In February 2023, I spoke with a recruiter in the third-party logistics and technology industry about what she saw from students who stood out with their LinkedIn presence and networking skillset. Here are her core tips:
- LinkedIn is your opportunity to add color that the resume isn’t built for – Make it interesting, show a bit of personality, and tell your story!
- Professionalism – Her initial impression of a student whose profile she sees is their LinkedIn headshot. Make it a good one!
- About section – She wants to see a blend of personality and professionalism
- She can see your resume and list of past jobs, so again – focus on telling your story!
- Content on profile – Include honors, volunteering, part-time work, skills, etc. Don’t limit yourself to just paid job opportunities – give a more holistic idea of who you are and what you care about
- Interact with recruiters’ and other contacts’ posts – Liking/reacting can be noticeable, but even more if you also make meaningful comments (beyond just “totally agree” or “great thought” – actually add value or insight)
- Posting on LinkedIn is noticeable, since so few do it – Highlight things you’ve done, events you’ve attended, things you’ve learned, etc. You don’t have to be the best writer in the world to do this well! Just share things you’re genuinely interested in and curious about, and try not to sound like a robot
- Follow up on LinkedIn with people you talk to in real life in personalized, friendly, non-pushy ways – On-campus events are great if they are coming to campus, of course. But often after a few times interacting through LinkedIn, you can feel comfortable sending a connection request, having a conversation via LinkedIn messages, and moving into a call or meeting up for lunch. This follow-through goes a long way
