Description:LinkedIn, an online social networking site aimed at professionals.
Source:CNN.com
Date: Feb 26, 2011
Questions for discussion:
- What are the benefits of using LinkedIn?
- Could theses benefits be relized by students trying to break into the workforce?
- What are the downsides of uning a social network like linkedIn?
John
This could be an invaluable resource for students who are trying to break into the workforce. Any way to get your name and your abilities out there seems to be a great way to get your foot in the door of the workplace. However, the only problem with this website, and any other social networking website, is that your information is still available for all to see, and how do they manage security on these websites. I know I have read about many facebook accounts being hacked. Could this be worse if you display your professional information for all to see. Possibly, but if managed correctly and used by many businesses this could be an amazing tool for students who are itching to break into the professional world. If you can meet employers on this site who are interested in hiring you, and authenticate they are actually who they say they are, and fire off a resume and cover letter from your computer, this would be an efficient way to apply for jobs and new positions.
Kuda
The benefits of using LinkedIn, like any other social network, are that it connects you to work colleagues, and creates networking opportunities. It allows you to have consulting opportunities with companies that need your expertise. Its gives you opportunities for going to areas of business, as networks give inside information of niche areas that could realize much profit. Ideally for a university student, LinkedIn will offer more opportunities to be hired upon graduating. As a student without much knowledge on requirements for a successful career, they can gain valuable information from experienced management gurus of how to focus energies in right areas so as to be marketable after University. The disadvantage with using social network websites like LinkedIn could be that it might not fully paint a true picture of an individual work ethic. That is, even though someone can be on such a site and present favourable information, that does not entail that they will be equally useful in a job.
Oloff Dreyer
I think the benefits of using LinkidIn as a social networking site can be quite beneficial to furthering your career and creating a high profile network of friends. These networking opportunities can lead to many different and new fields of job searches to further anyone from a grad student to a veteran of a specific field. I believe these benefits could be realized by students entering the field and could be a great advantage as many times in the work world it seems to be more about who you know than what you know to further yourself. I believe there are numerous downsides to any social networking site. Some of which included problems of privacy and problems with people that don’t know how to keep gossip down to a minimum. I have heard of many instances where professionals have lost their jobs or been suspended for certain amounts of time due to them sharing too much information about work.
Mark McKee
First off, I’ve never heard of this social networking site called Linkedin before. I quickly viewed the site and decided to search some family and friends that I have. Surprisingly I found a lot of them and their detailed work history. I think any kind of social networking site has its advantages and disadvantages. The website states that they are currently at 90 million members and growing. Clearly, they must of created a working concept that is drawing in people. If it is an effective tool and you get your name out their and it aids you in job prospectives and career paths then that is very beneficial. However, is it safe to have all this information so accessible? I’m curious about this site and will graduating within the year and may sign up and see what it is all about. So, yes I think it may be effect for students at the college/university level.
Brett Quinton
LinkedIn is a social networking site that is supposedly used for business. As a business model it is difficult to see why they would exclude people, If I were looking for people I would use facebook as it has many more users and is easier to see what the person is actually like. I also think that there are too many sites similar to this to say that it is an effective tool. The whole social networking fad has peaked and it on the downward slope. However, since the video was made in 2009 there has been significant growth in number of users at each of these sites. I am a user of most of these sites and like the woman in the video I don’t use them. Networking is great and the site could possibly help those students who are looking for a job, but the more time you waste keeping all of your social networking profiles up to date could be better spent speaking face to face with your future employer.
AS
Like all social networking sites, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for connecting with the peers around you. Having LinkedIn focused on business professionals will allow for increased networking oportunities. Students just graduating could find this networking site very useful. It could allow them to distrubte resumes, highlight there skills, seek mentorship and increase network channels. Downsides of social networking sites are that sometimes information shares could not always be to your benefit. Employers could judge you on your profile before they even consider you for an interview, which may not be fair. Some students may start to rely on social networking sites for communication as where face to face interaction is more professional in some cases. LinkedIn, built for the business professionals could turn into a gossiping site rather than a business tool to network with other professionals resulting in unwanted Spam and other virual threats. If linkedin is used for the right purposes then it could be an effect tool for the business world to start using.
Kevin Beauchamp
Like all of the other social networking websites that have come along in the last ten years, linkedin is another form of communication between individuals. The main of it is that it pertains to a specific demographic, professionals, that can use it, unlike twitter, myspace, and facebook which is aimed at the general public. It creates a platform that professionals can use for more productive networking. The disadvantage is also similar to other social networking sites, that being security. Research of the professional could be obtained or something stated in a private context may be released to the public. Along with other students, I agree that it is a beneficial tool that allows recent graduates to find out more information on potential employers and put their name out to those who are interested in hiring employees. In general, it gives them a chance to adapt to the new environment they are entering.
