Every Expat Should Have a LinkedIn Profile. Here's Why.....

Maybe you have a LinkedIn profile and maybe you don’t. Maybe you’re thinking that LinkedIn is for your partner, not you – after all what’s the point when your career is on hold? Maybe you’re thinking that you don’t need a LinkedIn profile because you already have a resumé or CV. We think that every expat partner should have a LinkedIn profile (well OK maybe there are a few exceptions but not that many) and here’s why:

1. It’s an ONLINE CV or resumé. It’s a visible, searchable record of your professional life and it’s out there representing you even when you’re not. LinkedIn is being used increasingly as a recruiting tool for paid and voluntary positions. It’s therefore a relevant tool for helping you to find paid or voluntary positions whilst abroad and when you return home.

2. You can use it as a tool for building a professional network in your new country. LinkedIn makes it possible to connect with or (if you have the professional version) be introduced to people you don’t already know. Joining LinkedIn groups that are related to your profession or desired profession lets you connect with a broader range of people who might form your network.

3. You can use it to easily keep in touch with people and what’s going on in your profession at home. In their statuses and in groups, people are posting information that is relevant to you and your profession. Many expat partners find it challenging to slot back into their careers upon returning home. Maintaining your network and keeping abreast of industry developments can help to ease that transition

4. LinkedIn can help you to maintain or build your authority. By posting articles you write on LinkedIn Pulse or by actively participating in LinkedIn Groups, you can maintain and even enhance your authority in your industry

5. If you are using your time overseas to reinvent yourself, then LinkedIn can help you to learn about different options and connect with people who can help you to decide and get started.

6. If you have a business or are thinking about starting one, LinkedIn is a great tool to help you make connections with customers, competitors, advisors and mentors. You can also find support from other entrepreneurs in the same boat.

7. Even if you are not working, you can use your LinkedIn profile to keep track of what you’ve been doing and help you plan what you want to do. Maintaining an active LinkedIn profile can keep you focused on your skills, achievements and what you want to get out of your experience.

So unless you think your professional life is over for good (and even then…) make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and if you want to maintain networks etc. make sure that you are finding a way to actively participate in.

Having both just moved country, Louise and I are both reviewing our LinkedIn profiles. We’ve realised that many expat partners struggle with LinkedIn, how to set it up and how to use it effectively. We’d like to hear from you what you’d like to know about LinkedIn and where we can help you to understand this most powerful of development tools. Put your comments and questions on our Facebook page or on LinkedIn if you’re already there.

P.S. Whilst you’re on LinkedIn, don’t forget to follow Thriving Abroad and connect with us (Evelyn & Louise) there!