Is LinkedIn a useful tool?

[z1ggy]

I'm looking for a new job and have recently updated my resume on Monster. I got a few (auto) emails from employers saying I should 'follow/join' them on LinkedIn. I currently do not have an account and I didn't really know how useful it was.

Does it make networking that much better/easier? If it matters, I have a BS in electrical engineering, 4+years experience. Looking for a job in the NJ/NYC area.

 

[amdhunter]

No joke, almost everyone I know lately says they've found their job from being tipped off on LinkedIn. Worth a shot. You better have a ton of friends on it - it helps.

 

[cbrunny]

My wife found her job on LinkedIn about five years ago. It was good then. Assume it still is now.

 

[mrrman]

I get emailed in this from people I dont even know...I just delete it

 

[minendo]

Landed my current job due to a recruiter finding me on LinkedIn. It is a great networking tool as well.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I got my last job from a past coworker who contacted me thru Linkedin. I get contacted on Linkedin weekly about job opportunities. I'm also connected with past coworkers, bosses, references, etc who are handy to get in touch when I'm looking for someone with a specific skill set or can bounce an idea or ask a question to.

 

[z1ggy]

Landed my current job due to a recruiter finding me on LinkedIn. It is a great networking tool as well.

How's it work? Just upload your resume and some relevant info and people can search for you/you search for them?

 

[minendo]

How's it work? Just upload your resume and some relevant info and people can search for you/you search for them?

Pretty much. Then you can network with Co-Workers, friends, acquaintances, etc.

 

[Hacp]

I contacted someone I knew through league of legends. He got the job. I'm guessing that is a useful tool as well?

 

[xeemzor]

Absolutely. It's an essential networking tool in this day and age.

 

[Markbnj]

Without LinkedIn I would have no idea which colleagues from ten years ago really, desperately want an endorsement.

 

[edro]

Hell yes.
It's nice because you can look up employees of potential companies and then check them on Facebook and see if you have mutual friends. That is your in.

Also, recruiters love it.

 

[utahraptor]

I think it is a joke. I made a joke profile that lists fictional qualifications based on all the video games I have played except worded in a way that they sound realistic.

 

[z1ggy]

I think it is a joke. I made a joke profile that lists fictional qualifications based on all the video games I have played except worded in a way that they sound realistic.

Are you actually a useful member of society though otherwise?

 

[utahraptor]

Well define useful. I am currently working to make my boss rich and helping to pollute the environment along with every one else.

 

[z1ggy]

Well define useful. I am currently working to make my boss rich and helping to pollute the environment along with every one else.

Uhhhh. ok

 

[Newell Steamer]

I have not experienced anything useful/beneficial from LinkedIn.

There are people that swear by it. But, I have yet to see any benefit from it.

EDIT: I don't do anything on it either though. I don't post, or like, or chat about crap. It is basically a self maintained job history list for myself.