LinkedIn is a professional social media platform designed for building connections for freelance work, a customer base, potential business partners or simply to keep job prospects open. Many UIC students have found jobs and internships using LinkedIn, while expanding their professional network.
The goal of LinkedIn in your job search is to get noticed by creating and sharing content that informs potential employers about your skills, interests and how you can solve problems.
Helpful tips for a great LinkedIn experience
tips
- Recruiters are much more likely to click on your profile if you include a photo of yourself. Check out these tips from LinkedIn.
- Include a headline that focuses on your career interest. If the industry picklist is limiting for you, use your headline to showcase your industry interests.
- Create a custom LinkedIn URL with your name (Displays nicely on a resume). Follow these steps.
- Upload projects and other media to your profile Summary. Here are tips and examples to boost your summary!
- Once your profile is complete, follow companies and like company content that interests you (especially if you apply to them).
- Build your company target list by checking out similar companies that you’re finding.
- Find alumni who work at companies that interest you and create targeted messaging with a shared connection to UIC.
messages
After an interview:
“Hello [NAME], Thank you for your time interviewing with me today. I know we’ll stay in touch via email, but would also like to connect here also. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
After rejecting an offer:
“Hello [NAME], Thanks again for your time interviewing me. As I shared, I will be accepting a position at another company. However, I would like to connect and keep in touch here. I look forward to staying in touch.”
Contacting UIC Alumni:
“Hello [NAME], I see that you attended UIC as well. What did you like best about UIC? I would like to connect and learn more about your role at [COMPANY]. I look forward to connecting. Thank you.”
Reaching out to a former co-worker for a referral:
“Hello [NAME], how are you? I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we interned at [COMPANY]. I see that you’re connected to a [NAME]. Would you be willing to introduce me to them? I would like to learn more about their role at [COMPANY]. Thank you.”
Contacting a company representative about a role you’re interested in:
“Hello [NAME], I am a student at UIC studying [MAJOR]. I’m interested in learning more about [ROLE] or [company’s involvement with X]. Would you be willing to connect with me to discuss this? Thanks!”
groups
- UIC College of Engineering – 2K+
- UIC Alumni and Friends – 16K+
- Entry Level Engineers – 138K+
- Food/CPG/Beverage Industry Group – 56K+
- Project Management Institute – 231K+
Career Development companies to follow
Selected LinkedIn Features
- Salary insights on jobs come from employers and private submissions from members.
- The How You Match feature analyzes your education, skills, years of experience, and current job title to see if you’re a fit with desired job titles.