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CareerCenter.illinoisstate.edu

LinkedIn…what is it?

● LinkedIn is a social networking site where employers and

employees get to present themselves and connect in a

professional online environment.

● The “Professional Facebook”

The Facts

Cite: https://www.omnicoreagency.com/linkedin-statistics/

LinkedIn Demographics & Statistics

• LinkedIn has 3 million active job listings on the platform

• Over 39 million students and recent grads are on LinkedIn

• 57% of users are male and 44% are female

• 13% of millennials (15-34 years old) use LinkedIn

• 44% of users earn more than $75,000/year

• 70% of users are from outside the US

• After the US, India, Brazil, Great Britain, and Canada have the most users

Why?

● Employers use it every day

● More accessible than your resume

● Comprehensive marketing tool for your career

● Passive way to job search

Where do I start?

Create a ProfileFill in your information

Fill in your information

1. Treat it like your resume

2. Keep it professional

3. Add necessary detaila. Work Experiences, Education, Skills,

Bio, etc.

Find a professional profile

picture

Good (Not Good)

Start connecting

Connecting

1. Find people you actually know

2. If they aren't automatically recommended, search for

connections

3. Look for people who work at the same place, attended

the same school, or are a part of the same organization

More connections

● Different types of connections

1st Degree - People you are directly

connected with

2nd Degree - Those who are connected with your 1st

degree connections

3rd Degree - People connected to your 2nd degree

connections

Making the Connection

● Make sure you have some kind of connection with the individual

● You should always have a reason

● Have a message prepared

○ Be professional

● Give your thanks

Hello Quinn,

As I looked at _____ on LinkedIn, I saw that you graduated from ISU. I’m currently studying there and

am excited to earn my _____degree in May. As a student with aspirations in _____ industry, I would

like to connect and hear more about what you do.

Regards,

Peyton

It was a pleasure speaking to you at the ISU Career Fair yesterday about ______. I would very much

like to work for [company], and I hope we can stay connected on LinkedIn.

Dear Steve,

I see that you graduated from my current university, Illinois State University - go Redbirds! I’m a public

relations major and would be excited to hear more about your work as an event planner. I’d be happy to

talk over the phone or even meet up for coffee.

Thanks so much,

Ariel Torres

Customize your Connection Message

What do I use LinkedIn for?

● Use it to find job postings

● Network with previous, current, and future employers

● Create your own posts to share your knowledge

● Update your network with your achievements

● Stay up-to-date with companies of interest

What should I not do?

● Post inappropriate pictures—keep it PG

● Share unrelated personal information about your family,

hobbies, etc.

● Use it as a dating site

Build your network

Let's begin!

1. Create an account

2. Build your profile

3. Change your URL

4. Start connecting

5. Solidify your reputation

6. Post content

Career Center:

Phone: (309) 438-2200

Schedule an appointment on

Hire-A-Redbird

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