Linkedin

[markymark]

Worth the time to join ?

 

[kkelso]

Worth the time to join ?

For many of us, yes.

The content is quite rich relative to many other sources of business-related materials. The articles posted range from mediocre to excellent, but I would say the large majority are worth my time to read.

As an on-line resume posting vehicle the site is a great tool, particularly if you are very good or very experienced. My last three gigs (8 years of work) have come in part from LinkedIn. The site makes it easy to check on someone, to find out if they really are as good as they seem to be. The recruiter search tools are robust as well, so when someone is looking for someone just like me they can usually find me.

Where LinkedIn falls down for me is the quality of discussion. There are no good mechanisms for spirited debate over business issues of interest. In addition few of us want to voice potentially polarizing positions for fear of alienating potential employers, employees, etc.

KK

 

[Samurai Joey]

I would definitely concur that LinkedIn is worth it to join, in terms of both connecting to business-related materials, online resume posting services, and networking opportunities in whatever business area one would happen to be in. Both my current job and my previous job were the result of those connecting with me through LinkedIn.

As far as quality of the discussion is concerned, that would be field-dependent. For those in STEM fields like myself (for those who don't know the acronym, it stands for science, technology, engineering, mathematics) who wish to engage in technical discussions, LinkedIn is actually quite good, particularly in Group discussions which you have the option of joining. I agree though that there really is not a good mechanism to engage in debate.

 

[maniac1911]

LinkedIn is great resource for a career. Many recruiters: headhunters and HR recuiters use it to fill jobs and gives you a forum to connect with them. Great with network with peers in your industry if you join any of the groups.

 

[JohnHenry]

Not so useful if you are self employed and looking for clients.

 

[Funk#49]

Worth the time to join ?

Just got recruited for a tremendous job opportunity from my linkedin profile, pursuing it now.

 

[kkelso]

Not so useful if you are self employed and looking for clients.

I would partially disagree. As a consultant who usually gets hired for longer-term contracts I have found it very valuable, my profile is mostly a list of previous clients. I have had multiple clients tell me that after they heard about me my LI profile was great validation as to why they should contact me. However, that's after my name comes up by word of mouth.


KK

 

[cryptic]

Yes http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ghazal-omid-/the-redlight-district-has_b_5690204.html

LinkedIn is under immense pressure to clean up its act when it comes to prostitution on its site. There is a great deal of evidence that it has become a hosting agent for illegal and illicit cyber pimping because of its lucrative client list which provides a cyber brothel for those who enjoy such pleasures or make a profit from it.

As represented in the source section of this article, LinkedIn seemingly has done "everything" to stop this activity... but not in reality. As wrote this article, I had no difficulty locating many people who work one way or another as a sex hosting agent or bridge to provide such service. However, they don't call their business "prostitute for hire here" on their page.

 

[SkyRider]

I agree though that there really is not a good mechanism to engage in debate.

In addition few of us want to voice potentially polarizing positions for fear of alienating potential employers, employees, etc.

Remember whatever you say is "on the record" forever. Just say you are pro-gay marriage and you'll be fine.