LinkedIn ettiquite

[verybadhairdoo]

Seasoned contractor but have contracted with same company for 5+ years. Have joined the hoards on LinkedIn, colleague suggested this is the way forward rather than registering with agencies etc. Now the thing on LinkedIn seems to be to collect "endorsements" from people. Would it be rude to ask people to endorse my skills? Do recruiters / agencies actually take any notice of the endorsements (and number of them?). Is LinkedIn really the way to find a new role these days????

I don't think anyone actually bothers looking at endorsements, and although LinkedIn is useful for recruiters finding you, it's difficult to see how it would help if you're actively looking for a job (has lots of advertised roles, but you would find the same elsewhere). Definitely worth being on for ongoing networking though.

hmm interesting, so the endorsements are a pile of rubbish then?

I find I get job recommendations based on my endorsements.

I think whilst people don't always look at you endorsements they do expect to see some IYSWIM. Absolutely no problem to ask people to endorse you.

If you want a low key way of doing it, endorse them for something. Linking then sends them an email saying "Your contact very bad has endorsed you" and most people then log on and endorse you for something in return.

LinkedIn groups are where you want to be for profile raising. Also make sure that your settings allow you to be searched and if you search yourself for jobs which might be suitable, you tend to get more "looks" back through the system. Also follow any companies you are interested in which means you will pick up their notifications too.

Also have a good think about what key words a recruiter uses when they search for someone like you and make sure those words are used in your profile. And make sure you have a photo.

Thanks Improvising, very useful info.