Networking in the digital age.
I remember spending a lot of time on LinkedIn in the months after graduating from college. I spent hours editing my profile and adding links to every article I’d written. I kept adding more and more, desperate to connect with as many potential employers as possible.
On LinkedIn, I could scroll through my news feed, follow people’s profiles, and send direct messages to people with the jobs I wanted or the managers who hired them. It felt like just another social media app, and it quickly became a fixture in my daily routine, along with Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
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And in many ways, it’s paid off: I’ve made many connections on LinkedIn that have led to real-world opportunities, whether it’s applying for jobs directly through the app or being approached by employers.
But I was also fortunate to gain some very important experience that came from outside of LinkedIn: From internships to other job sites (e.g., FJ Careers Page), there are many different factors that go into landing your dream job.
How to stand out
“First impressions matter,” career coach Lara Narsesian tells me, “and your LinkedIn profile acts as your online resume and business card, highlighting your qualifications and key areas of expertise while giving future employers, recruiters, and potential connections the opportunity to learn about who you are and what you stand for.”
I remember feeling a bit of a panic when I was looking for a photo for LinkedIn. I looked at photos from vacations and outings with friends, but (obviously) nothing was appropriate for a work-related occasion. So, I was lucky enough to spend some time with a friend who was a photographer, and we were able to take some photos that looked professional but also felt like a true representation of me.
You don’t need a professional headshot, but it’s worth taking the time to dress professionally and have a self-timer ready.
Your headline and about me section is another area where you can stand out, according to Lara. “Your headline should include more than just your current job title,” she says. “Create a compelling tagline about what you do, the impact you make, and what you care about.”
The “About Me” section gives you a bit more room to tell your story, show off your writing skills, and share career highlights. If you’re feeling short of inspiration, Lara suggests taking a quick look at other people’s profiles.
But Lara’s favorite hack is the “Name Pronunciation” feature, which allows users to record themselves pronouncing their name correctly and display it on their profile. “Use your 10-second audio to introduce yourself to your audience and show them what you do, while also sharing your voice and creating even stronger connections on the platform,” she says.
Quality over quantity
When you first start using LinkedIn, it’s tempting (and I did!) to simply send connection requests to anyone who seems even remotely relevant. But the downside to this is that it prevents you from building meaningful relationships.
Instead, Lara recommends starting by reaching out to five to 10 people you genuinely want to connect with: “Send them a personal note (not an AI-generated one) thanking them for their work and letting them know why you want to connect,” she says.
“Allocate 20 minutes a day to comment and respond to posts,” she says. “Over time, they’ll notice you for the right reasons, and once they know you’re a true supporter of their work, it’ll be easier to create opportunities for collaboration.”
What if I don’t have a LinkedIn profile?
LinekdIn can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start and can’t expect to have a fully completed profile within an hour or two of signing up. It’s best to think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
Make it a priority to set up your account, fill out your profile information, and upload a good profile picture. Then take some time to look at other people’s accounts and get familiar with the platform. Once you’re set up and start making connections, share a post introducing yourself. From there, it’s up to you.
For more LinkedIn tips, check out:
