Many people think of LinkedIn as a job hunting resource, when it’s much more than that. LinkedIn is a way to stay involved and filter news down to your specific industry. It provides all of the resources you might need to stay on top of your competition, professionally and personally. Your LinkedIn should always be up to date, like your professional resume, but always make sure to change your information in case of these events.
1. Use LinkedIn to Indicate A New Job
You’ve landed a job at a new company, so why do you need to keep your LinkedIn updated? Even if you aren’t job hunting, keeping your profile up to date is the best way to market yourself as a master in your field. You may be off the job market, but you’re still available to offer advice and connections to your followers. Remember to take a week or two before updating your profile; make sure you’re settled in the right job before updating your entire network.
2. Employed, and Job Seeking
If you’re ready for the next move, make sure to update your LinkedIn strategically and quietly—doing so will prevent your current employer from seeing your changes as red flags. Under your privacy settings, make sure you’re not sharing profile edits with your network. You can also update your career interests. Under that section, you can mark yourself as an “open candidate”. Doing so will let recruiters know that you’re openly looking for a new job without alerting your current employer.
3. Retirement
If you’re planning on retiring, make sure that you’ve updated your LinkedIn profile accordingly. Your work history should be tied up as you close this chapter in your life. If not, you could find yourself the target of recruiters aiming for your expertise. If you plan on leaving the workforce and staying out, make sure that’s noted on your LinkedIn page.
4. Going Back to School
You’re advancing your education, and your LinkedIn network should know that. If you’re going back to school to receive a certification, masters or doctorate, make sure that your connections know. You’re mastering a subject, and probably not looking to make a linear move. Make sure your profile reflects that you’re currently in school so recruiters know that you’ll be ready to accept higher level positions in the near future.
LinkedIn is a great network to stay involved in your field, so make sure that your profile reflects any changes that you’ve made in your career!