Networking is the #1 way to find a job. National statistics suggest that 70% of jobs are found through networking and the Virginia Tech Post-Graduation Survey data finds that in 2010-2011networking was the #1 way students found jobs (at 26%). In fact, for the past eight years networking has been the 1st or 2nd most common way that students found their first jobs after graduation.
LinkedIn is the largest professional networking site with over 175 million members. So, if networking is the #1 way to find a job and LinkedIn is the #1 networking site then it makes sense that students should be paying attention to LinkedIn and learning how to best use it in their job searches.
The first step in utilizing LinkedIn is developing a strong profile. Eighty-five percent of employers say that a positive online presence influences their hiring decisions. Students must have a strong profile to get employers to take them seriously.
Here are 5 Rules for developing your LinkedIn profile (I stole this list from my colleague Ali Woodworth):
1. Display a professionally appropriate photo.
Not a photo of you hanging out with friends at a party or football game. Not having a photo can do almost as much damage as an inappropriate photo. People are always putting names and faces together when networking, if you don’t have a picture you are leaving out a big part of the networking effort. I don’t like it when someone says we met at a conference and they don’t provide a picture for me to remember who I am connecting with.
2. Create a headline that defines who you are and what you are looking for.
Ex: Communications major at Virginia Tech seeking position in Public Relations for a Non-Profit
3. Write a summary that describes your skills and experiences.
You can talk about skills you have gained in the classroom, internships and student organizations or soft skills acquired through part-time jobs and volunteering, etc.
4. Get recommendations from faculty members, advisors or supervisors.
Don’t hesitate to ask your connections for recommendations, employers consider these.
5. Tie your LinkedIn account to other social media and job search efforts.
List your LinkedIn profile on your resume and your email signature; include links to other social media sites (blogs, websites, on-line portfolios, Pinterest, etc.)
Here’s a great hint: You can upload your resume as a way of getting your profile started.
What are some other suggestions for a strong LinkedIn profile?
