4 Reasons Why You Need to Be on LinkedIn Even If You Have a Job

Certainly, many jobseekers turn to LinkedIn when they’re searching for new positions.

But is that the only time you need to maintain an active profile on the social networking site? 

In reality, hunting for a new job is not the only reason to use the site; just the most popular. 

“We recently posted a poll asking our network: Why do you use LinkedIn? Most people said they used LinkedIn for job searching, followed by networking, hiring, finding incisive articles, and getting/giving a wide range of opinions of relevant posts,” wrote Andrea Rodriguez for LinkedIn.

So, if you’re not using the social network because you think it’s not for you, think again.

Here are four reasons to use LinkedIn when you’re happy in your job.

 

? Networking with Existing Contacts and Finding New Ones

One of the key reasons to use LinkedIn when you’re happy in your job is to keep in touch with your contacts.

The platform has around 875 million users in over 200 countries, so you’re almost guaranteed to be able to find current and former coworkers with whom to connect. 

What should you do if your LinkedIn network isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be? 

“There are several easy ways to grow your LinkedIn network. At the very least, you should be connected with colleagues at both your current and former employers,” said Laura Ross for Thomas Insights. 

You should also work to grow your network – even if you’ve never met them in person. 

“LinkedIn is a social media site now. You’re supposed to connect with others, exchange messages and stay in touch by commenting on their posts. It’s a good way to keep track of your employers, colleagues, and clients,” added Simon Chou for BC Jobs.

Once you’ve grown your network, you’re not done yet. Instead, you need to continue engaging with your contacts, commenting on their posts, exchanging messages, and appreciating their posts and promotions – all the things you’d do to be a supportive professional friend. 

In turn, you could ask for skills endorsements from your network to, in part, keep your profile up to date if you ever decide to look for a promotion. 

 

? Reminding Yourself (and Others) of Your Accomplishments

When you’re happy in your current position, you’re not always keeping your resume up to date.

In fact, you may not even be keeping track of your accomplishments – something you certainly want to be doing if you’re interested in securing an internal promotion.

So, it’s smart to get in the habit of adding your accomplishments to your profile, using it as a dynamic document that should always be up to date for your network. So, share projects you’ve completed successfully, keeping in mind the impressive facts and figures you might forget later. 

Updating regularly will also keep you at the forefront of your networks’ minds, as your updates will appear in their news feeds.

 

? Connecting with Passive Recruiters

Even if you’re happy in your job, who doesn’t want to hear about opportunities that they don’t have to seek out themselves?

Another reason you should keep your profile current: passive recruiters. 

Passive recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates who are not actively looking for new roles.

These are called passive candidates, and if the recruiter finds you impressive enough, they may offer you more money, perks, or benefits to consider pursuing a new role. You never know – they may share a role with you that you’d like even more than the one you’re in! 

“Companies who use head-hunters are willing to pay you more than what you are making now in order to snatch you away from your cushy job. If you aren’t on LinkedIn, you are reducing your chances of being discovered by head-hunters and having the opportunity to make more money,” said Joshua Waldman for Work It Daily.

 

? Keeping Up with Thought Leadership in Your Field – and Adding Your Own Contributions

Another benefit of using LinkedIn is that you’ll be able to read think pieces published by movers and shakers in your field.

While building your network, be sure to follow thought leaders in your industry. Then, when they publish new blogs or videos about innovations in your field, you’ll be able to use their expertise in your current position. 

You could even consider positioning yourself as a thought leader yourself, especially if you’re an expert in a little-understood niche. 

“You don’t need to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning author to be worthy of publishing content on LinkedIn. You have valuable skills and experience in your industry, and if you fancy putting pen to paper, there’s no reason you shouldn’t showcase your expert knowledge,” said Ross.

 

Reasons to Use LinkedIn When You’re Happy in Your Job

 

Certainly, you’ll want to be an active LinkedIn member if and when you’re looking for a new job.

But there are lots of reasons to use the platform even when you’re happy in your role. After all, you never know when your company might go kaput or lay you off. So, it never hurts to be ready. 

The most valuable aspects of LinkedIn for those who aren’t actively seeking new jobs are its networking, resume, passive recruitment, and thought leadership capabilities. At the very least, the social networking platform helps you stay current in your field and with your contact – necessities no matter where you’re at in your career. 

Convinced that staying up-to-date with LinkedIn is a brilliant idea?

Read “The Ultimate Guide To Transform Your LinkedIn Profile” to up your game even more.