NETWORKING &
DEVELOPING YOUR
LinkedIn PROFILE
Overview
Networking
LinkedIn
Features and Benefits of LinkedIn
Steps in Profile Development
Tips
LinkedIn Usage
What is Networking?
Talking with people who will learn about you and your interests,
and then help you gain insight into your career options and
goals
It is a two-way process that involves
developing and maintaining connections with individuals, and
mutually benefitting from the relationship
Is an ongoing process that takes time and attention; it
is not something you do only when you are looking for a job
What is Networking?
Successful networking requires preparation and practice
Networking can be done in-person and online. A valuable tool for
online networking is LinkedIn
Remember, when you network, you are asking for information
and advice—not a job. It’s not just what you know; it’s also
whom you know… or can connect to
Why is Networking important?
Will be the single most effective method of advancing your career
While networking may not “get you a job,” it does play a role in the
majority of hiring decisions
Many job vacancies are never advertised, but instead filled through some
form of personal or professional referrals
Employers prefer to hire candidates they have met, or those referred by a
trusted source
Build Your Network
Networking opportunities occur on a daily basis and can include a brief
conversation with someone on an elevator to an arranged meeting with a
professional
Identify all the people whom you come in contact with through your activities.
These can include:
Your friends, classmates, their parents and family members, neighbors.
Your relatives and extended family.
Former and current employers and co-workers.
Members and alumni of professional associations, clubs, and organizations.
Coaches, staff, faculty, or academic advisors.
Alumni of any schools you’ve attended.
Expand Your Network
Attend campus career events and fairs, alumni presentations, and workshops
Introduce yourself to any guest speakers you encounter on campus
Obtain an internship and maintain contact with colleagues and supervisors
Take advantage of job-shadowing programs
Identify contacts by researching LexisNexis, industry/trade publications,
employer websites, alumni magazines, and library resources
Create a LinkedIn profile; connect to your contacts and join groups as
appropriate
What is LinkedIn?
[Link]
What is LinkedIn?
The world’s largest online professional networking platform
Hosts the profiles of more than 500 million people in over 200
countries
Serves as a recruiting tool for employers
Serves as a job search tool for users
Features and Benefits of LinkedIn
Establish your professional profile and control one of the top search
results for your name.
Build and maintain your professional network.
Find and reconnect with colleagues and classmates.
Learn about other companies, and gain industry insights.
Find other professionals in the same industry using groups.
Share your thoughts and insights through LinkedIn's long-form
publishing platform.
Tap into the knowledge of your network.
Discover new career opportunities by searching for jobs.
Steps in Profile Development
Sign-up: Name, email address, password
Add location information
Add profile photo (background image optional)
Create a headline
Write a summary statement
Other key sections to complete: Showcase your unique
professional story through your experience, skills, and
education
Go to the sign-up page at
[Link]
/join
You can sign-up via your
Facebook or Email account
Steps in Profile Development
Having no LinkedIn profile
photo means your profile is not
100% complete
According to LinkedIn, profiles
with photos receive 21 times
more views and 9x more
connection requests
LinkedIn Profile Photo Help:
[Link]
Additional Resources
Student Job Seekers: Tips to Building the Perfect LinkedIn Profile
[Link]
erfect-linkedin-
profile
LinkedIn Etiquette: 20 Do’s & Don’t’s
[Link]
guide-20-do-s-don-ts
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