Networking webinar series
Networking is simply a way of making connections with other people in a professional context. Online networking has become even more important in recent months and we have some resources and tools to make it much easier to get started and navigate. Building a profile on LinkedIn is an excellent way to start and we have developed a series of four bitesized webinars to support you do exactly that, ranging from getting started on LinkedIn to conducting informational interviews with professionals in the Industry you would love to work in.
Using LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a free online social network for the world of work. It's a great tool for connecting with other professionals and helps you to gain an insight into the conversations that are happening in different industries and for finding jobs. Increasing numbers of employers check potential candidates' social media when recruiting and use social media to promote their vacancies.
It's also increasingly used by recruiters to find student and graduate talent. Creating a good profile is essential to enable potential employers to find you.
These simple steps can help you create a professional LinkedIn presence and increase your visibility to employers.
Check out LinkedIn's resources for students on how to build a strong student profile, make connections and research employers.
Your LinkedIn profile is more than a CV – it's a dynamic snapshot of your knowledge, experience and skills. Including these elements in your profile will ensure that you have a better chance of being discovered:
Profile picture
Profiles that include pictures get 14 times more views than those without. First impressions count. Remember that you are presenting yourself to other professionals and potential employers, so choose a clear, sharp picture with a neutral background and don't forget to smile!
Headline
Use your current role e.g. Media Arts student or your career goal e.g. Aspiring Communications Professional.
Summary
Think of this section as your elevator pitch. Make sure it has impact by keeping it short and succinct. Include your strengths, interests and career goals and include some keywords related to the industry and job role you're interested in to increase your search potential.
Experience
This is what makes you stand out. Include work experience, part-time jobs, volunteer work and the skills you've gained from them. Include keywords when describing your responsibilities and examples of your achievements. Add links or documents to showcase your writing, design work or projects you've completed.
Recommendations
These are like mini references. Look for quality here and not quantity. Ask your tutors, or the managers you've worked for to give you a recommendation.
Building your network will increase your chances of being found on LinkedIn by employers and also increase the opportunities you might be exposed to.
It is encouraged to start while you are at university. This is potentially the first time you meet people who have the same professional interests and passions as you, people you might work with in future, so start by connecting with your class mates and tutors.
Groups are a good way to connect with likeminded people and gain insight into the industry you are interested in. Start with Alumni groups and follow companies and influencers to stay on top of what is happening within the sector. Furthermmore, it can also help you explore and find out about jobs and career paths you may not have discovered.
Most jobs are found through someone you know, so build your connections. It is also helpful to browse the student internship and jobs portal on LinkedIn where you can find entry level positions. Check regularly for job postings and when you view a relevant job, LinkedIn may suggest other similar jobs.
If you connect with groups and companies, you will stay up to date with their latest news, which could help you prepare for job applications and job interviews.
LinkedIn is also popular amongst recruiters, so ensure that your profile is maintained, engage with your connections, and following groups can help recruiters discover you.
There is also an option to seek careers advice from professionals in the sector or role you are interested in. You can find this via your dashboard which is within the section where you edit your profile. You are then able to set your preferences and explain what you would like to get advice on. LinkedIn will provide you with some 'industry leaders', who have agreed to provide advice, that match your requirements.