LinkedIn, or lose out!
Nowadays, if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you’ll be losing a valuable opportunity. More than 40 million students and recent graduates are using the site to showcase their skills and build a professional network in preparation for a big career.
Think of your profile as your online business persona. Your bio is a real chance to stand out from the crowd, so it’s wise to spend time working on the content. Pick your photo carefully; it’s an important first impression. Make sure you and the setting look professional.
Consider the keywords that are relevant to your career aspirations and be sure to include your job title (or several) in the headline to improve your chances.
Keep your experience section current and (if possible) include the last two positions you’ve had with on the job examples of how you’ve applied your skills and made a direct impact.
When your profile is up and running, you will want to get started on building connections. Always bear in mind your overall business objectives. Be proactive and search for people you have studied with, colleagues from a previous company and anyone you have networked with on other platforms. If you’re working across industries, it’s useful to tag your connections by sector for easier reference.
Join groups related to the industry you work or want to work for and follow any ‘target’ companies that appeal as future employers.
LinkedIn is all about give and take. Always thank people for their endorsements and offer to reciprocate. And, if you’re looking to increase the visibility of individual skills on your profile, ask your endorser to be specific.
Finally, make your profile as visible as possible! Promote your profile link by adding it to your CV, website, social media and email signature.
Make your connections and get LinkedIn!