LinkedIn

XING says it lists more than 1 million jobs and has a members' directory. Its English home page describes a job search built around your profile and your preferences, such as career level, workplace and salary expectations. It says there are over 1 million jobs and over 270,000 employers hiring, and it also shows recruiters with the roles they hire for.

On privacy, XING's German-language homepage links to a privacy policy. XING's footer lists a Datenschutzerklärung (privacy policy) and shows “© New Work SE” as the copyright holder. It also explains that data is collected automatically through tracking, and lists the purposes, which include security, providing the service, advertising measurement and statistics. Read this before you create a profile, and compare it with the policy of any network you use today.

When you move from one professional network to another, plan the switch. Ask whether you can export your contacts, copy your work history by hand, and tell your connections where to find you. Check which network your own industry and employers actually use, since a professional profile is only useful where recruiters and colleagues look. Review the visibility and privacy settings on the first day.