To be scared of linkedin

[Ste23321]

I know I am probably being unreasonable but just want some opinions!

I’ve been told by multiple people I need to create a LinkedIn profile as I’m trying to change jobs and people will find me this way. Only problem is I suffer extreme anxiety and over think everything! I’m worried about creating a LinkedIn page for a number of what might seem “silly reasons” such as anyone being able to find me and contact me. I keep all my social media private but that won’t work with this as I NEED people to find me so I can get a job!

There’s no reason I need to feel this way, it’s not that I have anything to hide! But I cannot shake this horrible feeling.

My number isn’t on didn’t realise that was an option. I have my email and get odd email from recruitment people.

I have the same anxieties about this as I have an ex-boyfriend who lives in the US who I try to avoid looking me up on any social media. Anyone know if you can restrict people looking to just UK based users?

If you’re looking to get out of teaching, then I don’t think LinkedIn will be much use. Direct action is needed, there are lots of teachers wanting to leave. Have some idea of what you want to do, and network. Twitter is very good for networking if you plan to use your education skills but not directly as a teacher.

@KloppsTeeth

I have the same anxieties about this as I have an ex-boyfriend who lives in the US who I try to avoid looking me up on any social media. Anyone know if you can restrict people looking to just UK based users?

If you’re looking to get out of teaching, then I don’t think LinkedIn will be much use. Direct action is needed, there are lots of teachers wanting to leave. Have some idea of what you want to do, and network. Twitter is very good for networking if you plan to use your education skills but not directly as a teacher.

I would agree that if you are looking to move careers you would not rely on LInkedin - its best use is for when you are looking to be found by people for roles similar to what you have. If you are looking to move out of teaching - unless you want to stay in the education sector then Linkedin could be useful for sideways move - but I would strongly suggest you seek the services of a career counsellor first.

Op I had the same worries as you but I did it and it has been SO helpful to my career. Recruiters reach out to me weekly and it's so easy to correspond with them, to say nothing of the job postings. I have 4 different job alerts set up and I get an email for each one every day with 30+ jobs I can apply to. My last 3 job offers have come from recruiter reach outs through LinkedIn.

Thank you all! If I’m being honest my main concern is toxic colleagues from my current school knowing what my next job will be. I’m in a job at the moment but want to leave. I have to put current school down whilst I look for other jobs.

I browsed a few people I know very well and I’m surprised at the things I read as they told me for example they attended such abs such school/university but it says different on profile! Definitely them as has a picture. So does this mean people don’t always put correct information up? DH told me lots of people lie about stuff - surely that can’t be true?

The only thing you have to fear from using LinkedIn, is the nausea you will experience reading the self-congratulatory and virtue-signalling posts.

Your LinkedIn profile can be just a glorified CV.

Qualifications, employment, achievements, and a personal description. It would be foolish to lie on your LinkedIn profile because when you apply for a job, you normally have to send a CV. Lying on your CV is a criminal offence, CV fraud. And it would be hard to explain any difference between your cv and your LinkedIn page.

Just put your basic information. As you get more relaxed and as your career develops, you can add more. You don't need to add contact information. If a potential employer wants to contact you, they do it via LinkedIN messenger. No need for email address or phone number.

You don't need to add a photo if you don't want to.

@MintJulia thank you.

People I know their profile is accurate. Obviously you don’t put every job and you showcase yourself in best light but Uni you went to etc should be correct (a lot of jobs want proof of qualifications )
Have you looked for local authority jobs. Things like registrars often come from people looking for a new challenge. Probably have to take a pay cut but if you could get an entry level job you should be able to progress.

I've been on LinkedIn since 2013. Never been called as my number isn't on my profile and I stay anonymous, but I have been contacted via LI by recruiters. Once you ignore or say no they don't pester. Same as people wanting to connect. You choose who you allow.

Only problem is now LI is getting to be like Facebook. I'm not on Facebook as I'm not interested in what you had for tea, how well your baby is filling her nappy etc.

Now LI has more and more 'non-business' and frankly I'm looking at LI less and less as very bloody day it's yet another flood of self-obsessed posts with posy photos. I'm not interested in the fact that 'Mary' has had great day with her buddies etc. Even today there's a post about rescuing stray dogs. All well and good, but NOT what I joined LI to see.

ugh!!

Employers love LinkedIn, and generally can't get enough of it. After all, every employee that is on it with their company name is a free advert for the company and helping to get the brand out there.

It's benefit individually is less clear.

I have used LinkedIn for job searching. If I am more active I add more details and make it more 'visible' to the LinkedIn community. Once I have a role I limit the amount of information visible and limit some of it for just my contacts.

Like all social media you can take it as far as you want it. Some people needs 100's followers, some of us just use it as a tool.

@beinglikedisoverrated

I joined LinkedIn and have been contacted by phone at least twice.....

I’ve used linked in from the very beginning and have never had anyone phone me up from it. All depends on your settings.