by By Molly Miller
Why LinkedIn Matters for Students and Young Professionals
LinkedIn is more than just an online resume; it’s the #1 platform for networking, professional branding, and job hunting. Recruiters use LinkedIn to find employees, making it an essential platform for students and young professionals entering the workforce to use and master. But how can you make the most of this platform? During my time at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, combined with my internship experience at 42West PR, I’ve picked up some of the best practices to create a LinkedIn presence that opens doors.
Step 1: Build Your Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your personal brand’s homepage. Make it count:
- Professional headshot: Use a clear, high-quality image with a neutral background. First impressions matter!
- Compelling headline: Go beyond your job title. Highlight your value, such as “Marketing Graduate | Aspiring Digital Strategist | Passionate About Sustainability.”
- Custom URL: Simplify your profile link (e.g., linkedin.com/in/YourName). This looks professional on resumes and business cards.
Example Profile Photo Tip: If you don’t have a professional photo, check out different AI services like Insta Headshots to create and enhance photos of you to look like professional headshots.
Step 2: Write a Strong “About” Section
Your “About” section should tell your story. Tells the recruiter who you are. Use a mix of professional achievements, personal passions, and future goals. Write in the first person to sound approachable and authentic.
Sample Framework for Writing:
- Intro: Who you are and your current role.
- Middle: Key achievements or experiences (internships, projects, or clubs).
- Conclusion: Future ambitions and how you’re growing professionally.
Step 3: Network Effectively
Your network is your net worth: Okay, maybe not literally, but on LinkedIn, it’s pretty darn important. Start connecting with people you know – classmates, professors, anyone you’ve worked with. The more connections you have, the more likely you are to pop up in recruiters’ searches and discover awesome opportunities.
Don’t just hit “Connect” – personalize it! Something like this works great:
“Hi [Name], I’m a recent grad and I’m really interested in [industry]. I was impressed by [something specific about their work] and would love to connect to learn more about your job.”
Quality over quantity, always. Connect with people who can help you grow professionally. And don’t forget to actually engage with your network! Comment on posts, share articles, and congratulate people on their achievements.
Why Recruiters Care:
- A strong network shows you’re proactive and know how to build relationships.
- It also tells them you’re active in your field and keeping up with what’s happening.
- Plus, the more connections you have, the more likely you are to get endorsements and recommendations, which make you look even better.
Need some inspiration? Check out LinkedIn’s official blog here.
Step 4: Leverage LinkedIn for Job Hunting
- Set career interests: Turn on the “Open to Work” feature, but make it visible only to recruiters if you want privacy.
- Follow companies: Stay updated on job openings and company culture by following your dream employers.
- Use keywords: Optimize your profile with keywords from job descriptions in your field.
Step 5: Share Content Regularly
Establish yourself by regularly sharing industry news, writing engaging posts about your projects, or celebrating professional and academic milestones. To stand out, incorporate visual content such as infographics, videos, or eye-catching images—these formats tend to perform exceptionally well and attract more engagement.
By consistently sharing valuable and visually appealing content, you’ll build credibility and keep your network actively engaged with your profile.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn is your gateway to professional growth and opportunity. By fully optimizing your profile, building a network, and staying active, you’ll be ahead of the curve in securing internships, jobs, or mentorships.
For more inspiration, explore the platforms I actively use to build my professional brand:
Great guide Molly! I really like your tips, especially on personalizing connection requests and sharing content to build a professional voice. Your piece helped me remember that LinkedIn is more about meaningful and purposeful engagement than just a job hunt.
Hi Molly! I loved reading your post on LinkedIn. Everyone in college has doubled down on the importance of LinkedIn, so it is nice to see tips on how to the platform in a beneficial manner. I loved your tips on reaching out to people and building a network. The message you send professionals sets the tone for your relationship down the line.
Fantastic guide, Molly! You’ve broken down LinkedIn essentials in such a clear and actionable way. You are making it less intimidating for students and young professionals. I especially love your tips on personalizing connection requests and regularly sharing content to stay engaged. This is such a great way to build credibility on LinkedIn.