When many of us hear the word “LinkedIn,” we picture ambitious 20- and 30-somethings posting about promotions or sharing thought-leadership articles or what they learned at a recent seminar. But the professional networking platform isn’t just a place for them. It’s for Baby Boomers and beyond, too.
Officially launched on May 5, 2003, LinkedIn is older than Facebook, YouTube, X, and some of its users! And it has grown from a “place to post your resume” into a dynamic hub with over one billion members worldwide.
Women over 60 are bringing decades of experience, insight, and heart to every room we enter. And LinkedIn is one of the most powerful spaces you’ll ever step into.
Why It Matters – Even if You’re Not “Job Hunting”
Maybe you’re actively looking for a job. Or perhaps you’re exploring consulting or part-time opportunities. Then again, you may not be job seeking at all; you just want to stay connected and visible. LinkedIn helps with all of that.
It’s the one social platform where your expertise is the headline. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, it’s about your experience, your perspective, and your value.
A thoughtful profile lets potential employers, collaborators, and even old colleagues see what you’ve done and what you care about. It’s also a way to reintroduce yourself to the working world on your own terms.
Seasoned Professionals Bring Something Unique
If you’ve been in the workforce for decades, you might wonder if you have anything “new” to say on LinkedIn. The answer is yes. Yes, you do.
You bring:
- Perspective. You’ve seen industries evolve and adapt, and you know what stands the test of time.
- Problem-solving skills. You’ve navigated change, possibly led teams, and balanced competing priorities – often all at once.
- Relationships. Your network, built over the years, is rich and valuable. LinkedIn makes it easier to nurture it.
All of that belongs on LinkedIn. More than listing old job titles, it serves as a reminder to yourself (and others) of what you’ve contributed and what you still have to offer.
Creating or Refreshing Your Profile
If you’ve never been on the platform, setting up a profile might feel intimidating. Or if you’ve had one for years, you might feel like it’s stale. Either way, you don’t have to create or overhaul everything overnight.
Here are a few places to start:
Add a Friendly, Clear Photo
It doesn’t need to be a professional headshot, but it should be one where you feel approachable and confident. If you’re unsure what kind of picture works best, LinkedIn itself shares best practices for taking a profile photo. It’s worth a peek for ideas and examples.
Write a Short “About” Section
Think of it like an icebreaker or a handshake in words: “Here’s who I am, here’s what I do (or did), and here’s what I care about.” If you get stuck, tools like ChatGPT can help you organize your thoughts into a sensible flow. That said, if you get a hand from artificial intelligence (AI), be sure to always proofread, personalize, and polish what it gives you to ensure the final version sounds like you.
List Your Experience, But Focus on Impact
Instead of saying, “Managed a team,” you might write, “Led a team of five to create programs that improved client satisfaction.” It’s more complete and paints a fuller picture of your achievements.
Highlight Volunteer Work, Projects, and Passions
LinkedIn isn’t solely about paid work. Your whole story matters there, so include experiences beyond your jobs.
LinkedIn Is Both a Profile and a Conversation
The beauty of LinkedIn is that it’s not static. You can post, share, or comment as much or as little as you like.
For instance, you might:
- Share an article you found interesting.
- Congratulate someone on a new role or provide a recommendation for a former coworker.
- Post a thought or story from your career that might inspire someone else.
Little moments of engagement help you stay visible. They remind others that you’re still here, and you’re active, curious, and contributing.
Rediscovering Your Voice and Value
Sometimes the hardest part of creating (or updating) a LinkedIn profile is the mindset, not the techy stuff. It can feel vulnerable to “put yourself out there,” especially if you’ve been away from the workforce or aren’t sure how you want to show up.
But here’s the truth: LinkedIn isn’t just a job board. It’s a confidence builder. The process of writing your About section, listing your accomplishments, and seeing it all in one place can remind you of the scope of your career and the value you bring.
Whether you’re looking for your next role, considering a new direction, or simply keeping a window open to possibility, you’ll find it’s a tool worth using.
Also read, Is It Too Late to Change Careers? Reinventing Yourself After 60.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? If so, when was the last time you updated it? If you don’t have one, what’s holding you back? Is it uncertainty about where to start or wondering if it’s really “for you”? Share your thoughts and experiences with our community!
