What Is LinkedIn? A Plain Explanation for Job Seekers
By the Gray Hair Jobs Editorial Team · Published · 2 min read
The short answer
LinkedIn is a free website and app where people post a work profile, much like an online resume. Employers and recruiters use it to post jobs and look for candidates. You can also use it to reconnect with former coworkers, follow companies, and apply for jobs. A basic account costs nothing, and paid upgrades are optional.
Key points
- LinkedIn is a professional networking site, not a general social network.
- A basic LinkedIn account is free.
- Your profile works like a public summary of your work history.
- Recruiters often search LinkedIn when filling roles.
- You control what goes on your profile, including whether to list dates.
Why it matters in a job search
Many employers post openings on LinkedIn, and many recruiters search it to find people with certain skills. If someone hears your name and wants to learn more about your work, LinkedIn is often where they look first.
It is also a simple way to find people you already know. Former coworkers, managers, and clients may now work at places that are hiring. A short, friendly message to one of them can lead to a conversation that a job posting never would.
What it looks like
A LinkedIn profile has a few main parts:
- Photo and headline. The headline is a short line under your name, such as "Bookkeeper and Office Manager" or "Customer Service Lead."
- About section. A few sentences in your own words about what you do well.
- Experience. Your jobs, with titles and short descriptions, similar to a resume.
- Skills. A list of skills that others can see and search for.
LinkedIn also has a Jobs tab, where you can search openings, save them, and sometimes apply directly. People you connect with are called connections. Connecting simply means you agree to be linked to each other on the site.
What to do next
- Create a free account using an email address you check often.
- Add a clear, recent photo and a plain headline that names the work you want.
- Fill in your two or three most recent and relevant jobs first. You can add more later.
- Search for a few former coworkers and send connection requests.
- Look through the Jobs tab and save a few listings that interest you.
If you want a guided walk-through, read LinkedIn basics. When you are ready to look at openings, you can also browse jobs on Gray Hair Jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for LinkedIn?
No. A basic LinkedIn account is free and lets you build a profile, connect with people, and search and apply for jobs. LinkedIn offers paid upgrades with extra features, but they are optional. Many people find work using only the free version. Try the free version first and decide later whether an upgrade is worth it to you.
Do I need to list every job I have ever had?
No. Your profile does not need to cover your entire career. Many experienced workers focus on the most recent and most relevant roles. Consider whether older jobs or graduation dates are necessary for the work you want now. Your profile should be accurate, but it can be selective, just like a resume.
Is it safe to put my information on LinkedIn?
Your work history is generally fine to share, but keep private details off your profile. Do not post your home address, birth date, or Social Security number. Be cautious with messages from strangers offering jobs that seem too good to be true. Our lesson on recognizing job scams explains common warning signs.
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