If you are one of those people out there who is not utilizing your LinkedIn page (those of you who can either barley remember your password or simply have your University listed) it's time to "get dolled up and go to that LinkedIn ball."
Like Cinderella's night out, creating an effective LinkedIn profile and remaining active can CHANGE YOU LIFE when it comes to pursuing your dream career and propelling yourself towards your future. Here are:
5 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Account
"Do Magic"
1. Join Groups that are Important to You-
Start joining groups related to your dream job and BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER. "Like" conversations and make comments. If you are feeling super brave, even try posting your own blog writing or insights about a recent article you read. It will show you are "doing your homework" on the company and makes you a credible member of the group. People will start to wonder, "Who is this girl" and go to your personal page. (By simply being an "active" member on the Disney group, I have gotten tons of hits on my personal page by Cast Members).
On a whim one day, I asked to join the Disney employee LinkedIn Group. And believe it or not...I GOT IN! Now I have access to conversations between Cast Members, exciting new information about the company, and recent job postings.
2. Make your page as PERFECT as your real resume-
LinkedIn is becoming the more convenient choice for recruiters who want an easy conclusion to the question, "What is this person capable of?" Instead of hassling through a stack of surveys, recruiters are looking at your LinkedIn because it is convenient and can tell them a lot about you (by just the click of a button).
....But not if you don't have anything there but your name and school.
Set aside 1 day to do a complete, "LinkedIn Makeover." Go through each segment and add anything you can. Make it look as professional as the resume you have on paper. Ask past employers or any professional you know to write you a "LinkedIn Recommendation." This gives your page the added, credibility "stamp of approval" recruiters are looking for. Not to mention that when they see "VP of....." stating that you are "legit". Well then they believe...YOU ARE LEGIT!
3. Show Your Work!-
Stating your previous jobs and volunteer experience isn't going to show recruiters what you can do. Under the "Projects" section, upload any really great essays you have written for a class, works you have had officially published, or major projects under your "Projects" section. Also upload links to your online blog or personal website. Giving recruiters a chance to see your work in action, beyond writing a sentence about it on a resume, shows that you can produce.
4. "Stalk your stalkers"-
Check daily as to who is viewing your profile. If you see someone who has a connection to a future career you want, message them!
Create a standard "Hello" message template. Something that introduces yourself, acknowledges that you are a student, and explains to the person your career aspirations and goals. Believe it or not, people love helping college kids. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and you never know what one silly click of a mouse can do.
I personally have done this multiple times and it has lead to 3 rather substantial phone informational interviews with Disney Cast Members. Bam! Meaningful connections made!
5. Make NEW connections every day-
Get on LinkedIn everyday and think, "Who have I met today?" (Professionally, socially, etc.). Then, LOOK THEM UP AND CONNECT. This will allow you to grow your network quickly.
Remember, making one connection, gives you access to all of that persons connections.
____________________________________________________________________________________
There are so many more magical things LinkedIn can do for you, they are almost infinite. Recruiters are making LinkedIn their "holy grail" of future employees.
So,make sure you are at "that LinkedIn Ball", or your magic might be out by midnight!
No comments:
Post a Comment