Are You LinkedIn?

 By: Caitlin Charles

Looking through Mashable.com recently, I found an article by Todd Wasserman about the resources this year's graduation seniors are using to apply for jobs.  The most shocking change from last year, is the increase in students using the LinkedIn network to find positions. Where last year reported only 7% of graduates were using LinkedIn for job searching, 28% of the 2011 graduating class are using the social resource to find their future positions.  After having multiple lessons and interactive events concerning LinkedIn and social media networking during Career Week, and now finding these results, it is critical to now ask, "Are you LinkedIn?"

LinkedIn's professional network has over 100 million users, and is definitely becoming a critical resource for college students.  During Career Week I was able to sit down and help students create and/or develop their accounts, and learn some of the key steps toward making sure every LinkedIn account was used to its greatest potential.  Here are 3 important steps every LinkedIn member should take after creating an account.

1. Upload a Photo.  Branding yourself as a professional is huge when trying to distinguish yourself among your peers that are applying for similar jobs.  Having a photo is key in letting potential employers put a face with your profile information, and also tying all of your social media together.  Using one basic head shot for your multiple social media accounts will help keep your identity put together, so when someone from LinkedIn wants to look you up on Twitter, there is no doubts on who to follow.  When choosing a photo, it should be of you alone, in appropriate attire and scenery, but don't feel like you need a professional photographer take your head shot.

2. Fill in your "Professional Headline".  This tag line will be the first thing that appears under your photo for anyone searching for your profile, so it needs to be well thought out.  The phrasing should be short and sweet (you are only allowed so many characters).  LinkedIn describes these headlines saying, "Your headline gives you a way to sum up your professional 'identity' in a short phrase."  Try to include a couple of descriptive words and briefly describe your professional situation, such as what line of work you are hoping to go into.

3. Join a Group.  In addition to searching for people to make connections with, groups are a great way to connect with members of LinkedIn with similar interests.  For instance, alumni groups are a great way to find former classmates, or other graduates who have jobs in the field you are looking into.  Even if you did not graduate with them, you can connect with some of these members and let them know you are interested in learning more about what they do.  These are great connections to make that can lead to future job opportunities.