In spite of its growing popularity, I continue to get questions from young professionals on how to use LinkedIn.  Here are a few tips:

• First, make sure your profile is 100% complete.  “Complete” means including a professional picture (does not have to be professionally taken), your complete educational and work history as well as internships and volunteer work.  A minimum of 3 recommendations is required by many recruiters to be considered for jobs.
• Next, make sure your tag line at the top of your profile lists the keywords recruiters are looking for.  For example, a job seeker who wants to find a consulting job might write, “Recent college graduate with demonstrated analytical and verbal communication skills looking for consulting opportunity.”
• Reach out to anyone you know on LinkedIn and ask to connect with them.  Although LinkedIn provides a standard note that can be sent to request a “link”, it’s far better to customize the invitation and let them know how they know you.  Example:  “Good morning, John.  I met you at a recent alumni presentation and was hoping we could connect.”
• Join groups, especially your college and alumni groups.  Start a conversation with the group as a way to increase your visibility.
• Finally, before you network or interview with anyone, be sure to research them on LinkedIn. A critical part of network/interview preparation is knowing who you will be meeting with.

For more information, join Career Treking for a workshop on LinkedIn on Tuesday October 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm EST. For those would-be participants, conference call capability is available.  RSVP to susan@careertreking.com.

Related posts:

1. Using LinkedIn in Your Job Search
2. Making the most of LinkedIn for your Job Search
3. 7 Steps to Success Using Linked In for College Students

For example, a part-time job in a restaurant enables the student to demonstrate customer service, the ability manage multiple priorities as well as the ability to solve problems quickly, skills that are required in any number of careers.  The college junior who couldn’t find a part-time job and started a car cleaning service shows initiative and entrepreneurship.

To maximize the payoff from a part-time job, students should first define the job they are ultimately seeking. The next step is to identify the skills required to land that job. For instance, if the goal is an entry-level position in sports marketing, a part time job at a health club can work. They may start with checking in members, but could offer to provide assistance in coordinating member events.  This would let you demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to multi task as well as proven experience in events planning, all of which are required for a career in sports marketing.

Part-time jobs also demonstrate a work ethic.  Topping the list of “attractive” qualifications from college graduates is a work ethic.  Employers want to know if the candidate can work: can they take direction from someone; can they show up on time; are they willing to do whatever it takes to get a job done.  These traits are critical and never more so than now when employees of all levels are being asked to multi-task.

College students and recent graduates need to identify these skills on their resumes and cover letters and be able to articulate them in a job interview.

Related posts:

1. Making the Most of a Part-time Job
2. Developing Marketable Skills from a Part-time Job
3. Keep moving forward

We Offer Job Search Advice in Boston College Magazine

http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/summer_2009/linden_lane/career-counsel.html

Related posts:

1. Small Start ups to watch for employment opportunities