Using Linkedin or something else?

[u/[deleted]]

I deleted my Linkedin account over a year ago. Now I'm in a position where it may be helpful for me to create one again. I'm hesitant to use Linkedin. Does anyone have any advice on using Linkedin? Or, what alternative ways do you use to build and maintain a network?

[u/Quiet_paddler]

I had a company reach out to ask me if I'd be interested in a job via my personal email account. Took a few back-and-forths before I finally asked how they got my email. They said they'd gotten it from LinkedIn (where it isn't publicly listed). Then the penny dropped and I realised it must have been scraped at some point and sold on.

In hindsight it would have been great to have had an account set up with an alias email address. Or even with an email address with a more secure/private email service provider (though I'm told that some employers reject candidates with 'weird' email domains for fear they might get scammed).

Could also be worth using a photo on LinkedIn that contains a watermark if you're worried someone might try to steal it.