Are You ? A Workshop for LinkedIn Beginners: Creating a Professional Profile and Making Connections University of La Verne, Career Services Kristina Sanchez, Graduate Intern Jennifer Mojarro, Associate Director www.laverne.edu/careers (909)593-3511 ext. 4054 Jenn

What can LinkedIn do for you? Interactive business card Creates an opportunity to connect with recruiters, networking contacts, graduate school admissions officers, etc... on a global scale Used by employers/recruiters to find potential employees for their company Space to display professional portfolio Jenn Look at LinkedIn as the New E-Portfolio It can connect academics to your career in a concrete way According to jobvite’s 2011 social recruiting survey: 89% of US Companies will use Social networks for recruiting 95% report they have hired through LinkedIn In 2011 45% of employers always search profiles Which has grown since 2010 There are over 150 million profiles in LinkedIn

Crafting Your Headline Make it short, but memorable Slogan for your professional brand Ex: “Recent honors graduate seeking marketing position” Use “buzz” words Look at similar profiles for ideas Kristina Headline is only 120 characters. It’s your prime marketing real estate. This is where you sell yourself. Most people have their current job title and company name. Be creative. Buzz words such as “Innovative, visionary, Dynamic…” Showcase your specialty and values. Be specific if possible (Child development major looking to work with children between ages 5-8.) ***Example Look for Richard Young, marketing****

Create Your Own Headline Exercise Kristina Ask audience to get in groups and to create a headline according to the occupation that will be given to them Elementary Teacher Accountant Information Technology Professional

Your Profile Picture Keep it professional! This is NOT your Facebook or Twitter High quality headshot of YOU and ONLY YOU NO party photos NO cartoon avatars NO cute pictures of your puppy Kristina

Show Off Your Education Institutions you have attended Major and Minor (if you have one) Extracurricular activities Study abroad programs Strong GPA Honors & Awards Kristina Listing study abroad programs will increase your chances of being contacted by an employer if you’re an inter’l business major. Any clubs or organizations you were or are part of during school Strong GPA- 3.5 or better

Developing a Summary Statement Should resemble your best written cover letter Be concise List goals and qualifications Include: Internships Volunteer Work Extracurriculars Display in short blocks or bullet points for easy reading Jenn Demonstrate confidence as you would in your Cover letter

“Skills and Expertise” Section Include key words and phrases that a recruiter might type into search engine Look at job listings to find buzz words that appeal to your profile Look at other profiles that are similar to your own Jenn

Building your Professional Network Ask for connections Send invitations to connect to anyone you know and trust Send a personalized message if you do not know the person very well. Kristina Connections can include professors, colleagues, employers, or anyone else who you would like to personally connect with If you do use professors, you want to make sure you are on good terms with them by showing up to class on time, turning in your homework on time as well. If you would like to connect with someone, send an invitation. Never use the general message that LinkedIn uses “I would like to add you to my personal network”. Instead introduce yourself and explain how you want to be in contact with them. If you know them from someone else, name drop.

Additional Sections/Applications Certifications Courses Honors/Awards Languages Organizations Presentations Projects Skills GPA Box.net Creative Portfolio Google Presentation WordPress Polls Etc. Jenn

LinkedIn Group Badges Start with joining your university’s LinkedIn group Helps you connect with “groups” within your field of interest Can be a member of 50 groups Or…create your own group!  Can lead/create 10 groups Kristina Settings: Can be visible or not visible. Maybe you don’t want people to know you are in a sports group… A place to share in discussion Flag a post about a job Can see other members and connect You will get daily or weekly emails from the group and you can see what other members have posted and you may join in on that discussion.

Collect Recommendations At least one recommendation per position you have held Professors Internship coordinators Colleagues Employers Professional mentors Kristina Professors: It is important to turn in homework on time and get good grades b/c you may need a recommendation from that professor. Recommendations enhance your profile. This is where the person brags about your skills and/or what you can offer to the company. It is similar to a letter of rec. Only ask people who truly know your work.

Making a Unique URL Set profile to “public” and claim an URL Ex: www.linkedin.com/in/yourname Include in your email signature Makes profile searchable on Google, Yahoo, etc… Jenn

Sharing Your Work Displaying URLS Linkedin Applications Direct people to your website, blog or twitter feed Linkedin Applications PowerPoint presentations Downloadable version of resume Writing samples Design work Jenn

Questions???

Mark Your Calendars!!! Using LinkedIn: Advanced *Thursday 10/25/12*