Relationships and networking are key components when it comes to career development, so before your student embarks on their job search, consider the people in your network and how they might be able to help. Connecting your student through your own LinkedIn network can be a powerful way to get started.
It is important to start early to make the job search that much easier upon graduation. Many students make the mistake of waiting until they are looking for a job to start building their network. By asking early on what your student’s goals are, you can help them make meaningful connections with your own network.
Find and Be Found
LinkedIn is a great place to find opportunities and be found by potential employers. When your student connects with your network, they are instantly connected to a wider range of professionals. Your student can search by industry or position to know which connections will be most relevant to their interests and then reach out with questions.
They also can utilize LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool to reach out and build their network further. These can lead to informational interviews about the industry, such as how the hiring process works and even job search advice.
LinkedIn has great advice on how to network and build a solid profile like this How to Network on LinkedIn tip sheet and this Student Job Hunting Handbook. For example, complete profiles with key words relevant to your student’s career focus and a professional picture gain greater attention on LinkedIn.
From College to Career
Building a network through LinkedIn is a great way to transfer from college to career. More than 9 in 10 companies use LinkedIn to recruit new hires. LinkedIn has over a million student jobs and internships, but these often are not advertised and are found through who you know and who they know.
By maintaining a LinkedIn profile, students can represent themselves professionally. Seventy percent of employers have rejected a candidate because of information they found about them online. Managing a professional LinkedIn presence will help to represent your student’s personal brand.
Connecting with your student on LinkedIn can kick start a network of meaningful connections.
A LinkedIn profile represents who your student is to employers, graduate schools, future colleagues, and people to stay connected with. Get started today!