Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Be on LinkedIn

There is a lot of misunderstanding about LinkedIn. Some regard it as a social media network similar to Facebook, while others see it as a job board. Both beliefs are right to some level, but LinkedIn is more aimed towards professionals than Facebook, and unlike other job sites, LinkedIn provides more than just allow you to search for jobs.

LinkedIn is a fantastic resource for students in our opinion, but to assist you decide, here are the top five reasons why every student should be on LinkedIn:

1. To build a strong network of professional contacts

Getting ahead in any career is about who you know as much as what you know. Begin by networking with your friends and academic lecturers, then branch out into the industry that interests you. You never know when a link will be useful, and the larger your network, the more likely you will be suggested to a job role.

2. To get job alerts

While LinkedIn is much more than just job searching, it is also highly effective for finding your next employment – which makes LinkedIn especially useful for students. You may configure LinkedIn to give you job alerts for certain organizations, industries, or job titles, ensuring that you never miss out on a wonderful chance again.

3. Let the companies find you

When you apply for a job nowadays, your prospective employer will almost certainly run an internet search on you. Students frequently receive a bad name for their social media presence, so having a LinkedIn account as a student allows you to present a whole different (and more professional!) side of yourself. Having a LinkedIn account allows firms to easily locate you and, more crucially, the information that you want them to find.

4. Prepare for interviews

Interviews are always nerve-wracking but by having an account on LinkedIn, you can conduct your own research into the company, and the employer, so that you can go into your interview feeling as prepared as possible.

5. To prove your dedication

Having a LinkedIn account as a student demonstrates that you are serious about obtaining a job. By being detailed in your summary and engaging with people in the field you want to work in, you demonstrate that you’re willing to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed in your chosen job.

Tips for creating a LinkedIn profile as a student:

• Use a professional profile picture.
• Join groups and follow companies that you share an interest in.
• Don’t forget to complete your profile! Use it as an extended CV and include as much information as you can to prove to employers that you are a well-rounded individual with a multitude of skills that you could put to good use in the workplace.
• Join LinkedIn in your first year of university so that you can show a progression across your three years of studying.
• Begin building up a strong network as soon as you have completed your profile. Don’t just leave your account sitting dormant, make the most of it and start building those all-important connections!