As a Science student I used to think LinkedIn was untouchable. I boxed it into the Commerce category, as it seemed to only be talked about or used by my fellow Commerce peers.
It wasn’t until I succumbed to the peer pressure and downloaded LinkedIn, however, that I realised how much I was missing out on some pretty cool opportunities to build my network and secure the jobs I wanted.
Initially, it was slightly overwhelming. My brain couldn’t quite grasp the interface that presented itself as a weird combination of Facebook and Seek.
Once I spent more time on LinkedIn though, I started to understand its functions and reap some of the benefits. In this article, I'll share 8 pieces of advice that have helped me score positions at the Big Four, some pretty big banks, and even some non-for-profits.
A professional photo is a must. One that your friend took won’t do. I'd recommend joining a UniMelb club like SAMM where you get free(!!) professional headshots. People are unlikely to add you or reply to your messages if they can’t take your photo seriously.
Post. Anything and everything. An opinion piece that you’ve written. Your achievements and jobs that you’ve landed. You never know where the LinkedIn algorithm might take your posts (a future recruiter, perhaps??) so don’t be afraid to do it.
Stalk people. If you’re a bit lost over what to do, LinkedIn is great for displaying people’s career trajectories and journeys, to give you some inspiration. Warning with this one - too much stalking leads to the inevitable comparison trap, so be aware of this when you're confronted with their 99.95 ATAR on your screen.
Reach out and send cold messages. People are so willing to help out. Utilise your university connections and message some alumni who are doing the things you want to be doing. Organise a 30-minute Zoom catchup with someone who works at your dream company. You’ll get a lot of rejections or even no replies, sure, but the one person that does reply will ultimately be super beneficial.
Use the ‘Jobs’ section. Turn on job alerts for companies or a certain position. LinkedIn also tells you how many people have applied to a specific job so you can get a rough idea of how much competition there is.
Stalk your recruiters and interviewers. Find out where they went to school (no, but seriously) and ask them tailored questions so you show up to your interviews prepared and seemingly engaged.
Stay in touch. Add people you’ve met at a job or a networking event. Organise regular catch ups with them. Once you’ve met people IRL, they’re much more likely to help you out with whatever you need in the future, provided you have their LinkedIn to contact them.
And finally, expand your network and add me on LinkedIn (hehe)
Written by Faye Ma
Comments