The Purpose of LinkedIn – And How to Harness It for Your Career

In today’s professional world, it’s not enough to have a polished résumé and a strong work ethic. Opportunities often come from the networks we build and the visibility we create for ourselves. That’s where LinkedIn comes in.

What started in 2003 as a digital platform for professional networking has grown into the world’s largest career-focused community, with more than a billion members worldwide. But LinkedIn is more than just an online résumé, it’s a tool you can actively use to connect, showcase, and grow in your career.

The Purpose of LinkedIn

At its core, LinkedIn serves three main purposes:

1. Networking

LinkedIn allows you to connect with colleagues, industry peers, potential employers, clients, and mentors. Unlike other social platforms, the focus is squarely on professional relationships, making it easier to build meaningful connections that can open doors.

2. Personal Branding

Your profile is a living résumé and portfolio. By sharing updates, insights, and achievements, you demonstrate your expertise and position yourself as someone to watch in your industry.

3. Career Development

LinkedIn has evolved into a job-hunting powerhouse. From recruiter outreach to job postings, skill-building courses, and career advice, it’s a space to actively manage and advance your career trajectory.

How to Harness LinkedIn for Your Career

Here are a few practical ways to make LinkedIn work for you:

1. Build a Strong Profile

Think of your profile as your personal landing page. Include a professional photo, a clear headline that describes what you do (not just your job title), and a compelling “About” section that highlights your strengths, values, and career goals.

2. Showcase Your Experience and Skills

Go beyond listing job duties. Highlight achievements, measurable outcomes, and projects that demonstrate your impact. Don’t forget to add key skills and seek endorsements from colleagues.

3. Share and Engage with Content

Posting regularly keeps you visible in your network. Share industry news, comment thoughtfully on others’ posts, or write articles that reflect your expertise. Engagement builds credibility and keeps you top of mind.

4. Expand Your Network

Send personalised connection requests, follow companies you admire, and join industry groups. Networking on LinkedIn isn’t about collecting numbers — it’s about cultivating meaningful professional relationships.

5. Use LinkedIn as a Learning Tool

LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses to build both technical and soft skills. Completing courses not only develops your knowledge but also shows up on your profile to strengthen your credibility.

6. Explore Opportunities

Recruiters and hiring managers live on LinkedIn. By keeping your profile active and optimised, you increase your chances of being discovered for opportunities you might not have even considered.

LinkedIn is no longer just a place to “be found” - it’s a place to actively shape your career story, connect with the right people, and position yourself for opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out, aiming for your next promotion, or considering a career pivot, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.

The question isn’t whether you should be on LinkedIn, it’s how intentionally you’ll use it to grow your career.