“Button up v. Button Down”: Present your professional side with social media

By Courtney Clark
Edited by Sarah Lundgren

“LinkedIn”, the third largest social media networking site, is professionally focused. It is becoming an increasingly popular tool for students entering the job market. Below are ten steps to help you create the most effective profile.

Step 1: Create a profile.
Use your full name and an e-mail you check regularly. This will ensure that your employers will be able to contact you.

Step 2: Add a picture of yourself.
Erica Walbert, a career consultant at the University of Georgia, suggests using a professional picture, not one from Friday night.

Step 3: Import your resume.
Walbert also recommends that students provide a lot of detail about each of their accomplishments listed on their resume.

Step 4: Embed a presentation.
Laura Ledgerwood, another career consultant at UGA, suggests that if you’ve created a great PowerPoint, for instance, then you should showcase your knowledge of that particular software.

Step 5: Join the “companies” you belong to.
This could be the company you currently or previously worked for, the university you attend, or an organization you’re a part of.

Step 6: Establish relationships using the group feature.
Ledgerwood encourages students to find groups related to their profession, as they “provide niche job opportunities.”

Step 7: “Connect” with people you know.
Search through the over 60 million members on the site to find those you have worked with before. Remember, you will have to say how you know them to avoid any random connections.

Step 8: Conduct “informational interviews”.
Walbert encourages students to do this by looking through where alumni are currently working, and then contacting them about their professional experiences to network for a job.

Step 9: Ask for recommendations.
LinkedIn includes a feature where previous employers, co-workers, or professors can write about your skills and their experiences working with you.

Step 10: Keep your profile up-to-date.
Make sure to continually update your profile to reflect what you are currently doing.