LinkedIn useful for career change

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    Topic
  • #193533
    Lion_of_the_Rock
    Participant

    Brief intro – I am north of 30, have been a stay-at-home parent for 5 years, and my previous work experience was not accounting or business related. I have also avoided social media, I don’t use FB, no Twitter, etc.

    Question – Would it be useful to create a LinkedIn profile for the purpose of being seen by a recruiter for an entry level position at a small or regional firm? Or is LI only a tool for established pros looking to jump ship or network?

    BEC - 78
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    REG - 74, 79
    FAR - 75

    You have to buy a ticket to win the raffle.

Viewing 10 replies - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
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  • #662862
    rp 12
    Participant

    I believe in using LinkedIn. In my opinion it is equivalent of a resume. But with LinkedIn you can create an online awareness. Possibility of getting noticed by a recruiter is high (search firms, and at times even company recruiters). I would certainly create LinkedIn account (free version) make a good looking profile. Brand yourself in a best way possible. When you add connections don't randomly add people – just leave a personalized message, and also try asking for an informational interview (not right away).

    You can also include in your job title – Seeking opportunity in entry level audit roles or tax roles (something along those lines). Also, google on how to best present your LinkedIn profile. I have seen that some people also don't mind posting their resume online and make it public.

    Hope this helps!

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    AUD - 67, 62, 77 (lost credit), TBA

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    "Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure, and loss act only as motivation"

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    #662863
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Linkedin is great. I would say it is more useful for the established professional (it prob wont help a whole lot in your situation) but if you don't already have one start now! Also when you apply for a job one of the first things the manager will likely do is look up your profile and/or google you so having a professional well written profile with a smiling headshot can definitely help.

    #662864
    Missy
    Participant

    The other benefit of LinkedIn is connections. Even as a stay at home parent you've likely connected with other parents through school, sports and activities. Connect with any professional you personally know on LinkedIn. When you are interviewing make sure to get the names of the people who will be interviewing you and look them up before you go in, may find that they are also alumni of your school, previously worked with folks who you are connected to, etc. There is a huge social aspect of the job seeking process that is often overlooked.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    #662865
    ibCPAsoon
    Member

    It is a great way to be seen by recruiters. Consider trying their premium version – it adds you to the top of the pool for recruiters and lets them see you are seeking opportunities.

    They give you a free month. When I used the free month I would get contacted by a recruiter daily w/ no real accounting experience other than an internship. Just remember to cancel it – its like twenty something a month otherwise.

    I add anyone on linkedin i established a relationship with and got a business card. It helps add a face to your name and your ocassional profile updates pop up on their news feed keeping you a familiar face.

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    #662866
    Last Chance CPA
    Participant

    It's the only thing that has ever worked for me. No need to even have your resume on Monster, Careerbuilder, or Dice, as you will only receive junk position offers. I don't understand why people even use Craigslist for full-time job hunting, maybe there are bookkeeping gigs on there?

    LinkedIn is your ticket. Like everyone mentioned, build a solid profile with a clearly stated professional summary, and make sure to include future interests. Buzz words seem to make all the difference as well…

    AUD - 75
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    FAR - 76
    REG - 76
    I want those initials next to my name!!!!

    FAR - 76
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    REG - 76

    Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

    #662867
    Gronk-a-donk
    Participant

    I got an out of the blue email from a public firm on Linkedin after working 4 years in private and I just started at the firm this week. I would definitely say Linkedin is a great tool to helping you get back in the game. Just like @rp 12 said, treat it like a resume and highlight your experiences at your previous jobs. Best of luck!

    AUD - 81
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    I don't know what to do with all this extra time I have gained back.....maybe bowling

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    #662868
    san4596
    Member

    Either way, I do not think it will hurt your chances of finding a job. Stay away from posting your resume on websites. I had my resume on Careerbuilder once college was complete, and kept it updated with my degree/experience. I received a call 2 yrs later requesting an interview for a night shift warehouse position, which was basically this guys lacky. I was extremely confused because my resume was updated to reflect my 8-5 accounting position. I told him that an interview would be a waste of both of our time and that I was not interested. Sad thing is, he really did not understand why I was not interested, and still wanted to interview me.

    Fast forward to now, I just updated my LinkedIn profile recently, and have been flooded with recruiters already. I do not have the premium version either. I joined multiple CPA and Finance groups, started following multiple companies, but still do not have a dang picture. I believe you will get noticed and helped by a recruiter with an active profile.

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    #662870
    MaLoTu
    Participant

    @ lion – I could have written your post! Basically same background issues. The only social media I have is LI.

    LinkedIn is a good start. but will not get you too far on its own. It is just a tool.

    I have been able to overcome those deficits by networking. Entry-level positions are based more on personality, culture fit, and overall tenacity than on a solid skill set.

    Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

    All 4 passed - 2016

    CA CPA

    #662871
    Lion_of_the_Rock
    Participant

    Thanks all for the opinions. Appreciate the feedback. I'll have to get my LI going.

    BEC - 78
    AUD - 75
    REG - 74, 79
    FAR - 75

    You have to buy a ticket to win the raffle.

    #662872
    cool_kid
    Participant

    Linkedin can helpful also if you want to reach out to smaller firms. For some small firms, they don't directly list the contact info and it may just say info@xyzfirm.com, which makes it difficult to contact the right person. Through linkedin, you can at least directly message someone and have a higher chance of getting noticed.

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