Warren
For a student starting out meeting several people in your field of study, could only be an asset. The old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” can make the difference when looking for job leads. Because LinkedIn is categorized as a social network I see implications with unprofessional gossiping. Employers need to be aware if their employees are embarrassing their reputation by something stupid that may have been said. Conversely, competitors can eaves drop easier than ever and look for other company information. The information richness of online interaction is lower than face to face contact. Employers are surely better to remember you if you come in person talk to them. It can leave a positive impression and lead you to a career. Again, there is nothing wrong with social networking, but everyone must keep in mind how employees are portraying themselves. It would be unwise to post photos of staff “totally wasted” at the staff Christmas party. If used with a certain amount of discretion and professionalism it could be a good idea for people looking for jobs.
Caley Sinclair
Linkedin is aa great tool for students to break into the workforce. Social networking is one of the biggest things for youth today. By using this form of social networking students can create a contact network consisting of the direct connections as well as connections of direct connections, this can be used to gain an introduction to someone a person wishes to know through a mutual, trusted contact. You can also use it to find jobs, people as well as business opportunities that have been recomended in your network of contacts. Potential employers post jobs and look for candidates to fill the positions. When looking for jobs, job hunters can review the profiles of employers and which contact they already have could introduce them.
It can then be used to find jobs, people and business opportunities recommended by someone in one’s contact network. Employers and employees can be connected virtually. This professional form of social networking will be very beneficial to those trying to break into the workforce which seems to have very few openings.
J.E.
Yet another social networking site. I myself am not a fan of any of these sites though I am a part of facebook. I think as a whole these social networking sites have done more harm than good for the workforce. Sure this site boasts that it is all about profession business but the “gossiping” going on within these site will rarely if ever be professional. If I were an employer looking for some people to hire in a professional setting I myself would not go to the social networking sites to look for them. There are plenty of sites and agencies aimed at getting you into the workplace that in my opinion would work a lot better. Another down fall to a site like this for the employer is who really has time to chat people up and check profiles just to see if they will have them come in and do an interview and look at their resume anyway. I do see this site as a fun social took for the professional group of people but that is as far as I see it going.
Rob C
I think that LinkedIn is an interesting “branch-off” of Facebook that caters towards professionals in the workforce. This niche for people in the workplace is reminiscent of a mature version of Facebook, which allows users to communicate, share information, and even discuss potential employer/employee opportunities.
These benefits could definitely be realized by students who are looking to break into the workforce, as it would be a smooth transition due to the fact that the majority of students already have or had Facebook accounts setup. Furthermore, they would be able to dynamic of social networking on a professional level, where they will be surrounded by people of an entirely different group of working professionals.
The downside of using LinkedIn may be issues such as professional in the workplace who may become addicted this particular social network. Similar to Facebook for some, this addiction may affect their overall work productivity or efficiency on a day-to-day basis. Another downside may be that your personal information will remain and saved and viewable to the professional community, and if you are a private person this may not help the case.
Kim Berger
As with all internet forms of social networking, there are upsides and downsides to Linked In. As well as being a useful tool for people to keep track of friends, relatives, and even enemies, it can provide insight for employers into potential employees personal lives, work habits, and public behavior. This is useful in situations where there are high stakes involved, ie money, prestige, or if employers think they are taking a chance by hiring a certain employee. As much as we would all like not to be judged on our personal online profiles, we definitely are. This is the downside of such sites, as we may be judged, fairly or unfairly on content we have posted on such a site. Whether it be photos, comments, jokes, or inside humor, our potential employers are taking this all into consideration when deciding whether or not to hire us. As unfair as this may seem, it is a fact of life, and we would all do well to heed the old advice: do not do or say anything you wouldn’t want your Grama to see and discuss with you.
JJ
I was unfamiliar with this social networking site. I went and checked it out and found that it was quite similar to facebook, twitter, etc. I believe this could be a good tool to use as it is geared more towards working professionals and helping people find jobs or contact the right people. The fact that the site can let you exchange info, ideas and opportunities, I feel like this could be beneficial if people used it the right way and not like facebook. I have yet to join the site but I will definitely take another look and from there will decide if I want to join. On the contrary, there are so many different applications like linkedin and I would have to agree with Brett Quinton in the aspect of time wasting and while keeping your linkedin profile up to date all the time can be very time consuming, I would rather use that time to actually contact an employer or have one on one face time.
Jolan Naismith
Linked will become another assent in one’s career advancement tool box. In a business world that is no longer restricted by distance or time any professional means by which an individual can effectively advertise and promote their strengths and ideas with potential employers, clients or fellow coworkers is a benefit. It was only a matter of time before social networking graduated from the partying pictures on facebook and the entertaining one liners on twitter to something more sophisticated and accepted by professionals. There will always be privacy and credibility issues when interacting with “someone” via the internet as has been shown by fake twitter account and hacked facebook profiles. Could someone develop a poor reputation on a social networking site on behalf of a rival in their area of interest, sure, for the most part the benefits should heavily outweigh the weaknesses, though nothing will ever get your point across like you will, in person.
