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LinkedIn is a great networking tool no matter where you are in your career. You can make connections that wouldn't other otherwise. I know it sounds like a clic

• augb 10y ago
  What specifically, in your opinion, makes it great? How is having it better than networking in person at, say, a MeetUp?
  • AnimalMuppet 10y ago
    George, that guy you worked with two jobs ago, that you want to keep in touch with because he may send a job offer your way one of these days? He's too busy to go to the meetup. Sarah, who you enjoyed working with before she took a job in the next state (and who you wouldn't mind working with again)? She's not at the meetup - too far. That guy who's become the software manager for a company that you're interested in? His daughter has a ballet recital, so he's not coming to the meetup. But LinkedIn is always there. Don't get me wrong, I don't use LinkedIn. It doesn't work for me - or perhaps, it's too much work for too little benefit for me. But if you're trying to connect with someone in particular, meetups aren't a very robust alternative.
  • skylark 10y ago
    LinkedIn isn't for networking with new people, it's for retaining professional contacts. Think of it like a professional rolodex where people keep up to date resumes. I personally know plenty of past coworkers who I respect and would gladly recommend in a heartbeat. LinkedIn is the perfect way for them to see that I work at the company they want to work at, and gives them a frictionless way to send me a message despite us not being actual friends. If you don't find enough value in that, then maybe LinkedIn isn't for you.