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Why You Should Keep Your LinkedIn Updated

LinkedIn is a social media that many tend to take for granted. This should not be the case though, as it is arguably one of the most powerful tools in your job hunt! That’s why you should keep your LinkedIn updated.

Don’t believe me? Think about the fact that 87% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn. If that stat alone doesn’t make you want to go and spruce up your LinkedIn page, I don’t know what will.

Just kidding, I do! There are so many reasons as to why you should keep your LinkedIn page up to date, even if you are not currently looking for a new job.

Do not just think of it as a social media channel you are expected to have but do not need to keep updated. Think of it more like your resume or portfolio that is building a great brand for you.

Why You Should Keep Your LinkedIn Updated

It Shows Your Experience 

LinkedIn is the most professional way to humblebrag about yourself. It’s your way to show the world everything you have completed, everything you are working on, and your expertise on certain matters. It is a way to set you apart by allowing you to share articles from your industry (or maybe even ones you have written), connect with peers and mentors, and so on.

LinkedIn can turn you into a thought leader on a subject, for free. And that can help to set you apart during the job hunt, or bring new possibilities to your door. Showing that you know what you are talking about goes a long way.

It Can Help You Find A Mentor 

Finding a mentor or a career coach is important, as they provide you with the guidance to advance and grow. It can be difficult to find a mentor, especially as you want someone in your field, who understands the position you are in.

It’s even better to find someone who was on a similar path to your own. LinkedIn is a great place to look for one, as you can see people’s experience, where they started out working, where they are working now, and so on.

Plus, you can easily ask him or her to connect and add a note to that request, expressing that you are looking for a mentor and would love to connect to learn more about their journey. However, making sure that you keep your LinkedIn updated is imperative, as they will likely look at your page prior to confirming the request. If they do not see your experience, they may feel as though they cannot be an asset to you, and won’t be willing to connect or chat.

It Can Lead To New Opportunities 

Ok, this is the most obvious reason, I know, but it is one that needs to be spoken about. Recruiters are looking at LinkedIn to find qualified people to fill their vacant role.

They are using search features to find key words that fit the job description. They are looking for people already working in the field. If your LinkedIn page is not up to date and is missing information, even if you may be qualified for the vacant position, you will not show up in the recruiters search.

Even if you are not actively looking for a new job, if your LinkedIn is up to date, you may be messaged by a recruiter with an opportunity that is a good fit for you. This opportunity may be better paying, having better benefits, be closer to where you live, offer remote opportunities, and so on.

If you are not keeping your LinkedIn page up to date, you are shutting yourself off to possible new opportunities you may not have even thought of. Additionally, it can be a way for you to find freelance opportunities or a side-hustle, in addition to your full-time job.

It Can Put You Ahead in the Job Hunt 

Let’s be real — we all know that hiring managers are googling our names and looking at our social media as we inch our way through the job application process. One of the quickest places for them to find you and see your qualifications all at once is LinkedIn. With more and more companies valuing digital media, it is a good look for you to be showing you understand the importance of social media such as LinkedIn.

Organizations want their employees utilizing LinkedIn, as it reflects positively on them, too. For instance, if a hiring manager has narrowed the candidates down to two with extremely similar qualifications, they may take other factors, such as LinkedIn into account. 

Why? Because the organization may want the added value of knowing the person they are hiring will be active in the digital world, sharing articles/posts/webcasts from the organization and connecting with clients in this digital way. Plus, it shows them that they care about their own personal brand and professionalism, ensuring they will do the same for the company’s brand and professionalism.

It Puts A Face to a Name 

One thing the digital world lacks? Humanism. It is so easy to not put a face to a name or to forget that you are talking to/considering another human being.

LinkedIn will help put a face to the name, and bring in a more personal and human component, whether this be for networking purposes, job hunting purposes, finding a mentor, and so on.

Do you keep your LinkedIn updated? Let us know how it has helped your career in the comments!

About the Author

Michelle Ioannou

Michelle graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts '13 and a Master of Arts '14. She's currently working in corporate America with a side of freelance writing. She wants you to learn from her experiences and mistakes so your 20s can be your best decade. When she's not working, she's likely planning her escape to a tropical island.