I personally don't think that changing/updating your profile necessarily equates to looking for a new job. Keeping an updated LI profile is almost de rigeur these days. I am connected with my current boss and was in my last two jobs as well.

Anonymous wrote:DH has been on Linked In for forever and is "linked", coworkers, contacts, etc. He hadn't updated his information in over a year but was getting restless at his job so started updating his information. About a week after doing so, his boss called him into his office and gave DH a promotion and substantial raise, saying he hoped it would keep him at the company for a long time. So there are some positive stories!

Add the boss and coworkers. If asked, just say you were updating it since it's been a while. I usually update mine every few months.

DH has been on Linked In for forever and is "linked", coworkers, contacts, etc. He hadn't updated his information in over a year but was getting restless at his job so started updating his information. About a week after doing so, his boss called him into his office and gave DH a promotion and substantial raise, saying he hoped it would keep him at the company for a long time. So there are some positive stories!

If you are seriously looking for a new job then yes you need to be on Linked In with a complete profile and a professional looking picture. A professional headshot is ideal but if you don't have one, get a picture in a suit against a generic background.

As for your linking to your boss, it's a judgment call based on how you think that person will react if they think you are looking for a new job. Since you have been with your employer for so long it sounds like you will need to at least link to your co-workers. Former co-workers may also be a great source for new opportunities.

Also, join affinity groups. Linked in has groups fro just about everything. Join your college groups, general groups in your professional area, and possibly groups for key software packages you use (depending on your profession).

Take a look at your boss's and co-workers' profiles. I'd be shocked if they don't list "interested in new opportunities ". I don't think anybody has any illusions about what LinkedIn is really for.

Anonymous wrote:Your boss and co-workers will know that you are looking for a new job. If this is okay then add them.

Serious question: Why do you need an account anyway? Isn't a resume still enough?

A resume is no longer enough. Recruiters search LinkedIn , jobs are posted there and most importantly, it is how you understand your network.

Anonymous wrote:Be aware that if you link to your boss she will get notifications when you change your profile, which will alert her that you are probably job searching. I always assume, whenever anyone is tinkering with a LI profile, that it's about a job search.

You can and should change your settings so people don't see when you make changes.

Your boss and co-workers will know that you are looking for a new job. If this is okay then add them.

Serious question: Why do you need an account anyway? Isn't a resume still enough?

Be aware that if you link to your boss she will get notifications when you change your profile, which will alert her that you are probably job searching. I always assume, whenever anyone is tinkering with a LI profile, that it's about a job search.

Anonymous wrote:Do not add anyone from your company. Period.

Disagree. I think it looks suspicious not to be connected to your coworkers. Plus, even if you leave, if you have a good relationship with your boss and/or other manager level people, it can't hurt to be connected. Who knows how you will be feeling about your new job in a couple years...

I do think it is best to try and build your linkedin profile up before you are really looking, so that the growth is organic seeming. This will also help lessen any suspicious online glances.

Anonymous wrote:I am LinkedIn "friends" with my boss. It's fine.

But are you looking for a different job?

Anonymous wrote:Do not add anyone from your company. Period.

Then what is the point of the site? I have worked at the same company since before LinkedIn was created.

I am LinkedIn "friends" with my boss. It's fine.

Do not add anyone from your company. Period.

I am looking for a new job and need to develop my LinkedIn profile. My boss, and several other mid-level managers, have profiles and are connected to many of my coworkers. Do I add my boss? Do I add the other managers? Would that say that I'm looking for a new job?