts in general. People are either building, sharing useful knowledge, or connecting.
There are productive spaces on other platforms and ways they can be used to boost one's personal brand and/or business. LinkedIn is just king in that regard.
"Your network is your net worth" is taken literally on LinkedIn. And that's how so many people have covered a lot of miles on their journey to success. People define success differently, but at the very least, connections go a long way. All those people that say they're self-made whatever—God knows you've had people come through for you along the way somehow.
Interestingly, some companies and businesses request LinkedIn profile links from job applicants. It's almost like the way Devs are asked their GitHub profiles so learn a little more about them from their public repos and all.
Before enlightenment on the power of networking and portfolios and whatnot, my LinkedIn profile was nothing to write about. When I saw what others had out there, I looked at mine and knew that I wouldn't even take me seriously with what I had. It's not comparing oneself to others but looking at standards and measuring up. So I took action to revamp my profile.
Thankfully, I knew my way around Canva well. I whipped it up and spun a few things for my display photo and background image. I wanted something minimalist and professional yet visually appealing. In matter of time, I had those arranged and uploaded them.
The next thing was to put out information about my experiences and skills and write up something good enough for an about page. Looking around at what professionals do, I put out something real good soon enough. I wasn't about to try to be perfectionist this time and stall forever... again.
To my surprise, these little changes were not so little after all. To say the least, it became easier to get job interviews and present myself professionally.
But beyond making connections and having a professional profile on LinkedIn, there's much to gain by just being there. Rather than doomscroll, watching funny babies on other social spaces, I could do a similar thing on LinkedIn, but the result is always very different. I would have learned more, become more inspired, or even unlocked new insights to refine my ambitions and goals with. I found some of the books I have now read there, in fact.
People say there's a lot of intimidation on LinkedIn. I think it depends on how you see it. People have their different paths, but being in such an environment helps remind oneself of what's heights that are attainable. But I'm curious, though: what do you think about LinkedIn?
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It seems I also need to create a account in LinkedIn. My professors said about it several times but I never felt it necessary. I should give it a try.
Okay, man. Give it a try, then. I'm surprised your profs actually suggest it.
Oh wow!
I've heard a lot about LinkedIn. I first learned about it from a friend who's into graphics and design. She helped me create an account, but it was just so boring at first. Many of the posts were boring, like everyone was trying to show off their good English😁. I think that's because I was reading some newbies who paraphrased their work with AI.
Recently, though, I've been reading great content on there—like super great content. I'm even thinking of opening another account, learn how to create a good portfolio, and start something new😊
Hahaha 😀 I also feel those people are just showing off but you know, one shouldn't conclude. These are people who are finding their ways there, who knows, we might just be like them.
I agree with you. Only that I was very new to their system at the time.
Having been on Hive for a while, I felt somehow reading posts with big English everywhere 😁.
I'm not judging them, who knows, I might start using more formal English too when I get there:)
Sure, you will. Those on LinkedIn, too learnt how to. So, why won't you and I learn, also?
You should go for it, then! The posts there can be very different indeed, and perhaps boring to some others, but it really depends on the kinds of people you want to follow and their content. But who knows? You might land clients or something with a well-built profile. Your dp here is a great start.
Thank you!
I'm among those people who see LinkedIn as an intimidation thing, Jay. That place, sometimes, I feel like, "Would I be able to get something good here?" I just scroll through people's posts and reading different milestones of how LinkedIn helped them achieve this...and that..the list goes on.
LinkedIn is a good place to get jobs but if you aren't strong, you might just give up. For me, I don't know if I would be able to fit in that place. Maybe someday, I'd revamp my page there, too and perhaps be serious.
There's a lot of good there. Again, it's how you choose to see it. There's a dev lady I admire -- Adora Nwodo -- and she just announced her fifth book on there (in three years). That's really inspiring to me. People are mostly professional there, which I like to be in such environment sometimes.
Someday, maybe. Do you have an account, though?
Yes, I do have an account there. Someday when I have the time, I would dust the account off.
I still don't have LinkedIn. I have been thinking for years about opening one, but as I do an unofficial job, it never seemed necessary, although I know how important it is.
You said it right: it's better to spend time on LinkedIn and build connections rather than spend time on other social media.
A job is some form of experience regardless. But you do you, of course.