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Honest question for the engineers/programmers in here that are also on LinkedIn: Have you gotten any value from LinkedIn? I realized a few weeks ago that 1) I

Honest question for the engineers/programmers in here that are also on LinkedIn: Have you gotten any value from LinkedIn? I realized a few weeks ago that 1) I have a LinkedIn account, 2) I make semi-regular updates to my LinkedIn account, 3) to my knowledge, I have received exactly zero value from having a LinkedIn account. It feels like this weird social network where they've convinced everyone that they _have_ to have an account/profile, but nobody really knows why. I guess I'm curious if other people have had better/different experiences.

benmanns 12y ago
The only value I have gotten out of my profile is that it grants me the ability to see other people's profiles. Though, perhaps the fact that others can see info about me is some value to me also.
- jerhinesmith 12y ago
  The "others can see info about me" is the value that I've landed on in my head. I don't recall ever getting a valuable message through the LinkedIn platform, but I will concede that there's possibly passive value in having an account as the absence of one could be a red flag for future potential employers. That said, I'm also unconvinced that I want/need to be passively recruited at this point in my career.
revscat 12y ago
I have. I found my current position after a recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn.
bastijn 12y ago
That depends on the definition of value. If that definition is did you have any event in the past where you came out better because of your LinkedIn; I am inclined to say no, or maybe the classic answer I got a job and they probably checked my profile. However, I recently had to turn off the "interested in career opportunities" because the huge amount of recruiters offering jobs. I imagine if I come to be without work, or want to switch jobs, all it takes is turn that option back on. Within a week I will probably have a job. In addition, I have people in my network who I do not speak to frequently (other companies, previous shared European projects, etc). I would probably forget their name, or not be able to attach a name without seeing the face for some of them. I can use LinkedIn as a quick reminder on who I need to contact as it shows a face, their line of work, and experience usually. So, back to your question on value. Not directly, but I have means to get in contact with persons who otherwise who be one step further away. It might help. Alternative answer: you can turn this around and say it only helps because everybody thinks it helps. Therefor is on LinkedIn and thus checks it and can be connected. So I could also answer with no, but what would replace it then?
TomasEkeli 12y ago
It's for fantasizing about a career-change.

benmanns 12y ago

The only value I have gotten out of my profile is that it grants me the ability to see other people's profiles. Though, perhaps the fact that others can see info about me is some value to me also.

jerhinesmith 12y ago
The "others can see info about me" is the value that I've landed on in my head. I don't recall ever getting a valuable message through the LinkedIn platform, but I will concede that there's possibly passive value in having an account as the absence of one could be a red flag for future potential employers. That said, I'm also unconvinced that I want/need to be passively recruited at this point in my career.

revscat 12y ago

I have. I found my current position after a recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn.

bastijn 12y ago

That depends on the definition of value. If that definition is did you have any event in the past where you came out better because of your LinkedIn; I am inclined to say no, or maybe the classic answer I got a job and they probably checked my profile. However, I recently had to turn off the "interested in career opportunities" because the huge amount of recruiters offering jobs. I imagine if I come to be without work, or want to switch jobs, all it takes is turn that option back on. Within a week I will probably have a job. In addition, I have people in my network who I do not speak to frequently (other companies, previous shared European projects, etc). I would probably forget their name, or not be able to attach a name without seeing the face for some of them. I can use LinkedIn as a quick reminder on who I need to contact as it shows a face, their line of work, and experience usually. So, back to your question on value. Not directly, but I have means to get in contact with persons who otherwise who be one step further away. It might help. Alternative answer: you can turn this around and say it only helps because everybody thinks it helps. Therefor is on LinkedIn and thus checks it and can be connected. So I could also answer with no, but what would replace it then?

TomasEkeli 12y ago

It's for fantasizing about a career-change.