LinkedIn is the best way to document achievements, experience and skills you’ve gained at University ready to impress future employers.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, with than 562 million members across 200 countries and territories around the world.

LinkedIn is a useful platform for;

• Searching for jobs
• Connecting with experts from industry
• Researching potential career paths

Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or looking to improve your profile, you can find out more about putting together a successful LinkedIn presence below;

Choose a professional image for your LinkedIn profile

Having a picture on your profile means you’re more likely to come up in searches on the platform. Pick something that reflects you and the type of career you might be interested in.

Make sure your profile is up to date

LinkedIn is a simple platform to use and is easy to update. As soon as you start a new job or finish a placement/project make sure to take time out to update your profile, especially if you’re looking to connect with new people on the platform.

Select connections that are right for you

Making connections on LinkedIn opens you up to a larger pool of potential networks, but it’s important not to focus on simply expanding your network, but opting for making the connections that are important for you and your career. Connect with people in a similar industry, or in a role that you’d be interested in pursuing in the future.

Add a note when you connect

When you send a request to connect with people on the platform you’ll have the option to add a note. If you don’t know them well, or at all, make sure to add a note explaining why you want to connect with them (include information on common ground, and any mutual connections you have).

Download the LinkedIn app

It’s a great resource at your fingertips and the messenger function helps you to maintain networks and keep in touch.

Stay connected

If you’re getting ready to graduate and are leaving UWTSD soon, make sure to take the time to connect with your lecturers. Linkedin is a great way to keep in touch with them, and can be really useful if you need a reference or to find out about job opportunities in your field.

And finally, follow UWTSD and affiliated pages to keep up to date with all the goings on, and share your experiences with us.

Beginners guide – Advice on setting up and populating your profile

Looking to improve your profile?

This video will outline the three top tips for using LinkedIn in 2018