What is LinkedIn and why should you use it?
LinkedIn is a bit like Instagram, but without the vacation photos and cat videos. It’s a professional networking platform where you can:
- showcase your CV and skills,
- connect with people in your field,
- follow companies you’d like to work for,
- learn about the career paths of people working at companies you’re interested in.
So why put in the effort to create a profile?
Simple: companies and recruiters actively search LinkedIn for new talent. With a strong profile, you can stand out—even if you’re not actively applying for jobs. Pretty useful, right?
For which jobs is LinkedIn really useful?
Not every job “lives” on LinkedIn to the same extent.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer or musician, a strong portfolio on Instagram, Behance, or your own website is just as important.
But if you want to work in marketing, HR, administration, communication, sales, IT, or office-based roles, LinkedIn is hard to ignore.
Imagine this: you’ve just graduated in marketing and are looking for your first job. Many companies will immediately check your LinkedIn profile. They want to quickly see who you are, what you can do, and how you present yourself professionally. Without LinkedIn, you might miss out on opportunities.
What about manual or practical jobs?
For roles such as construction worker, warehouse worker, technician, hairdresser, or hospitality staff, LinkedIn usually plays a smaller role. Employers in these sectors often recruit through temp agencies, job websites, or word of mouth. Sometimes it even happens through a simple sign on a shop door.
That said, LinkedIn isn’t completely useless. Some companies use it to showcase their company culture or share job openings. For technical profiles, like electrical technicians or specialized technicians, a LinkedIn profile can still be valuable.
However, in many practical professions, other channels remain more important: temp agencies, job fairs, local networks, and direct applications.
How do you create a standout LinkedIn profile?
Decided to give LinkedIn a try? Great! These tips will help you stand out:
Profile picture: Use a clear, professional photo. You don’t need to wear a suit, but make sure you look neat, friendly, and recognizable.
Headline: Make it specific and goal-oriented. For example: “Creative marketing graduate seeking new opportunities.”
Summary: Briefly explain who you are, what you do, and what your ambitions are. Keep it personal, but professional.
Experience and education: Fill in as much as possible: internships, volunteer work, and relevant student jobs definitely belong here.
Networking: Add people you know: classmates, colleagues, teachers… The bigger your network, the more visible you become.
Extra tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on LinkedIn. These are short testimonials from people you’ve worked with, such as a supervisor, teacher, colleague, or manager. They help confirm your strengths and show what it’s like to work with you. For recruiters, this is especially valuable: it proves that others appreciate your work and attitude. A few strong recommendations can give your profile that extra boost of credibility.
LinkedIn vs. other platforms
LinkedIn is useful, but it’s not always the only place where your sector is active.
- In tech, you might stand out more on GitHub or Stack Overflow.
- Creative professionals often benefit more from Instagram, TikTok, or a personal portfolio.
- For some technical jobs, LinkedIn is less important.
The key is knowing where your future employer is looking.
Conclusion: Is LinkedIn for you?
It depends on the job you’re targeting. For many office, communication, and management roles, LinkedIn is almost essential. For creative and technical jobs, it can be useful, but it’s not always the main platform to showcase yourself.
Don’t have LinkedIn yet? It’s definitely worth giving it a try. Who knows, you might come across that one great job opening… or get a message from a recruiter offering your dream job. You’ve got nothing to lose!