In today’s job market, an online presence is important, and that’s where LinkedIn comes in LinkedIn: Getting hired through an internship search or a job search-either way, this site may heavily support you. In this blog we discuss How to Use LinkedIn To Enhance Your Internship and Job Search
Building an Attractive LinkedIn Profile
Below are a few reasons why you should make sure your LinkedIn profile is professional and complete before launching your job application:
1.Craft a Killer Headline
Headline: More than your title, describe your career goals and skills. Instead of saying “Marketing Intern”, say “Upcoming Marketing Professional | Passionate about Digital Strategy and Content Creation.” It will make you more memorable to employers.
2.Professional Image
One good professional photo speaks louder than words. Pick one photo that you think represents your industry the best and absolutely what you work for. It makes a loud first impression to show you really do want the job.
3.Craft a compelling abstract
Tell your story: what you are good at, what you have done so far, and what you are looking for regarding opportunity. Make it personal, interesting enough to woo a prospective employer.
4.List the skills and experiences
Highlight experience relevant to the jobs that interest you. This will make it easier on those potential recruiters who will be searching for and finding you with those specific skills. Where possible, be specific, using numbers to describe your achievements.
5.Propose a Solution
Previous employers, colleagues, or professors can provide positive credibility. Such recommendations should be sought without hesitation because of the increased attractiveness for the profile in the eyes of potential employers.
Tap into LinkedIn’s Job Board
LinkedIn’s job board is a great tool for finding internships and job opportunities
1.Add Job Preferences
Click on the ‘Preferences’ button on your ‘Jobs’ page and then click on ‘Open to Work’. This would signal to the world that you are available to be discovered for opportunities. Additionally, you can predefine the type of jobs, locations, and job functions for which you would like suggestions.
2.Apply an Internship Filter
Click the “Internships” option here, and all the links below will retrieve internships only. Most employers do place their internship listings solely on LinkedIn.
3.Apply Effortlessly
One of the benefits of LinkedIn is the ability to apply quickly using your own profile. Make sure it highlights the relevant experience and apply in a few clicks only. However, make sure to customize your cover letter and resume for each job in order to show your interest and fit for that role.
Customize Your Applications
Review the roles that excite you and it would be good to spend some time tailoring the application.
1.Tailor Your Profile Summary to the Job
Read a job description line by line and update your profile to highlight skills and experience that would be sought in that position. Borrow some of the same language from the posting to show a solid fit.
2.Understand Your Fit
If you absolutely do not meet the full qualifications of a certain job posting, consider if you want to apply for that position. A desire to learn means more often than experience. Give weight to your transferable skills and show why you could be the best fit for the job.
Activating Your Network
Leverage Your Professional Network for Better Job Search
1.Connect with People
Begin with friends, family, alumni, and coworkers. A farther network could get you an opportunity that you just wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
2.Follow Companies You’re Passionate About
Follow any companies that interest you, become aware of news or job posting that they will post. This might show a little interest in the matter and may help create potential connections.
3.Join Relevant Groups
If the employees of your target companies are members of any groups, you should join them, engage in some discussions, connect, and show that you really know and care about the industry.
4.Personalization Connection Requests
It will always be a personal invitation in order to draw the attention of new people; they are certainly likely to give a positive response.
Being an Active Participant
Actively participating on LinkedIn enhances your visibility and personal brand
1.Join Discussion
Participate in LinkedIn group discussions relevant to your areas. By sharing your ideas, you establish yourself as an informed candidate and could start building your network.
2.Creating and Sharing Content
Share articles, comment on others’ posts, or even update your own profile by writing and sharing your thoughts, ideas, or opinions on any subject.
3.Interested in Curated Content
Share valuable information with your network; it also goes a long way in confirming you as an expert in your domain.
LinkedIn Premium offers extra benefits for your job search
LinkedIn Premium provides some superb advantages to your job search.
- Improved visibility: Now with a Premium account, you can have your profile surfaced right at the very top in the search results for recruiters.Â
- Insights on Competitors: You get to see how you compare with other candidates, so this will help make your applications more powerful.
- Profile visits: Premium members will be informed of all the people visiting their profile, thus supporting better communication with a potential employer or connection.Â
Conclusion
From setting up with a strong profile, searching for opportunities, tailoring applications, mining your connections, and staying active, here is how to use LinkedIn in a big way to help you land the perfect internship or job. Be persistent in taking the initiative, and definitely make LinkedIn your best buddy in the job search adventure. Happy networking!
Written by Srilekha
