Using LinkedIn for Networking & Job Search

What is Your Personal Brand?

• A combination of your expertise, image, and reputation

• It communicates your professional identity

• And defines why you should be sought out

So, what does this mean?YOU are the “product” for

all employers to see.

What do you want them to remember you by?

What emotions or thoughts do you want them to have

about you?

How to Create a Brand1. Simplicity - Must be simple

enough to remember easily.2. Consistency - Must be expressed

the same way over time.3. Repetition - Must be expressed

through a variety of mediums.4. Integrity - Must be a true

message. Alignment.

(Launch Point Solutions, 2016)

What is LinkedIn?

• Site to manage your professional identity and brand

• Can serve as your online resume• Use to apply and search for

jobs/internships• Network and connect with other

professionals

Your Profile

Use a professional photo with a neutral background

Add A Headline

• A “snapshot” of you and/or what you are seeking

Jocelyn CollinsCommunication Major Seeking Creative Writing Opportunities

Indiana State University

Your Profile

• Should be complete – don’t leave it partially finished

All Star

Your profile is 27x more likely to be viewed if it’s 100% complete and

with a photo

Develop a Summary/About Section

• First or third person is acceptable– A longer “snapshot” of who you are

• Include:– Intangible Qualities, Goals, Experience– Skills, Specialties, Knowledge

Summary Section

“Successful small business owner with academic background in finance. Interested in leveraging entrepreneurial skills in financial consulting.”

“Published writer with majors in professional writing and communications. Looking to apply expertise in crafting precise prose to corporate marketing.”

“Double major in business and Spanish with two international internships working with sports marketing companies. Goal is to work for a marketing or public relations firm with diverse clients.”

Experience• Make sure your experience section is full

of keywords– Remember to quantify and show

accomplishments• Add transferable skills and competencies

you possess– Some technical skills– What can you do + What does your new job

need?

Education & Volunteer Work

• Outline just as you would on your resume

Skills & Endorsements

Recommendations

Recommendations & Endorsements

• Ask supervisors, teachers, professors, co-workers, clients for recommendations

• Endorse your connections for skills you believe they have– They will hopefully do the same for you– This is not a game of who can get the most

Interests & Following

Interests & Following• This is where you can really build your

brand• Can someone tell what you are

passionate about by looking at this section?

• Subscribe to (follow) companies and industry leaders

• Make sure to add your industry professional associations

Connecting to People on LinkedIn

• Start with people you know well– Friends, family, family friends, faculty

• Branch out to people in positions of interest– Look for common ground: ISU Alumni, major,

past work experience, something on profile, a common connection

• Do NOT ask for a job

Connect with a Personal Note

Be Active

• Need to treat like a Gym Membership– Won’t do you any good if it just sits there and

becomes “dusty”

• Comment, Share, Post Diverse Content– Quotes, observations, an insight,

recommendations, articles, books, or videos of interest

Students.LinkedIn.com

Students.LinkedIn.com

LinkedIn Premium for Job Search

• First Month Free- $24.95/mo. after that• Features Include:

– Featured Applicant– Direct messaging to recruiters– Online Video course– Who’s Viewed your Profile– Applicant Insights– Inmail

Questions…

Meet with a Career Coach Make Phone / Online Appointments:• Schedule through Handshake • Career coaching, resume/cover letter critiques,

job/internship search, mock interviews– College of Arts & Science – Darby Scism– College of Business – Kyle Harris– College of Education (Teaching) – Kyle Harris– College of Education (SLP, Coun.) – Darby Scism– College of Health & Human Services – Dustin Bryant– College of Technology – Megan Kropfelder