Gone are the days of hitting the pavement and scouring the newspaper for job leads. The 21st century job search has evolved into a one-stop shop: LinkedIn.
If you are a little hesitant about the benefits of LinkedIn, here are five reasons to give it a try:
1. Endless networking opportunities
It’s difficult to meet people across the country in a company you are dreaming about. LinkedIn provides a 24/7 opportunity to search for professionals to connect with.
2. Research capabilities
LinkedIn is a great way to get an inside scoop on a company. You can learn about hiring practices, what employees have to say about working there and company profile information. It’s a great snapshot of what a future there might look like.
3. Connections with other students
Sometimes connecting with a potential employer may be a bit scary right off the bat. Connecting with other students who have completed an internship at that company is a great way to dip your toe into the networking pool before you dive in.
4. Job Alerts
Odds are you probably have a full email inbox, but if you’re looking for a job, it might be in your best interest to make room for job alerts. LinkedIn allows you to sign up for notifications about job postings recommended for you. It’s an easy way to learn about a job you may have never stumbled upon.
5. Accessibility to companies
One of the best things about LinkedIn is that your profile makes you accessible to employers at all times. Even if you’re not actively searching for employment, a well-developed profile can be a ticket to an interview with a company. Recruiters search LinkedIn to find talent and recent graduates. Job hunting is a lot of work, so why not make the employer do some of the work?
If you need help setting up your profile or have questions about what to put in your profile, the Chico State Career Center offers seminars and advising for LinkedIn.
If you’re getting ready to graduate, looking for an internship or just want to start networking, it’s time to log off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sign up for LinkedIn.
Ariel Hernandez can be reached at [email protected] or @Aj7uriel on Twitter.
