*MUST* I be on LinkedIn to find a new job? If not, should I include that in my cover?

I do not use social media at all. I believe it to be one of the most evil creations born from the past 20 years and have legitimate privacy concerns about the internet as a whole. I have a very solid resume and have no gaps in my employment history. I work in legal services and have observed firsthand how your private information online can be used to stalk, harass and in one court proceeding--literally kill you. Also hate the comparison that goes on there, especially as I'm looking to switch jobs, and the constant dribble of garbage advice and input.

I am pursuing new jobs in editorial and communications/media fields, which I have significant experience in. I have seven years of professional experience and a masters degree. I live in D.C. and am exploring a lot of jobs in the federal sector, and it's my understanding LinkedIn is losing its popularity in many industries. I understand many recruiters look up your online presence, but I just refuse to have one right now for my personal life, unless someone can convince me absolutely must, must, must have one. I never got a job on there before and had over 350 connections, which I am well aware isn't even a respectable amount on the site. I am an expert in managing social media *for* corporations and non-profits; my life and data aren't for sale, though. Sorry! I understand how these tools work, and while I know it is an advantage to have one I am only willing to compromise on this if someone can tell me that it is *100% true* I won't get hired unless I have a LinkedIn presence. If I continue to choose not to use the app, will I not a job because recruiters just don't "trust" me? I've read posts here saying many will, but I guess I would like to know if that's universally true everywhere. Do you not use it also? Have you hired people who don't use it? Is this something I should note in my resume--that I do not use any social media at all and won't show up on the internet?

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