In today’s job market, having a strong LinkedIn presence is more important than ever. With over 722 million users worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for networking and recruiting. Whether you’re a recent college grad looking to land your first job or a seasoned professional exploring new career opportunities, LinkedIn can help you achieve your goals. However, some people wonder if it’s worth getting a LinkedIn profile if they’re late to the game. The short answer is no, it’s not too late to create a LinkedIn account and start building your professional brand. Here’s why:
LinkedIn is Still Wildly Popular
LinkedIn may have launched back in 2003, but it’s still growing strong. The platform continues to add new users every day across multiple generations. In fact, LinkedIn membership grew by 30% year-over-year reaching 722 million users in 2021. With high engagement and new features being added, LinkedIn shows no signs of slowing down. You certainly won’t be the only “late adopter” joining the site.
It’s a Go-To Place for Recruiters
LinkedIn has become a top sourcing tool for recruiters and hiring managers. Around 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to scout for candidates. With such heavy recruiter usage, not having a profile means you’re invisible to a huge number of potential career opportunities. Recruiters are actively searching LinkedIn to fill roles, so you’ll want to have an up-to-date profile for them to find.
You Can Demonstrate Your Professional Value
A well-rounded LinkedIn profile allows you to go beyond just a resume. You can provide detailed descriptions of your skills, experiences, accomplishments, recommendations from past managers, certifications, portfolios, and more. Hiring managers get a better sense of who you are as a candidate. You can also join relevant industry groups and build connections. Even if you’re happy in your current job, it’s wise to keep your profile up to date for future possibilities.
Benefits of Joining LinkedIn Late in Your Career
While it’s ideal to create your LinkedIn profile early on, joining later in your career can still provide advantages:
You Have More Experience to Showcase
With an already established career, you’ll have deeper experience, skills, and accomplishments to highlight on your profile. Junior-level candidates often lack this, so you’ll stand out by showcasing your proven expertise. Make sure to include details of key projects, quantifiable results, technologies used, certifications obtained, promotions earned, etc.
Your Network is Larger
By further along in your career, there’s a good chance you have a sizable professional network already. Import contacts from your email and connect with previous coworkers, clients, business partners, leadership, etc. Establishing these connections gives you a boost in credibility on LinkedIn.
You Can Get Specific with Goals
Those newer to their careers may create a generic LinkedIn profile with unfocused ambitions. With your career progression, you likely have a clearer picture of your professional objectives and target companies or roles. Use LinkedIn as a tool to directly work towards leadership positions, specialist roles, or even career pivots or geographic moves. Showcase your profile to align with your goals.
You Have Perspective to Offer
Don’t underestimate the value of your deeper career experience and lessons learned. After years in your industry, you have unique insights to share in LinkedIn posts, comments, and group discussions. This establishes you as a thought leader, which enhances your personal brand and reach.
Tips for New LinkedIn Users
If you’re ready to create your first LinkedIn profile, here are some tips to optimize it:
Choose the Right Profile Photo
Pick a high-quality, professional headshot of just you (no group pics). It should convey approachability and competence. Studies show LinkedIn profiles with photos get up to 21x more views.
Write an Engaging Profile Summary
Spend time perfecting the short “About” section. Share your career highlights, passions, and professional brand in a compelling way. Use keywords recruiters search for.
Show Off Your Skills
The skills section lets you list out specific abilities. Pull these from past job descriptions and performance reviews. They serve as keywords for recruiters too.
Display All Past Job Experiences
Recruiters want to see a consistent work history without large gaps. For each role, emphasize responsibilities that align with future career goals.
Collect Recommendations and Endorsements
Social proof like recommendations and endorsements help back up your skills and build credibility. Reach out to past managers, clients, or teammates to request them.
Join Relevant Groups and Follow Companies
This shows your interests and focus areas. Engage in group discussions when possible. Follow target employers to stay aware of company news and opportunities.
Putting It All Together
Here are five steps to creating a stellar LinkedIn profile even if you’re starting late in the game:
1. Set Up Your Base Profile
Include your industry, education, contact info, profile photo and summary. Request recommendations from connections to start building social proof.
2. Flesh Out Experience and Skills
For each job and volunteer role, describe your responsibilities, achievements, skills gained and technical tools used. List out the skills you have both hard and soft.
3. Connect with Your Network
Search for former coworkers, classmates, clients, etc. and send connection requests. Aim for at least 50+ connections to start out with.
4. Follow Target Companies and Join Groups
Look up dream employers and relevant professional associations and groups to follow or join. Set alerts for possible openings.
5. Engage with Content
Post updates, articles, etc. that provide value and demonstrate expertise. Comment on others’ posts when possible. Stay active!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about joining LinkedIn later in your career:
Is having no LinkedIn profile a red flag?
In most cases, yes. 93% of recruiters will review your LinkedIn profile before considering you for a role. Not having one makes you invisible. However, it’s better to create a profile late than never.
What if I’m retired or not looking for a job?
A LinkedIn profile is valuable even if you’re not actively job searching. You can join industry groups, contribute your experience, and stay connected with former colleagues. It’s a good way to find consulting gigs or board positions as well.
Is LinkedIn only helpful for certain careers or seniority levels?
LinkedIn is useful across most career fields and seniority levels. Job seekers early in their career can build foundational connections and skills. Senior professionals can leverage networks and demonstrate leadership.
What if I don’t use social media much in general?
Many professionals don’t use Facebook, Instagram, etc. but find value in LinkedIn specifically for career networking and growth. The platform has a different purpose than social media for your personal life.
Do I need a professional headshot to start my profile?
You can start your profile using any suitable photo you already have. However, adding a professional headshot later on is recommended to put your best foot forward.
The Bottom Line
Creating a LinkedIn presence is valuable no matter what stage you’re at in your career journey. It’s never too late to join the platform and start showcasing your skills and experiences. With over 722 million users, you’ll be in good company. Stay patient and focused as you build out your profile, network and engage with content. Before long, you’ll be reaping the career benefits that LinkedIn has to offer.