LinkedIn is a platform for career development and networking. As a student and future graduate, it can be a valuable tool in your job search. By learning how to utilize the LinkedIn effectively, you can increase your visibility to potential employers and gain insights into job opportunities and industry trends.
Why should I use LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a versatile platform that can be utilized in many ways, such as:
- Connecting with people in your professional or personal network
- Exploring career paths of other graduates with similar educational backgrounds
- Conducting research on companies
- Viewing job postings
- Posting your CV and making yourself available for recruitment
- Staying up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends, and participating in subject-relevant discussions
LinkedIn has also created this page for students. Here you can find videos and texts about how to look for a job on LinkedIn, how to use the Alumni tool, and much more.
Creating or improving your LinkedIn profile
You can find some great advice here on how to create and update a good LinkedIn profile.
Use keywords
On LinkedIn, you can search for certain words. It is important that your profile contains keywords that describe who you are and what you can do. Think about using the words you want to be searched for. Highlight your skills, your professionalism, and the types of tasks you can solve. Feel free to use a lot of keywords so that you increase your visibility.
Share what you can do
Your headline and your short description are some of the most important things on your LinkedIn profile. Be precise in the description of who you are and how you can contribute to a job. In the heading, it may be a good idea not only to use titles or educations, but instead write what you are good at. Further down in the profile, you have plenty of opportunity to describe your educational background and the tasks you can solve.
Use a profile photo
Profiles with a picture are viewed seven times as often as profiles without a profile photo. Your profile photo sends a strong signal, but it must show you from your professional side. If it's taken at the beach, at a party, or with your pet, it doesn't support the professional style that prevails on LinkedIn.
Create a personal link to your profile
All LinkedIn profiles have a unique link. You have the option to personalise that link. This is an advantage because it will be short and meaningful. Use the link in your CV, your email signature, and other places where it makes sense. In this way, you invite others to easily and conveniently view your profile.
Describe your work and education
For each of your previous employments and educations, it is important that you make a description. By describing the jobs you've had and your results, you make it easy for the recipient to see your skills and strengths. In the same way, it is important that you describe your education, so that you can emphasise exactly what characterises your course, your strengths, and your interests.
Tips and tricks on how to use LinkedIn? - do you want to know more?
AU is running a session focused on how to use LinkedIn and prepare for the job-hunting process. You can find the next date for the session and sign-up in the event calendar.
