LINKEDIN IS NOT JUST FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSPEOPLE.
Yep. You heard me right. As a student, LinkedIn is an incredible resource for your (soon-to-be) successful career! So, get ready to jump into the platform and start building connections that just might turn into your next job.
What’s different about LinkedIn?
As you probably know, LinkedIn is where business professionals network. (In fact, it's the most prominent hub of professionals in the world!) Unlike your Facebook or Instagram feed, you're not seeing wedding pictures, family vacations, or pets. Instead, you're hearing about the lessons people learn at work, best practices in your industry, and leadership philosophies. While it might be awkward to invite a coworker to connect on your private social media, LinkedIn is the perfect way to stay in touch with coworkers and colleagues over the years.
But what's in it for me exactly?
At this point, you're probably feeling a little bit of social media fatigue. Between all the apps on your phone, it's going to take some convincing to download another social platform. So why should you download LinkedIn? Because LinkedIn actually has something to offer you. While TikTok sure can be entertaining, is it going to help you secure a killer first job? Probably not. Spending just a little time on LinkedIn each week can help you start getting your name out there, building your personal brand, and setting yourself up for success.
Okay then! Let's get started!
The obvious place to begin is your profile (duh!). Including a professional headshot, headline, contact information, and filling out the about section is the first step to building your LinkedIn network. Make it beyond clear that this page belongs to you.
The next step is filling out the experience section. You have about four lines in the description to work with here. So, when you're recounting all the great things you did in your last job, think about prioritizing what is most important for prospective employers to see. It can be tempting to go crazy here, listing everything up to your first job ever, but try and hold back. Only include work experience that is relevant to the jobs you want to get. Think of this section as a preview. It isn't a resume – if someone likes what they see, they will ask for more!
Education is obviously important (we're a little biased here). So be sure to include that too! If you were involved in extracurriculars or have an impressive GPA, drop that in the description. The other sections of your LinkedIn profile can be built out based on what else you have to offer. Volunteer experience, scholarships, awards, organizations, languages you're proficient in… the list goes on. Again, focus on adding relevant information that sets you up for where you want to be.
What about recommendations?
Up until this point, your profile has been entirely self-created. You've really talked yourself up here! However, the most impactful elements of your profile are your recommendations and endorsement categories.
Recommendations are written by other LinkedIn users that you work with or have worked with previously. Asking for a recommendation can feel awkward, but it can take your profile to the next level. Just customize the request with a genuine ask – tell them why you want this recommendation. Are you looking for a new job? Or are you trying to leverage yourself for a promotion? Let them know and always provide a way for them to respectfully decline your request.
Endorsements are more of a collaborative effort. Go ahead and add some skills that you feel confident in. (Maybe even a few you aren't feeling so confident in too. ;) You can add up to 50!) After completing a project with a teammate, ask them to pop over to your profile and endorse you for the skills they saw demonstrated in your work. If you're still warming up to the idea of asking for a recommendation, this is a great place to start.
Okay, but that's just my profile. How is that connecting me with people?
Fair question! It can feel like a lot of work pulling all of that together. However, hiring managers and recruiters are on LinkedIn every day, looking for the talent their team needs. Every word in your profile is searchable – the more filled out your profile is, the more likely you are to pop up in their search! Have you applied for a job already? Chances are the hiring manager has already looked you up on LinkedIn. If your profile isn't updated or non-existent, that's a missed opportunity to create another great impression with them.
There's more to LinkedIn to unpack, but this is more than enough to get started. If you're ready to take it to the next level, stay tuned for another blog post coming soon about building your personal brand.