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For People Applying for Jobs, Is LinkedIn Still Useful?
It’s 2021. You’re looking for a new job. Where do you start?
If you ask around you’re likely going to hear a few answers. People may tell you to check online job boards, network, or update your resume. Where can you do all of that? On LinkedIn!
Like most other social networks, LinkedIn has been evolving since its public release in 2003. We now live in a time where graduating students are told they need a LinkedIn profile, creating a stigma around the platform. Young adults often register for an account thinking this will play a valuable role in getting a job. But does it actually get you a job? That question is up for debate, and LinkedIn’s future direction seems to be moving it further away from job acquisition.
When you look at the newer features on LinkedIn, a lot of them center around user engagement and the ways we can communicate. If you want to go “live” or post a poll, LinkedIn has features for you. This can allow people to research companies and acquire information, but it doesn’t seem too helpful for new job seekers.
LinkedIn is starting to emulate other social networks with their features. While the network can be used for professional purposes, recent additions seem to move away from its original identity. LinkedIn may not be the tool students hope it will be, so is it even useful enough to have?
