Every time I ask about job hunting, someone tells me to get active on LinkedIn. I've tried using it, but I haven't seen any results, and sending messages to strangers feels awkward, to put it mildly. I don't want to spend all my time pretending to network if it doesn't lead anywhere. Has anyone had real success finding work through the site?
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I think LinkedIn can be a good way to keep in touch with those in your professional network. I have almost always gotten hired through personal contacts. Keeping up with old work friends can be not only good for your mental health but beneficial.
@OP I use LinkedIn to maintain business contacts. Any time I see a company I want to apply with, I check to see if I know anyone there. Sometimes I've been surprised. Then I'll shoot them a message asking about the environment there, or for an internal referral if I know them well enough.
Basically if you want to make it in this biz longterm, you pretty much have to sell your soul and become the most disingenuous, two-faced, backstabbing, greedy individual that cares only for self.
@ax Unfortunately, one of the things you have to do is almost lie through your teeth with your exit post on LinkedIn that says something like, “As a chapter with corporation A ends, i look forward to sh-t the further holds me as I am ready to start a mew chapter with a corporation where I can bring what I have learned…blah, blah, blah. I just want to thank Corporate A for all they have done for me and for my leaders that supported me and nurtured me, blah, blah, blah. I plan on taking with me all of the wonderful things I have learned from Corporate A and am truly appreciative! Here is to the future! Please feel free to contact me at…”
All the while you are extremely bitter as to how the corporation pushed you out, both that they did so but even more so, how they did it.
Yes. When you get it right linkedIn is a lure. Successful profiles have people with jobs chasing you, rather than you chasing them. Go surfing and see what the good ones look like. You'll know it when you see it.
LinkedIn is dogshit
Timing is more important. I found my current job on LinkedIn in few years ago. These days I sent out few applications, only rejection emails received
linked in su-ks.
honstly, linkedin can help, but it’s not some magic job machine. i had better luck checking in with people i already know than messaging random strangers. sometimes thier advice or a referral helps, but it can take a while, and it definately shouldn’t be your whole job search.