Nyle Watts
I’ve never heard of linkedin before, but from what I understand about it now, it seems like it can be incredibly useful in helping to connect with people and make it easier for you to get yourself into the workplace and find the job of your dreams. It seems similar to other social networking websites such as Facebook, which in themselves are incredibly useful in connecting with people and for exchanging dialogue and idea from one person to another. This seems like something that could especially useful for students who are about to graduate from University and will be looking for jobs that relate to their respected fields of study, This gives these graduates an opportunity to gain information from management from jobs in their fields, and in turn bettertheir chances of getting these jobs are they have graduated. I haven’t really gotten a chance to look through linkedin a great deal yet, but I’ll definitely give it a chance now.
Ashley H
The benefits of using LinkedIn are similar to other social networking sites such as myspace and facebook. However, LinkedIn caters to professionals looking for new job and wanting to network in their career area. With LinkedIn individuals can check up on their co-workers and see new jobs available. In general, LinkedIn is a great tool for networking. These benefits can be great for students and new graduated breaking into the workforce. This site provides a common place for people to post their resume, join groups and discussion boards; this is a valuable site to find new employees, clients, or to receive career-related advice.
Just like any social networking site, there are downsides and LinkedIn does not avoid these pitfalls. People are about to view individuals resumes and information even if they do not know the person. Potential employers can get information about possible employees without consent. The value of this site is dependent on the number of people who are “LinkedIn” and the quality of these users’ profile.
Travis Sedrovic
I have had a linkedin account for about a year, after having quite a few fishing clients telling me that they use it. I created an account, got “linked” with my clients, and was even put on to some other potential clients who were associated with my few contacts. I can say that the 20 minutes it took to set up my account was worth upwards of $5000 in bookings that the company I work for would not have had without the connections made on linkedin. On the other hand, as a student, I am skeptical about fully submerging myself into the “social network” part of the site. I wonder if future employers/co-workers would get annoyed at someone who is constantly updating their profile and adding new connections while searching for potential jobs. Will it seem desperate? Should you add everyone you cross paths with? If you don’t, what if you lose a potential job? These questions are left unanswered in my mind so that is why I only add a client on linkedin if he/she mentions the site and seems to have a positive outlook on it.
mike
LinkedIn could have both positive and negative repercussions. One of the positive aspects of a social networking site would be that you would be able to find out where people that you know, but may not have kept in touch with, may be working in the same field that you are hoping to get into and maybe be able to help you get a job at the company they are employed at or one of their colleagues. Also, you would be able to contact more people in a shorter amount of time, and geographical barriers become less of an obstacle. Some of the negative sides to these social networking sites in the professional world may make it easier to stereotype people. Employers would be able to screen applicants based on their physical appearance, race, age, etc. and make judgements without even getting them in for an interview. This could aid in unethical practices that already exist in the workforce.
Teigen C.
This is the first time I have heard of linkedin, and I definitely have mixed feelings about it. When Facebook was first launched I thought it was a great way to interact with people. However, privacy issues have made the site less appealing. The fact that businesses are willing to view your profile before even interviewing you make it questionable on whether or not to have a profile. I think this is the same issue with linkedin. Sure it’s great that this site will allow you to network without having to physically do so, but at the same time, part of the reason networking exists is to meet people in a business setting. Would I ever use it to find a job? Maybe. I guess it will totally depend on whether or not it becomes the latest and greatest and everyone starts using it. But privacy is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed first.
A.S.
We have seen many social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and My space emerge and evolve in the past 5 years or so. LinkedIn is a another form of social networking, however it is a communication medium which is directed toward more of a business sense. It allows its users to seek new jobs and opportunities, connect to clients, and even lets individuals post their resumes. It is especially beneficial for graduating students who are entering the workforce, as they can obtain career related advice through group forums, discussion boards, and blogs.
LinkedIn claims approximately 39,000,000 users worldwide, yet it is not the richest communication medium in terms of information sharing. As Chris Green mentions in the interview, the most valuable form of communication is face-to-face. As a result, messaging and leaving wall posts are not as valuable as it would be to physically meet and interact with someone, or communicate via a spoken electronic such as a telephone, or skype for example. And of course there are issues pertaining to security, such as access to one’s profile and their personal information.
Dylan B
As a mid-degree university student I dont see a lot of current value in this program. As I’m not searching for a job or trying to broaden my network at this time, I am not interested in becoming a member of this site. With that being said it has been added to my favorites in preperation for the day that it does come in handy. In roughly a year I’ll be done my degree and looking for a good job, at which time having a professional profile may be helpful in finding a job as well as building personal credibility. My references could be checked simply by checking the reputations of the people that endorse me online, and for that I see this site as a useful tool.
N.P
I personally think that Linkedin is quite beneficial to those who are trying to connect with potential applicants, or organizations. Yes, we can compare it to facebook or twitter, however, I believe that Linkedin is so much more specific. It is basically an online resume where employers can find you or you find them. Unlike facebook, you are not posting pictures of yourself or being tagged in photos that may be viewed in a negative manner. Its strictly business and it is also quick and easy!