It almost goes without saying that job seekers should be more visible online than in the past. However, for many people that openness is at odds with their naturally private personality.



While lighthearted personal use of social media such as occasional Facebook or Instagram updates may now feel the norm, some people feel a sudden shift in mood when asked about updating their LinkedIn profile.



Whether you are struck by sudden job loss, or are securely employed seeking a better opportunity, you face the challenges of marketing your value effectively.



When you begin putting your job search feelers out, people often ask if you are on LinkedIn.



When they go to your profile, what will they see? Will you be present? If not, you must change that. Here are three reasons why. You can:



1. Be Found by Recruiters. According to JobVite's Social Recruiting Survey Results 2014, "While 83% of job seekers flock to Facebook, LinkedIn remains recruiters' top social network," and "73% of recruiters have hired a candidate through social media." Further, 93% of recruiters will review a candidate's social profile before making a hiring decision.



2. Publish a Multidimensional Resume. Some of the areas that recruiters look for on a candidate's social networks obviously include professional experience and tenure, but also encompass industry-related posts, mutual connections, specific hard skills and cultural fit.





By leveraging several key content sections such as the Summary, Experience, Skills, Projects and Publications areas, you have ample opportunity to communicate your experiences and culture-fit; as well, by connecting meaningfully to other LinkedIn users and by sharing other people's content or publishing your own, you can increase your visibility and marketability.



3. Achieve Global Career Exposure. Moreover, assuming you've already zoomed in on your applicable skills, experience and accomplishments through a deliberately created resume – including key phrases and words that will resonate with your target audience – LinkedIn is an ideal vessel to transport that information across the global highway and increase your SEO. It has been reported that 347 million users have joined LinkedIn; 3 billion users are visiting LinkedIn; and 187 million unique visitors traverse LinkedIn each month.



In fact, many recruiters and hiring decision makers are beginning their candidate hunting process on LinkedIn and from there, reaching out to you privately before springboarding to your resume. By allowing yourself to get purposefully uncomfortable and open yourself up on LinkedIn, you may just find that one right next career opportunity!