At some point during college, you were probably told to “make a LinkedIn” and “start networking” to land your first job. But did anyone actually teach you how? For recent graduates entering a tough job market, LinkedIn is more essential than ever as companies increase the use of AI in hiring and ghost job listings continue to surface.
Beyond being just a job board, LinkedIn allows you to grow your network, establish a personal brand and strengthen your applications. With 87% of recruiters using LinkedIn to source and vet candidates, having an optimized profile as you enter the workforce is critical. I spoke with former recruiters and career counselors to learn what it takes to make your LinkedIn presence and experience work for you.
The Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is the first impression you will make with potential employers. Having a strong profile is essential.
“LinkedIn is your opportunity to tell your story first,” says Laura Gassner Otting, career coach and author of Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn’t Feel Like It Should…and What to Do About It. “What do you want that story to look like?”
Start with a powerful headline, advises Tristan Layfield, Principal Career Coach and Owner at Layfield Resume Consulting. This field, located right below your name, should include the job title you are seeking and key skills that recruiters will be searching for. For example, use a headline like “Recent marketing graduate, aspiring data analyst skilled in Python and SQL.” By including specific skills and roles, you’re more likely to appear in recruiter searches for those terms.
If you are unsure how to word your profile, look around for inspiration, says John Mullinix, head of growth marketing at executive career site Ladders. “Go to their LinkedIn, check it out, see how they have it worded, see what their career progression is,” he suggests.
If you are uncertain about your post-grad direction, that’s okay. Layfield advises focusing on one industry for now and adjusting things later. In your headline and summary, focus on skills you want to apply in your first job.
