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4 Reasons You Should Be On LinkedIn

Answering the Why's and How's of this online networking platform.

Inna Risma

Nov 25, 2018

University of Cincinnati

230

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

While LinkedIn might sound like a boring website for 40-year-olds, there's actually 87 million millennials on LinkedIn with 11 million in decision-making positions. So whether you're a recent graduate looking for a job, a current college student considering applying for internships, or just a curious freshman who wants to explore future career paths, there's a place for you.

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Why?

1. You can learn what's out there.

If you feel like you don't know exactly what you're going to be doing post-graduation, you're not alone. As a communications student, I have such a broad range of options that it can be hard to narrow down what kinds of jobs I'm going to be looking for in four years. But on LinkedIn, I can simply type in "Public Relations" and a whole list of positions from all over the country pop up, with their descriptions and necessary qualifications. Yes, it really is that easy.

2. It's not about who you know, it's who knows you.

Even as a freshman, there are already meaningful connections to be made. Connect with classmates, upperclassmen, and professors. Beginning to network early on can only help you. Who knows, one day you may need a recommendation from someone and you'll be thankful you can reference your contacts list on LinkedIn to send them a message. There is also a section on your personal page where people can write public recommendations for you.

3. You can add it to your resume.

In today's digital world, having a positive online professional presence is vital. LinkedIn is basically a live version of your resume - it's like building your own personal brand. But it's more than your resume... it can highlight details that you couldn't include in a traditional resume. This is your chance for your personality to come through, as it can be more personal and engaging. Have connections endorse certain skills you have such as "public speaking" or "teamwork" to further validate the strengths outlined on your resume. If it applies, upload or link examples of your work.

4. You can get a job.

According to Jobvite's 2016 Recruiter Nation Report, 90 percent of recruiters valued LinkedIn as a vetting source for candidates under age 45. If you're looking to be hired, having an updated profile is a must. Once you have landed an interview, it's a good idea to research the company you could potentially work for. Read through their page, see what kinds of employees they look for, and check to see if you have any mutual connections that work there and could put in a good word for you.

What now?

Stop scrolling through Instagram, and spend a few minutes to check out what LinkedIn has to offer. Get started on that profile: Start with your basic contact info and a profile picture (preferably a headshot or if you don't have one, the most professional photo you have). Write a summary to introduce yourself and what kind of worker you are. Add experiences to your page, both employment and volunteer work. Using images and videos to create a visual portfolio creates a unique and personal touch to your standard resume information.

From there, start connecting! It's always smart to check in regularly and stay active, both to see what's happening in your industry and to keep up with your own profile. If you find yourself at a loss and realizing that you have nothing to put down for any experiences, don't worry. Take this as a challenge to be more involved and seek those experiences that you will be proud to write about. If you're already a LinkedIn expert, please feel free to leave your tips in the comment section below.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

4 Reasons You Should Be On LinkedIn

Answering the Why's and How's of this online networking platform.

Why?

1. You can learn what's out there.

2. It's not about who you know, it's who knows you.

3. You can add it to your resume.

4. You can get a job.

What now?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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