LinkedIn (2 Viewers)

[seremify007]

Just thought I'd create a thread to open up the discussion on peoples' experiences with using LinkedIn in the Commerce/Business space.

I personally have maintained a strong profile using LinkedIn and it's actually brought in a lot of positive attention from recruiters. Whilst I did have the occasional PM on Facebook about recruitment (which was probably driven by my employer's name rather than any other reason), LinkedIn seems to be far more targeted with head hunters using this service on an enormous scale.

For those who aren't on there, I'd highly recommend you consider setting up a proper profile because it's surprisingly good. It's also a great way to be linked in by association to your friends who have an interesting CV. Like all online profiles though, you need to weigh the pros with the cons, and there is always the risk that by association, you end up ruining your own 'online brand'.

 

[Kendall_Gilroy]

linked in suck ** *****

 

[seremify007]

Care to elaborate?

 

[BiancaC]

If I am starting a cadetship next year, do you think it is worth getting on there? Well, I guess my question basically is there a time that is too early to start? In your opinion obviously

 

[seremify007]

If I am starting a cadetship next year, do you think it is worth getting on there? Well, I guess my question basically is there a time that is too early to start? In your opinion obviously

Never too early in my opinion. Doesn't hurt to create a very basic profile even if only to say you are a student (a lot of people do this). At the end of the day, it's another way you can control the information available to recruiters.

 

[Atlas]

Just thought I'd create a thread to open up the discussion on peoples' experiences with using LinkedIn in the Commerce/Business space.

I personally have maintained a strong profile using LinkedIn and it's actually brought in a lot of positive attention from recruiters. Whilst I did have the occasional PM on Facebook about recruitment (which was probably driven by my employer's name rather than any other reason), LinkedIn seems to be far more targeted with head hunters using this service on an enormous scale.

For those who aren't on there, I'd highly recommend you consider setting up a proper profile because it's surprisingly good. It's also a great way to be linked in by association to your friends who have an interesting CV. Like all online profiles though, you need to weigh the pros with the cons, and there is always the risk that by association, you end up ruining your own 'online brand'.

Just wondering, do you have any views on the new student profile section? Also, what would you recommend to students who are just starting out and don't have much employment history - just leave LinkedIn till later, or just put something positive up anyway.

By the way, thanks for starting the thread, very interesting!

 

[seremify007]

Just wondering, do you have any views on the new student profile section? Also, what would you recommend to students who are just starting out and don't have much employment history - just leave LinkedIn till later, or just put something positive up anyway.

By the way, thanks for starting the thread, very interesting!

I'm not familiar with the student profile- can you explain?

As for students still studying though, I think it's worth popping up a profile and mentioning things even if not that relevant such as work experience (e.g. Maccas), your extra curricular activities/societies at university, and even what you may have done in high school. It still paints you in a positive light and may be the differentiating factor!

 

[Azure]

Definitely agree with the above. You've got nothing to lose and lots to gain in my opinion.

 

[Atlas]

I'm not familiar with the student profile- can you explain?

As for students still studying though, I think it's worth popping up a profile and mentioning things even if not that relevant such as work experience (e.g. Maccas), your extra curricular activities/societies at university, and even what you may have done in high school. It still paints you in a positive light and may be the differentiating factor!

Basically the new feature let's you elaborate on your majors/units/projects/specialisations/campus experiences/test scores etc - the idea is that it will allow you to showcase the positive performances of your studies (there's more info here about this: http://blog.linkedin.com/2011/07/15/student-profile-sections/)

 

[seremify007]

Basically the new feature let's you elaborate on your majors/units/projects/specialisations/campus experiences/test scores etc - the idea is that it will allow you to showcase the positive performances of your studies (there's more info here about this: http://blog.linkedin.com/2011/07/15/student-profile-sections/)

Thanks for that! I didn't know.

I've added BoS as an organisation

 

[Atlas]

I've added BoS as an organisation

Good idea!!!

 

[seremify007]

LOL I'm currently debating whether to mention I'm an admin and a moderator on a couple of car forums... on one hand it shows I have interests and commitment to communities, but does it really improve my profile? Hmm.

 

[Azure]

LOL I'm currently debating whether to mention I'm an admin and a moderator on a couple of car forums... on one hand it shows I have interests and commitment to communities, but does it really improve my profile? Hmm.

I'm thinking about the same thing to be honest. Trying to evaluate what kind of valute it can add to my profile.

 

[seremify007]

I'm thinking about the same thing to be honest. Trying to evaluate what kind of valute it can add to my profile.

Depends on how you describe your role and involvement with BoS. You can spin it any way you like- I personally go for the leading and facilitating discussion aspect.

 

[Azure]

Hmmm.. that is definitely a good point. Ultimately I don't think there's really anything to lose if I do include it.

I'm planning on dedicating the next few months to really beefing up my profile/resume. I just need to decide on where to start!

 

[seremify007]

If you have choice, I'd recommend going for things which highlight skills and competence in areas which you need to land yourself a role in the area you want.

 

[Azure]

I'll most likely be applying for a bunch of summer vacationer roles at a few firms. I think there can never be too much relevant work experience on ones resume. Scoring a role is becomming increasingly difficult though.

 

[Atlas]

I'll most likely be applying for a bunch of summer vacationer roles at a few firms. I think there can never be too much relevant work experience on ones resume. Scoring a role is becomming increasingly difficult though.

What's your approach for this - "scatter gun" i.e. apply to many different organisations and see what you get or "concentrated" i.e. you have a few organisations in mind that you want and you will only apply to these? Just wondering because I've been hearing mixed advice about this, some recommend quality over quantity and vice versa.

 

[Azure]

To be honest I'm applying for organisations which suit my interests and criteria. I'm after something that's going to train me decently while also contributing to the quality of my resume. I know it'd be much easier to get a job with a smaller firm doing traditional accounting or tax, but at the end of the day it's not going to benefit my resume to the extent that I'm after.

With that being said, from my experience focusing on creating quality applications rather than applying in bulk is probably the way to go. There is a lot more competition for these roles than most people realize, so if your application doesn't shine you're not going to have much of a chance in my opinion.

 

[Atlas]

To be honest I'm applying for organisations which suit my interests and criteria. I'm after something that's going to train me decently while also contributing to the quality of my resume. I know it'd be much easier to get a job with a smaller firm doing traditional accounting or tax, but at the end of the day it's not going to benefit my resume to the extent that I'm after.

With that being said, from my experience focusing on creating quality applications rather than applying in bulk is probably the way to go. There is a lot more competition for these roles than most people realize, so if your application doesn't shine you're not going to have much of a chance in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice! Do you mind me asking whether you are looking for a boutique type firm which concentrates on a specific area of practice?