LINKEDIN GUIDE CONTRIBUTOR: CAREERS SERVICE, ANNA PERSSON

Transcription

1 LINKEDIN GUIDE CONTRIBUTOR: CAREERS SERVICE, ANNA PERSSON

2 About LinkedIn LinkedIn operates the world s largest professional network with 300 million members (1 May 2014) in over 200 countries. There are over 30 million students and recent college graduates on LinkedIn and it s LinkedIn s fastest-growing demographic.

3 The professional network On LinkedIn you can apply for jobs, create relationships, join and create groups. LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge, organize your network as it grows bigger. Job Search takes on a new dimensions with LinkedIn, and it s perfect for making yourself visible. For many recruiters and headhunters, it has become one of the most important tools in their search for candidates. Succeed on LinkedIn As a job seeker, you want to consistently show up in search results for candidates with your set of qualifications - ideally higher than other candidates. First, make ensure your profile is 100% complete according to LinkedIn standards. Secondly, use the right keywords associated with your desired industry and profession. Let other people s profiles inspire you Depending on your industry and the type of job you are looking for, there are different ways of putting together your profile. A good advice is to look at profiles of people who are in your sector.

4 1. Start filling out your profile Start by adding your education and work experience to your profile. Make a brief description of your work and add achievements or concrete results. In the summary, describe your career and your goals so the reader quickly can get an idea of what you can do and what you want. Enter at least 5 skills in the "Skills & Expertise, or your profile will not appear as complete. 2. Add a professional profile picture Choose a photo that looks professional. Keep the background fairly neutral be neutral (LinkedIn isn t Facebook.) Smile and make eye contact with the viewer.

5 3. A LinkedIn headline that stands out from the crowd LinkedIn automatically selects the "Professional Headline" with job title and employer, but you can make your headline far more effective if you tailor it to your profile. Write a line about your qualifications as an appetizer. Ideally, include relevant keywords so that you more easily appear in the search result when recruiters search for specific titles or skills. 4. Using the right keywords Add key words in as many places as possible on your profile. Define the keywords that fit your profile, by reading relevant job postings. Keywords from job postings will most likely be used when recruiters are searching on LinkedIn. Spread your keywords in different parts of your profile for example in the headline, summary, experience and skills section.

6 5. Create your network LinkedIn makes it easy to keep track of and stay in touch with your network. You also keep up with contacts who change their jobs. LinkedIn allows you to import contact lists from Outlook and other webmail, this way you can easily start building your LinkedIn network. Expand your network by inviting current and former colleagues and fellow students. 6. Participate in professional groups If you want to get in touch with people from your industry, LinkedIn gives you many opportunities. There are many exciting and active groups on LinkedIn where you can contribute with your knowledge and also ask questions. Connecting with people in various groups is another opportunity to expand your network and to gain practical knowledge. Select the groups that are most meaningful to you and use them actively to share and acquire new knowledge. It also a way for you to brand yourself in an area that you care about.

7 7. Make the most of your profile by providing additional features Under the Edit Profile" page, you find "Add sections". Here you can choose to add different qualifications, publications, language skills etc. 8. Customize your LinkedIn profile URL You can create your own unique LinkedIn URL. It makes it easier to reinforce a consistent personal brand. If your URL is not customized it can be difficult for others to find you.

8 9. Recommendations Featuring recommendations on LinkedIn is important for several reasons. Recommendations show credibility. Since it s something recruiters notice and look for, your recommendations can serve as an extra marketing tool. 10. LinkedIn Alumni tool To further expand your network, join your University Alumni Group. Connect to fellow students and see where they ve found jobs, reach out to alumni whose companies are hiring, and leverage the networks of your parents, family friends or mentors.