We live in an age where yesterday’s news is old news (remember Grumpy Cat? Me neither). We have live news streams available at our fingertips and can stay up-to-date with current events in real time, pushing yesterday’s news far down in your news feed.
So, why does your LinkedIn list that you currently work for your previous employer? Is it because now that you landed that new job, you can go back to ignoring your LinkedIn until it’s time to start job searching again?
While LinkedIn is a great place to start for an “online resume,” this social networking platform has so much more to offer than just looking good for your next job interview. In fact, 80% of users spend their time on LinkedIn for activities such as networking, interacting with peers, and researching.
Updating your LinkedIn profile with your current title and employer is pivotal to your online presence. Here are a few reasons why having an updated title and employer can help elevate your LinkedIn profile.
Increase your networking opportunities
LinkedIn was made for connecting with professionals who have similar interests as you, whether it is the company you work for, the position you hold, the activities you perform, or the industry you work within. LinkedIn’s algorithms will suggest connections, companies, or topics that you may find of interest based on the information on your profile, connecting you with people and topics that are most relevant to your interests. With an outdated profile, you may attract connections who are no longer related to any of your interests.
Boosts your credibility
Having an up-to-date profile speaks volumes to not only the professional skills you have listed on profile, but also boosts your credibility.
- You are detail oriented. – You realize that the small things matter, such as having an up-to-date title and employer listed on your profile
- You are a force to be reckoned with. – You are using the powerful tool of LinkedIn to its full capacity to find and leverage valuable connections.
- You put your best foot forward. – You are professional not only in the office, but online, too. You appreciate the power of perception and utilize your LinkedIn profile to help tell your professional story.
Makes you easier to find
When you add employers to your profile, LinkedIn makes it easy to find other employees who currently work for or have formerly worked for the company. Similarly, if your connections have common contacts, LinkedIn will also recommend that you connect with that person as well. See how quickly your network can grow, simply by listing your employer?
Tell your story
Unless you have met a LinkedIn connection in person, your profile is your one opportunity to tell your story. This is your chance to grab viewer’s attention and show them why they should connect with you. Keeping your profile up-to-date is just one chapter of you story. You want to ensure it aligns with the entire message you are delivering.
Gone are the days of simply updating your LinkedIn profile for job seeking purposes only. Your LinkedIn profile is an electronic representation of your career growth that should always be kept as up-to-date as possible. As we transition into the digital age, our business habits should make that transition, too. Is your LinkedIn profile telling your professional story accurately?
