LinkedIn: More than just a profile

How popular?

It has millions of members in more than 200 countries, including executives from all of the Fortune 500 companies.

What is it used for?

• You use LinkedIn to update your profile and promote yourself. Employers use LinkedIn for recruiting, but also for sharing industry related news and information.
• Engaging in this content means you can connect with people on a professional basis and gain contacts.

Profile Tip 1

Profile tip 1

Before you get to grips with the other tools LinkedIn has to offer, it’s still important to make sure your profile sells you as a potential employee...

Make sure your profile photo is professional. A photo of you at Quack with a double vodka lemonade probably won’t attract the right attention.

Profile Tip 2

Profile tip 2

Write a good profile summary, this isn’t as specific as a CV but should also have a focus. If you have the time, research Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to make sure you get noticed. Simply make it clear what it is you are currently doing, and what you are looking for e.g. work experience, graduate roles.

Profile Tip 3

Profile tip 3

Consider asking for recommendations. One way to do this would be to also give out recommendations yourself, or ask directly via LinkedIn’s messaging system. It goes without saying to keep it polite and ask the person to recommend you if they can and if they have the time. The more personal the message the better.

Profile Tip 4

Profile tip 4

Used LinkedIn endorsements. A recommendation is a written reference, whereas endorsements are simply skills that someone thinks you have. Here would be great place to demonstrate the skills you have developed in your opportunities at the SU.

Update your profile

Profile

Firstly, set yourself a reminder to check over and update your profile, it can be easy to forget to update your profile with new experiences, so setting a physical reminder may help.

Connections

Connections

Now look beyond your profile. Met someone at a conference or training event? Make sure to connect with them on LinkedIn. These people may make the difference when it comes to job-hunting, it’s sometimes who you know and not what you know.

Research

Research

Research companies, recruiters, interviewers as this will be helpful before submitting applications or attending interviews.

Engage

Engage

Remember to post and engage in content in order to network successfully.

Share and interact with content relevant to the industry you want to get into. This will start to get your name noticed by people.

LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups

Join LinkedIn Groups to broaden your contacts. Being an active participant in a group gives you the opportunity to network with people in a field you wish to explore for your future career, such as current and past colleagues, course mates and employers. A LinkedIn Group is a forum to share information and content with people who will find it valuable, and a chance to test out ideas and concepts.

LinkedIn Company Follow

LinkedIn Company Follow

Use LinkedIn Company Follow to learn more about companies you are interested in working for. You can check out company updates as well as connections who are employed at or connected to the company. You can also view current job opportunities this way, if you are coming to the end of the final year of your course.

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Ensure your profile is updated regularly with any new experiences.

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Share and engage with content of those you are connected with.

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Join LinkedIn Groups of areas of interest.

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Use your feed to research the industry you are wanting to work in.

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