LinkedIn Guide for New Graduates
About to Graduate and want to know where to start with Linkedin? We got you!
As a recent grad, you can leverage LinkedIn to build a strong network, discover job openings, and showcase your skills and achievements. By connecting with your classmates, lecturers, tutors, and industry professionals, you can expand your network circle and learn from experienced people!
LinkedIn's job search lets you explore entry level positions tailored to your area, interests and qualifications. Sharing content, engaging with posts, and participating in discussions can attract the attention of potential employers and make people more aware of your presence.
LinkedIn is a powerful platform that can open doors and accelerate your professional development. So let's get into some tips on how you can get your LinkedIn looking the best it possibly can!
Building your Profile...
Profile Photo
Choose a clear, professional-looking headshot.
Dress as you would for an interview either smart casual or formal.
Smile and make sure to look directly at the camera.
Headline
Craft a headline that’s short yet grabs attention and shows who you are in a summary.
Show what you graduated in, what you’re currently working as or searching for, your goals, and what you’re involved in.
For example:
"Business Management Graduate | Marketing Intern @ (company) | Aspiring Marketing Strategist"
"Computer Science Graduate | Seeking Opportunities in Cyber Security | Computing Society Secretary”
About Me
Write a short summary highlighting your academic background, skills, experiences, key skills, hobbies and career goals.
Keep it concise and engaging so people can read a more in-depth summary than your headline, but still short enough to maintain a clean look to your profile and not overshare information.
Experience
Include internships, placements, part-time jobs, volunteer positions, and relevant projects. Describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on your achievements and highlight what skills you developed during your time at these jobs.
Education & Skills
List your degree, university, and any academic or achievements. List your modules, projects and overall grade. Include anything you were involved in such as being a Course/School Rep. Add skills that align with your desired career and industry. Make sure to include technical skills, soft skills, and any certificates you achieved.
Recommendations
Request recommendations from professors, supervisors, classmates, or work colleagues who can attest to your abilities, skills and work ethic.
Maximizing Key Features
Connections:
Start by connecting with classmates, professors, alumni, and professionals you meet at networking events. Personalize your connection requests with a friendly message.
Job Search:
Use the Jobs tab to search for jobs that is relevant to you by searching the role you’re interested in, setting the location, and using the filters to lower down search results to more specific roles you’re interested in such as internships or part time work. Set up job alerts for roles that interest you. Apply directly through LinkedIn or research companies of interest.
Groups:
Join LinkedIn groups related to your field of study or industry. Engage in topics, discussions, share insights, and connect with group members to maximise your connections in companies to have a better chance of being successful in job applications.
Follow Companies:
Follow companies you admire or aspire to work for. Stay updated on their news, job openings, and industry trends to be the first to know what they are up to and have the advantage of applying to their open opportunities earlier than the rest.
LinkedIn Learning:
LinkedIn offers a variety of free courses to showcase which skills you are experienced in on your profile which proves to employers which certain skills you are proficient in.
Tips to Stand Out
Customize Your URL:
Edit your LinkedIn profile URL to make it clean, professional and easier to find your profile (Example: linkedin.com/in/StevenSmith)
Use Keywords:
Use industry specific keywords throughout your profile to optimize visibility in searches. (Example: Graduate, Software Engineering, Journalism, Marketing, Inclusion, Diversity)
Engage Authentically:
Like, comment, and share relevant content that you see on your feed. Engage with your network to demonstrate your interests, industry knowledge and create conversation. Make sure to respond promptly to messages, comments, and connection requests. Cultivate and grow meaningful relationships with your network.
Showcase Projects:
Highlight any noteworthy projects, research, courses, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and passion whilst showing your professional active growth and development in your industry which shows employers your initiative to learn more.
Share Content:
Share articles, industry news, or your own insights. Share your thoughts, experiences and advice as a thought leader in your area of interest with an intention to create conversation, healthy debate and reaching as many people as possible.
Networking and Job Search Strategies
Don't hesitate to connect with professionals in your field, even if you haven't met them in person. Send personalized connection requests explaining who you are, why you want to connect, any advice they may have, and if they’re even available for a quick chat
Attend Events - Sign up and participate in industry events, webinars, and workshops both online and in person to put yourself out there, get noticed by professionals and network with speakers and attendees to expand your professional circle whilst meeting potential employers.
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