If you’re currently a working professional, there’s a good chance you’ve been through this experience at least once in your life (if not weekly); it could have been just after graduating from university and on the lookout for a job, when you’re switching jobs, or when you’re on the look-out for that contact you just met at your last networking event.

I’m referring to that time you probably realized that your Facebook profile isn’t the only online profile that needs to be impressive. You take a good hard look at your LinkedIn profile. You then add every bit of information and make every tweak possible to make yourself seem like the creme de la creme of your lot; all in the hopes that an HR manager or headhunter notices you and offers you your next lucrative job offer.

But does your anyone really comb through each and every detail of your profile? Or is it just another formality to get with the times?

We list out why exactly your LinkedIn profile is oh-so-important :

1) Your LinkedIn profile is most likely to appear on the 1st or 2nd Page of a Google Search of your name

 

This is important. If someone were to look you up, being present within the first page on a Google search is good brand value for you. In the 21st century, your virtual presence can be as important as your real one.

Those interested can get a fair understanding of your professional background [in addition to those embarrassing FB photos from Freshman year].

2) Lends you a lot of credibility

 

You can add all the glitter and fancy words on your resume to make it stand-out, but it means nothing if not backed by a solid reference.

Whether you’re a student just graduating or a veteran in the industry, having your peers back you up demonstrates credibility and reliability to an employer. The endorsements matter if you’re just starting out.

3) Lets your connections keep track of your professional progress

LinkedIn is the ultimate tool for professional branding and making connections. When you build connections over the years, it gets harder to stay in touch.

As a platform, LinkedIn is phenomenal for spreading the word to your database, whether it’s a change in role or if you’ve gotten yourself certified in a skill that’s valuable to your industry.

4) Makes it easier to connect with people 

The six degrees of separation. Everyone’s connected in some way or the other. And LinkedIn can tell you exactly whom to talk to you to become that 1st degree connection.

5) Makes your job hunt easier

LinkedIn recommends jobs that suit your profile based on skills or keywords that you’ve mentioned. And if you’ve taken the time to put together an impressive profile, your chances of getting hired automatically go up.

6) Not having one means you’re not tech savvy

You don’t want to look like a caveman in the age of computers. Not having a LinkedIn profile can make it seem that way.

Having one shows that you’re at least iin with the times, and not relying on sending your word document CV to every company you can think of.

7) For college students: LinkedIn provides a good insight into your dream job

There are several routes that you can take that might lead you to your dream job. Luck, timing, a mentor.

You can never be sure. But it helps to look up those in the same industry who’ve landed the same job you’re vying for, and analyze their career path. The circumstances and situation might be different, but having an idea of what to do and whom to talk to is definitely useful. 

You never know – you might find a life-long mentor through this platform.