In addition to changing the ways in which people read, write, and gather information, the Digital Age has changed the job market. A number of online resume sites like Visual CV have arisen in the Digital Age, creating an opportunity for employees and employers to connect via the Internet.
Hannah Morgan comments on the value of using LinkedIn. She says, [1]"Reaching far beyond the capacity of just a website for resumes, LinkedIn serves as a platform where people can communicate on a social and professional level, advancing their interests and opportunities in the process."
Job Hunting in the Digital Age
Creating a professional image that blends with the personal is one of the major advantages that the online networking site LinkedInhas to offer. Through LinkedIn, prospective and current employees can connect with each other, as well as with other people in their respective industries. This creates an opportunity to build a network, which is a vital part of obtaining and maintaining a successful career.
Professional and Social Connectivity
According to Seth Fiegerman, "[2]The social network for professionals has been growing at a rate of 10-15 million users per quarter.” As of November, the site boasts over 187 million members. While this may seem like an overwhelming amount of users, LinkedIn can be seen as a close-knit online community when compared with the amount of users on Facebook and Twitter (over a billion each). Unlike other social media sites, LinkedIn has a targeted membership: professional individuals, or people who are ready to enter the professional job market.
What is Linked In?
Features
Skills and Expertise
With this tool, LinkedIn users are shown skills related to the ones entered in their profiles. This feature gives an opportunity to brush up on important skills that one may not have. Taking advantage of this tool is wise and useful in the career field of choice. In the competitive job market of the digital age, it is important to show mastery of any and all skills related to the field in order to increase chances of obtaining a job.
Groups and Answers
Employees can seek help in answering business questions by linking with other business associates in the industry. This tool is especially useful for newcomers to business, or for those who are just curious. It is easy to be intimidated in the work force by higher-ups and superiors, this tool cuts down on the awkward question chat by linking users directly with like-minded associates.
Today’s News
LinkedIn users have easy access to news related to their industries. This is an important tool: relevant information about the industry that can be shared with co-workers and superiors. Being up-to-date on news and happenings in the industry shows that the employee is motivated, interested, and valuable.
Influencers
The “Influencers” section follows industry leaders. Demonstrating knowledge about important people in the industry shows initiative and shows that the employee cares enough about the industry to find out relevant information about industry leaders. If someone is genuinely attempting to succeed in the industry, it is vital to know who the leaders are because, one day, they could be working with those individuals.
Endorsements
Colleagues can assist each other by giving, and receiving, good recommendations. One of the major functions of LinkedIn is that it helps build a network for a user. By giving good recommendations for colleagues, employees increase their chances of receiving good recommendations. This helps to build relationships with co-workers and associates.
Resume Builder
LinkedIn's newest feature, a resume builder, incorporates user's information into a resume format. The feature offers various resume styles that fit the user's skills, career field, and expertise. The benefits of a cohesive resume are outlined in VisualCV.
References
Fiegerman, Seth. "LinkedIn Now Has 187 Million Members." mashable. Mashable, Inc., 1 Nov 2012. Web. 3 Nov 2012.
Morgan, Hannah. "8 Ways to Amp Up Your Career Using LinkedIn." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 14 Nov 2012. Web. 14 Nov 2012.
"What is LinkedIn?" LinkedIn. LinkedIn Corporation, Inc., nd, Web. 1 Nov 2012.