Do I need to be on LinkedIn Forum

[whereskyle]

0L here, who will be starting at NU in the fall. As of now, I don't have a LinkedIn account, and I wonder if any TLSers think its imperative, helpful, or unnecessary to have a LinkedIn account before starting the law school game. Thanks, all.

[Tanicius]

I think it helps if you're going into private practice. It's an opportunity to add some flash to your resume and brand.

For public sector people, it doesn't do so much.

[whereskyle]

I think it helps if you're going into private practice. It's an opportunity to add some flash to your resume and brand.

For public sector people, it doesn't do so much.

Thanks. As I can't say that I'll definitely be one or the other, I think that I'll get on it.

[transferror]

0L here, who will be starting at NU in the fall. As of now, I don't have a LinkedIn account, and I wonder if any TLSers think its imperative, helpful, or unnecessary to have a LinkedIn account before starting the law school game. Thanks, all.

Imperative: No
Helpful: Yes (If used properly)
Unnecessary: Yes

I actually got my 1L gig through LinkedIn. I also really enjoy looking up the ppl who will be interviewing me since they can see who has viewed their profile. It's a really easy way to let them know I've done my homework without sounding like a creep/stalker at an interview. Also, I've had prospective employers view my account, which lets me know they are at least mildly interested and means I should contact them to express continuing interest and request a status update. All of this communication occurs w/o words. It's wonderful.

[patogordo]

do yourself a favor and never refer to or consider your "brand"

[jkwo07]

you yourself a favor and never refer to or consider your "brand"

[Ricky-Bobby]

you yourself a favor and never refer to or consider your "brand"

[JJ123]

Yes, you need to get a LinkedIn.

[jn7]

Imperative: No
Helpful: Yes (If used properly)
Unnecessary: Yes

Agree 100%. I personally like it for maybe a more obscure reason:

I've found it's great for finding information about positions because you can look up people that held that same job and check out the bullet points etc. (obviously doesn't apply as much in the legal realm since it's all likely pretty similar), but for internships/summer opportunities etc. I think it is really useful. Just be cognizant of the fact that anybody you click on while logged in will see you checking them out

^^I would also add that I have reached out to people specifically that held a previous position and asked them about it. They are almost always very receptive and will tell you about the interview process/questions/company culture etc.!

[whereskyle]

Imperative: No
Helpful: Yes (If used properly)
Unnecessary: Yes

Agree 100%. I personally like it for maybe a more obscure reason:

I've found it's great for finding information about positions because you can look up people that held that same job and check out the bullet points etc. (obviously doesn't apply as much in the legal realm since it's all likely pretty similar), but for internships/summer opportunities etc. I think it is really useful. Just be cognizant of the fact that anybody you click on while logged in will see you checking them out

^^I would also add that I have reached out to people specifically that held a previous position and asked them about it. They are almost always very receptive and will tell you about the interview process/questions/company culture etc.!

This is great. I'm doing the grunt work of it now. Any other advice on making good use of a LinkedIn account?

[iamgeorgebush]

protip to viewing profiles w/o people seeing that you viewed them: google 'jane smith linkedin' and click little downward arrow then "Cached." this will let you view their profile w/o notifying them. it will also, in many cases when people have privacy restrictions on their profiles, let you view more of their profile than you would otherwise be able to view. i've often been able to see much more than i have been able to view through my own account, for whatever reason.

[bearsfan23]

Yes you need to be on LinkedIn. It will help your brand

[iamgeorgebush]

Yes you need to be on LinkedIn. It will help your brand band

ftfy

[jn7]

protip to viewing profiles w/o people seeing that you viewed them: google 'jane smith linkedin' and click little downward arrow then "Cached." this will let you view their profile w/o notifying them. it will also, in many cases when people have privacy restrictions on their profiles, let you view more of their profile than you would otherwise be able to view. i've often been able to see much more than i have been able to view through my own account, for whatever reason.

Ha this is awesome I didn't even know about the pull down nor did I know about the chached thanks.