Linkedin is an extremely powerful tool for today’s networking professional. Most Linkedin users use the service as a career growth opportunity by networking with current and past peers. It is used as an extension to resumes allowing users to endorse the skills of each other.
The Premium service unlocks additional features that can impact (positively and negatively) based on how it is used.
The Good:
Beyond the normal use of extending your resume, managers and recruiters can use Linkedin as a resource to find qualified candidates for available jobs.
By using the Linkedin ‘Premium’ service, they can search for specific qualities such as ‘Social Media’ and ‘E-Commerce’ to find resources that have experience related to Social Media and E-Commerce. They are also able to filter this list down to specific job titles, locations, whether the candidate is interested in career opportunities, etc.
By using the ‘Premium’ services, you can send messages to inquire about potential candiates interested in career opportunities.
The Bad:
Many folks in Sales are starting to pick up on different ways to use Linkedin to their advantage.
By utilizing the Linkedin ‘Premium’ service, someone in Sales has easy access to extended search functionality. With easy access to search for information about potential Sales opportunities, they can use the services in a method that may annoy the regular Linkedin user.
For example, my phone at work rings non-stop from Sales contacts trying to sell me services. After reviewing the ‘Who’s Viewing My Profile’ page on Linkedin, I’ve easily recognized names that have left me messages about the services they offer. I’ve also been signed up for random newsletters (without opting in) from people trying to sell me services.
Professionals should take time to understand the best ways to use Linkedin. Though it may be appealing to use the services to find easy Sales targets, most professionals do not intend their Linkedin profiles to be a method for unsolicitied Sales contacts.
At the same time, make sure if you use the ‘Premium’ services for recruiting that you are reaching out to individuals who are actually interested in career opportunities.
