Are any of you guys here on LinkedIN?

[mrmustangman357]

I finally set up my LinkedIn account and would like to see what your thoughts are on the website.

For those who don't know it, LinkedIn is a professional networking site that keeps your professional contacts up to date and in order. I found so far its good for people that move around and allows you to get your foot in the door with other companies (like Roush, Ford, GM performance, and Honda R&D)

Im a graduating mechanical engineer so for me contacts like this are critical in this economy. What do you think?

 

[EatonEggbeater]

I've recently signed up.

No help thus far, but it does allow you to network.

I'm on no other sites, like FB or the like.

 

[oldmodman]

I'm on it and have been for years. Worthless.

 

[01svtL]

I'm on it. It would have helped me when I was unemployed had I been "suggested" or whatever the term is on there. There were 2 or 3 positions that fit my background that I would not have been considered for b/c they wanted you to be "suggested" (can't remember the term right now) by others in your network.

 

[Coiled03]

I'm on it, although I can't say I've seen any benefit from it. If I were looking for a new job, though, it could be a useful networking tool.

 

[sideways03]

I've received several job interview offers through it. I turned them all down and have since disabled my account because I am not looking to leave my current position.

I do believe that if you set your profile up correctly (fill everything out and get some "recommendations") that it could help you in a job search.

 

[DKS2814V]

I'm on it. I've had a few calls from recruiters about engineering jobs. They were quite interesting opportunities, however, I've got my sights on other stuff.

It could work if you use it to it's fullest abilities. I haven't updated my resume on there, or anything...

 

[ChrisRedGT]

I'm on it. Good for keeping track of people you worked with but don't want to 'friend' on Facebook etc.

Good for researching companies you are interested in. Might surprise you some day that someone from an old job or school works where you are going to interview.

Also a good way for people you worked with to find you. For example, most people I know will look at an internal job req and say 'I bet so-and-so could do this, I wonder what she's up to?'. If she's on LI you can find her and see if she is interested. Even if your last contact was 5 years ago.

Blind searches are overrated, its about who you know. May not help for this year's job search, but in 2 or 3 years it could be valuable.

 

[mrmustangman357]

Thanks for the info. I will keep it around and hopefully benefit from it.

 

[jf4boogie]

I made an account, only becuase I was "invited" or whatever its called from a guy I have done business with before. We'll see if anything comes of it...

 

[thomas91169]

Joining.

 

[todd4566]

I'm on it and have been for years. Worthless.

What he said.