Did you know 60 per cent of employers use social networks to research job applicants?
Unfortunately, many of us spend very little time on LinkedIn. And if we do use it, it’s usually just to make last-minute updates to our profile before the next job interview.
But right now, your potential employer could be browsing one of the 39 million student and graduate profiles, and if you’re not there, you could be missing a prime opportunity to showcase your skills and experience.
So, here are five reasons you should be signing up and using your LinkedIn account:
Build your professional network
Start by connecting with classmates, lecturers, family members, friends and colleagues .While they may not seem relevant to your career right now, they may become important contacts or referees in the future.
Research your future career
Use LinkedIn to investigate the career progression of other professionals who hold your dream job. What did they study? Where did they complete internships? Take notes and assess what you need to do to follow the same path.
Brand yourself
You have just a few seconds to make an impression to a future employer. A well-established LinkedIn profile will allow employers to gain deeper insight into your personal brand and career goals.
Get recommendations and endorsements
Start asking your lecturers or former employers to write you a recommendation or endorse you for specific skills on your LinkedIn profile. It’s a great way to increase your credibility and employability.
Find a job
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for job searching. You can even be emailed jobs that match your skills or qualifications.
To help you get started on creating your professional profile on LinkedIn, CSU’s Career Development Service is offering a LinkedIn photo booth session at the Pulse Cafe at Bathurst Campus on Tuesday 15 August from 11am to 2pm. There will some professional wardrobe items and a photographer on hand to snap a free picture you can use on your professional profiles.
There will also be two workshops at Bathurst Campus to give you tips to get the most out of your LinkedIn profile:
- Tuesday 15 August: 2pm to 3pm, Building 1411, Room 303
- Wednesday 16 August: 2pm to 3pm, Building 1411, Room 218
If you’re studying at another CSU campus, keep an eye out for workshops coming to you later in the year.
