Helpful “Linkedln” Information for Job Seekers

A reader of this blog provided me the following link to a job search related article posted by Internet Service Providers:

"10 Reasons LinkedIn Can Cause Problems at Work” (http://www.internetserviceproviders.net/blog/2012/10-reasons-linkedin-can-cause-problems-at-work/)

1. If you are using your company email account for correspondence, or if it’s obvious to potential employers that you are contacting them from your present job, you may be sending the message that you’re willing to slack on your responsibilities at work, which is definitely the wrong message you want to send out. Prospective employers may take a dim view of your use of company time and resources for personal reasons.
2. You never know who may be looking at your LinkedIn profile, and this includes your current boss. You run the risk of having your employer see your resume or profile on the website, which will likely send up an immediate red flag to them. There goes the stealth mode for your job search. It’s wise to set your privacy preferences so that your personal info is not visible to employers.
3. Anytime it becomes apparent that an employee is searching for new job opportunities, whether the boss finds out or co-workers become aware, that employee’s future has been seriously compromised in his current role. Your current boss may make a preemptive move and dismiss you before you have the opportunity to find a new job and put in your two-week notice at your current one.
4. On the flip side, LinkedIn can cause you problems at work by providing your boss with qualified candidates to replace you if and when they realize that you’re on the hunt for a new job. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, as they say.
5. Some companies monitor internet usage by employees, and can easily track website visits and record searches. Having your browsing history at their fingertips means that it wouldn’t be difficult for your boss to discover that you’re looking for a way out; and he may provide you with one… just one you hadn’t planned on.
6. The time you spend job hunting at work can lead to productivity issues. You want to leave your current position on your own terms, not because you were fired. It’s best to leave on good terms with your current employer so as not to burn any bridges. After all, you never know when you may need to come back or utilize an old boss for a good reference. That leads to another matter of potential concern …
7. If you have resorted to searching for new employment prior to making an attempt to improve your current situation, or giving your employer the chance to keep you, you could be missing out on a better opportunity at your current job. Before you start searching outside of your current company ask for any lateral or upward shifts that you may be better suited for within your current company.
8. Some companies have clauses in their employment agreements that prohibit employees from seeking work with competitive firms for a specific period of time after termination. You may be violating your current agreement with your job search, so it’s best to check on any statutes of limitations that your employer may have specified in your employment contract.
9. Prospective employers may inadvertently contact you or your present employer when screening your application. The last thing you want is for a prospective employer to contact your current employer if it’s going to compromise your job situation. Using the wrong email address or phone number could wind up costing you two jobs – the one you applied for, and the one that currently pays the bills.
10. Of course, if you were otherwise content at your current job, finding out that you’re grossly underpaid compared to similar positions that you’ve discovered are available via networking sites like LinkedIn can also be detrimental. Learning this information can cause a whole other kind of problem for you at work. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

You may find other articles posted on the site to be informative.  However, you should recognize that the site is marketing its Internet consulting services and that I do not necessarily recommend them.

Please let me know if this type of information is of value to you or someone you know by posting your comments here or emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn