What is LinkedIn?
is a business-related social networking site, similar to facebook but for professional networking rather than social. It is the world’s largest professional network with over 120 million members and growing rapidly.
How do I get started?
The first thing you need to do is to set up a profile in Linkedin:
- Harry, a 3rd year IR student talks you through the process, How to use Linkedin
- This US video gives you additional information on building your profile
- The Guardian - LinkedIn and how to use it: a graduate job seeker's guide
- The Guardian - A graduate guide to getting a mentor
- Targetjobs - A graduate job hunter's guide to using LinkedIn
Networking with St Andrews Alumni
LinkedIn has two groups which allow you to network with alumni. These are the University of St Andrews Alumni and a subgroup, University of St Andrews Alumni – Mentorship Programme. This subgroup has members who are particularly keen to help current students with their careers. These groups can only be accessed by joining LinkedIn.
- Using Linkedin Groups This video featuring a postgraduate student will show you how to connect
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By joining this site you can make contact with professionals in all different sectors, connect to recruiters and keep in touch with alumni. You can also research individuals – very handy to use before an interview – find out about your interview panel. Linkedin is also used by some companies to headhunt and advertise positions and it allows you to market yourself.
Video showing examples of How you can use LinkedinLinkedIn has two groups which allow you to network with alumni. These are the University of St Andrews Alumni and a subgroup, University of St Andrews Alumni – Mentorship Programme. This subgroup has members who are particularly keen to help current students with their careers. These groups can only be accessed by joining LinkedIn.
- Using Linkedin Groups This video featuring a postgraduate student will show you how to connect
These videos will show you additional features of Linkedin and how you can use it for further career search. (These videos are geared towards US graduates but most of the content is applicable to the UK)
- Research different career paths – Find your passion
- Build up your network. This video gives you an example of what to say in your initial message - Building a Professional Network
- Use networking to find jobs – Turn Relationships into Opportunities
- Research Employers – this is a great resource to use when applying for a job or before an interview – Nail the Interview