Virtual Presence

LinkedIn

Virtual networking and recruiting is becoming the norm, and LinkedIn is the go-to source for professionals across the globe. Employers conduct searches to identify prospective candidates via LinkedIn. Because your LinkedIn profile is your virtual resume to the world, make the time to create a strong profile. LinkedIn is not a social media platform. Keep your content, comments and posts professional at all times.

Prepare

Have these Documents on-hand when you are creating your profile:

• Your CDS-approved resume
• A high-quality professional headshot (CDS provides free headshot photography at the career fairs); avoid selfies or cropped images
• A list of 5-10 skills you want to be known for (they should reflect your skill set and align with your desired career opportunities)
• Choose keywords that people would use in searches to find you. They might be the same as, or similar to, the words in the list above.

Sell Yourself

You have about five seconds to get the reader to want more information about you

• The Heading allows for about 120 characters. It should include your major, the opportunity you are seeking (co-op, internship, career opportunity) and something interesting about yourself.

• The Photo. Name and upload your headshot.
• The Summary. Briefly tell your story. Get people to feel like they know you.
• Keep your content professional.
• Choose keywords you want associated with your virtual Brand
• Experience. Copy and paste this content from your CDS-approved resume:
• Don’t include every detail of every job you have had. Keep content that aligns with your current goals.
• Repeat the keywords you want to be known for throughout the Experience section.
• Skills/Endorsements: List your top ten skills even if you haven’t been endorsed for them yet.
• Fill in the remaining items, where applicable: Publications, Interests, Languages, Organizations, and Volunteer Experience.
• Keep your profile updated.

Employers post jobs in LinkedIn on a regular basis. You can apply directly from your profile.