Make no mistake, you won’t get a job just because you are on LinkedIn and have a perfectly crafted profile. Your career success will always be much more about the quality of the work you do and also working hard. Some things don’t change in that respect.
However, it makes absolute sense to utilise LinkedIn to help manage your digital identity and to network professionally. You can start this as a student, you don’t have to be in work. And don’t wait to until you are job-hunting to use LinkedIn. To use a metaphor “Don’t wait until you are thirsty to dig a well”.
Here is a link to a prezi which I have recently created on using LinkedIn. It also includes links to 2 different series of films – one created by LinkedIn themselves and one by the University of Leeds Careers Service. I have endeavoured to focus on some essential steps in getting started in setting up your profile, rather than an in-depth approach to using LinkedIn for career research.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Using the groups and forums can be a good way of networking, specially in technical fields. I will always say that I got my current job through LinkedIn, even though it was only that I met someone there who helped!
if you want a very good job, then you have to be professional and a good way is using Linkedin. You can meet with employers easily. Linked might not be compulsory but would a factor
Hi Fiona,
Great article and presentation. I would always recommend putting an email address or phone number that you are happy for prospective employers to contact you on. Make it easy for a headhunter or hiring manager to contact you and really make use of the skills section as much as possible.
Simon