How to Use LinkedIn for Career Advancement

After a year of job hunting and trying to pivot sectors, from education to human resources, I've faced countless challenges and have grown immensely. With August bringing a surprising uptick in recruiter contacts, I've been reflecting on what's making a difference. While every job search is unique, here are strategies that seem to be working for me: 1️⃣ 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: I've made it a habit to tweak my profile weekly, even in small ways. If I update my resume, I'll add the change to my profile. It could also be an edit to my About section or Headline. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀: I've aligned my job titles with LinkedIn's pre-populated options. This makes it easier for recruiters using specific search terms to find my profile. For dual roles, I use the corporate title in the header and explain the full scope in the description. For example, instead of "School Counselor/Project Manager," I might use "Project Manager" as the title and mention the counseling role in the description. 3️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Regular activity on the platform helps. I share relevant content, offer thoughtful comments (15+ words, or so I've heard) on others' posts, and highlight professional development achievements (e.g., if I took a LinkedIn Learning course, what did I learn and gain from it?) 4️⃣ 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: I've expanded beyond LinkedIn, posting my resume on other job boards relevant to my target sector (e.g., Dice, Indeed, etc). Remember to keep those profiles updated in addition to your downloadable resume on LinkedIn (found in the Jobs tab under Preferences). 5️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: I respond to every recruiter who reaches out, even if the position seems out of left field. Here's why: ▶ It could lead to unexpected connections or opportunities ▶ Responsiveness signals that you're active on LinkedIn ▶ Recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter often target candidates more likely to respond. Your history of engaging with recruiters can increase your chances of future outreach. 6️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: I've attended webinars, engaged in networking events, and committed to ongoing education. This not only expands my knowledge but also my professional network. The key? Implementing what I learn and sharing insights- fostering a cycle of growth and connection. Remember, this is just my personal experience. The job search journey is different for everyone, and what works for one person might not work for another. If there's one overarching lesson, it's the importance of paying it forward. So, if you're looking for something new to try in your job search, I hope these tips help! What strategies have worked for you in your job search? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #Networking #LinkedIn #JobHunt

How to Utilize LinkedIn in Undergrad (Especially from a Non-Target School!) If you're a student looking to break into competitive fields from a non-target school like me, LinkedIn can be a great asset. Here's how I’ve used it to secure opportunities that many think are out of reach. 1. Networking 💬 It’s the most obvious answer, but it works! In today’s market, many people land opportunities through who they know, not just what they know. LinkedIn is a powerful way to connect with hiring managers and professionals, especially if you lack a strong alumni pipeline. Many are eager to help if you show genuine interest. Here’s my go-to message template for connecting with hiring managers: “Hi [Name], I’m [Name], a [Major] student at [University], and I’m really inspired by your work at [Company]. I’d love to connect to learn more about your role and any advice you have for someone looking to pursue a similar path.” 2. Early-Career Programs ☀️ Wondering how students get into programs like MLT, SEO, or IBM Accelerate? LinkedIn is often where they first hear about them! These programs help students land early-career roles at top companies. As someone who completed the IBM Accelerate program, I used LinkedIn to connect with participants and professionals who shared invaluable insights. Early connections = early access to career-defining opportunities. 3. Alumni Connections 👫🏽 Alumni connections can be a game-changer. LinkedIn’s search features let you to find alumni at your dream companies. I’ve used it to connect with graduates at Google and Microsoft—people I wouldn’t have known existed otherwise! Here’s the general message I send when reaching out to alumni: “Hi [Name], I'm [Name], a [Major] student at [University]. I see you’ve had great success at [Company], and I’d love to hear about your career progression and any advice you might have for a fellow [Mascot]” Many alumni are more than happy to help once you make the connection. 4. Building a Personal Brand 💁🏽♀️ More companies ask for your LinkedIn profile during job applications LinkedIn is now your personal brand. It’s where recruiters get a fuller picture of who you are beyond your resume. I’ve started sharing my journey, focusing on the unique path I’ve taken as a non-target school student navigating big opportunities. Start building your brand today! 5. Finding Jobs/Internships ✅ Finally, LinkedIn is still one of the best places to find jobs & internships. In a tough job market, having a referral can make all the difference. Networking with alumni and industry professionals is crucial. I also recommend following pages like Taylor Falls and Jade Walters who focus on sharing job opportunities for students and early-career seekers. At the end of the day, LinkedIn is a TOOL. If you’re a student from a non-target school, USE IT to break through the barriers and reach opportunities you never thought possible. You Got This! #earlycareer #2025internships #nontarget #LinkedIncreator

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲. It’s your most valuable player in career growth. Your 24/7 networking secret weapon—even while you sleep. Here’s the strategy that helped me (and my clients) land multiple job offers—without ever submitting an application. 1️⃣ 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 ➜ Don’t just list your job title—position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. 2️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 ➜ Like, comment, and share thoughtful insights. ➜ The secret? Consistency. ➜ Spend just 15 minutes a day engaging with your target audience. The LinkedIn algorithm will start showing your comments to more people in your field. 3️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 ➜ But don’t ask for a job right away. ➜ Instead, build genuine relationships by adding value to conversations. Within weeks, recruiters and industry peers will start reaching out to you. One of my clients got four job offers using this exact strategy last year. Final Reminder: LinkedIn is a networking game—not a job board. Play it strategically, and the opportunities will come to you. P.S. How are you using LinkedIn to grow your career? Drop your best tip below.