6 reasons why you need to stay on LinkedIn
Bob McIntosh
?? I’m on the frontline fighting ?????? ???????? ?????????? against unemployment ◆ Career Coach ◆ LinkedIn Trainer ◆ Online Instructor ◆ Blogging Fanatic ◆ Avid Walker ??LinkedIn Top Voices #LinkedInUnleashed?
Even after you get your next job.
It never fails. After my customers land a job, they immediately abandon LinkedIn like it’s the plague. I’m always glad when they land, but beforehand I tell them, “When you get your next job, don’t stop using LinkedIn. You may need it in the future.”
I'm afraid my words fall on deaf ears, and I just don't get it. They use LinkedIn to get a job, but then give up on it. Don't they know the many benefits they'll derive from using LinkedIn when they're working? Apparently not.
Here are what I consider the five reasons why you need to stay on LinkedIn after you land your next job.
Develop Your Network Before You Need It
This is the first reason why you need to stay on LinkedIn, to accumulate more quality connections. Not only can they help you in the form of future possibilities, you can help them if they’re in the hunt.
I have to retract what I said above; some of my customers have been selfless in alerting others to positions in their new companies. That’s good networking.
The first time I meet my customers is usually when they're scrambling to build up their network. They're frantic because they have less than 100 connections, wondering why they're not getting any play. Keep this in mind, I advise them. Be smarter the next time.
Payment Card Industry Program Coordinator
8 年THE most valuable lesson I learned during my recent job searches is to NURTURE MY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK! While in seek mode, with the support of those who walked before me, I learned how to use the LinkedIn tool, and I wove the tool into a process that works for me. Since starting my current job, I am in LinkedIn every day, even on weekends...reading, learning, liking, connecting, and reconnecting. Each week I message at least two people that I have not been in touch with for a while, to keep the relationship alive. I want people to reach out to me without hesitation, and I want to reach out freely when I need my network. If you talk to people only when you need them…you know what happens. I also send connection requests to people I’ve met, want to meet, or maybe a colleague who delivered a killer presentation. Sometimes I get to help people, direct them, introduce them. Sometimes I run into some information I need at just the right time. The more I tend to my network, the more empowered I am...I get back so much more than I give. Thanks for your post...now following.
Consultant | Head of HR | Strategy and Innovation Leader | Employee & Labor Relations | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Operations | Recruitment | Retention | Staff Engagement | Learning & Development
8 年Good article! Great point Tom Dezell
Higher Education Professional | Student Advocate | Career Advisor | Experiential Learning Champion
8 年Great post Bob. You are a perfect example of someone who follows all of these rules. If I'm on the fence about reading an article, I always read it if I see that you wrote it. I'd be curious to know how much time per day you, and the other commenters, tend to spend on LinkedIn.
Product and Process Innovator. Life Innovator.
8 年Great post! Continuing to learn and meeting great people are two of the best reasons to stay on LI, IMO. To "pay it forward", don't just look at LI for that - stay involved in your local job search groups too - they often know of great candidates.
Health and Well-Being at Your Fingertips
8 年Thank you Bob McIntosh for the post and the great comments that followed. I have to say it has been in the last few months that I learned to use LI better, thanks to people like you, Marietta Gentles, John White, Deb Helfrich, Alan Geller, Gary Sharpe and many others. My opinion is that probably your clients did not learn to use LI and the reason why they abandon it once they are busy. It can be a daunting task. Your "Pay it Forward" reason to stay on LI rings true and it is a fundamental practice in life in my opinion. Thanks for writing this piece.