I know a lots of professionals that get projects just by being recommended by clients on LinkedIn and other people that were hired by HR company from there as well
You may have else experience in your live, I respect that. On the other side I was contacted by 14 HR companies from England, Germany and my country just in last 5 months.
I am originally from New York. I would agree that it varies. Those who I know that use it here in the US, feel it serves no purpose. I hear that it's quite the opposite in Europe, though.
I would agree that it's more useful in certain circles than in others. However, if you're looking for a job or for freelance clients/connections then it's a very useful resource. I get several freelance/contract inquiries every month via linkedIn, and there are a LOT of recruiters on there looking for designers/developers and advertising open positions for web-related jobs.
Here's an example of how it's helped me recently: 3 months ago I wasn't actively looking for a new job but was approached by a recruiter on linkedIn who sent me information for a front-end dev job at a large online university. I ended up getting the job - it was a great position and paid 50% more than I was making at my current job. After 3 months I was made an offer by my boss at my old job for a promotion and pay-rise to go back, which I took. That never would have happened if I wasn't on linkedIn.
I mean where else can you have access to hundreds/thousands of professional connections which you can use to advance your career in various ways? I'd say that if you know how to use it effectively then it can be a very useful tool.
@Johnnyb Well said and I cannot agree more on that, added you.
@ChristopherBurton As it is = what is old or expensive on West goes to East [cars, services, labour] :]
In eastern countries is LinkedIn good source for HR as not many people is using. Therefore 75% on LinkedIn are skilled and smart enough to be there. And still there is a big space for improvement.
Just small example: Your home town New York has as many people as my whole country :] What your people already know, we are just discovering.
I am all for networking
http://www.linkedin.com/in/krsiakdaniel
I like local community as we have same interests :)
I would not be asking random people to get in touch all over the internet
join me on LinkedIn
I am interested in new contacts and professionals in web design
Like all my accounts its the same username
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpcrowley
http://linkedin.com/in/katbella
here it is slightly better to bump into similar souls doing similar stuff :]]
@karlpcrowley
@theacefes
added you both ;]
I know a lots of professionals that get projects just by being recommended by clients on LinkedIn and other people that were hired by HR company from there as well
Where are you from Christopher if you do not mind I am asking?
I believe it can fairly differ by countries.
On the other side I was contacted by 14 HR companies from England, Germany and my country just in last 5 months.
Simple as it is:
our folks are cheaper "workforce" then guys from western countries :]
Here's an example of how it's helped me recently: 3 months ago I wasn't actively looking for a new job but was approached by a recruiter on linkedIn who sent me information for a front-end dev job at a large online university. I ended up getting the job - it was a great position and paid 50% more than I was making at my current job. After 3 months I was made an offer by my boss at my old job for a promotion and pay-rise to go back, which I took. That never would have happened if I wasn't on linkedIn.
I mean where else can you have access to hundreds/thousands of professional connections which you can use to advance your career in various ways? I'd say that if you know how to use it effectively then it can be a very useful tool.
Feel free to add me as a connection @krysak4ever: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnybrackett
Chris, some job boards and agencies here in Ireland only take applications through LinkedIn, it's silly
Well said and I cannot agree more on that, added you.
@ChristopherBurton
As it is = what is old or expensive on West goes to East [cars, services, labour] :]
In eastern countries is LinkedIn good source for HR as not many people is using.
Therefore 75% on LinkedIn are skilled and smart enough to be there.
And still there is a big space for improvement.
Just small example:
Your home town New York has as many people as my whole country :]
What your people already know, we are just discovering.
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmackay