Here’s an uncomfortable truth: opportunities don’t knock, they scroll. In today’s fast-paced job landscape, the world won’t always ask who you are, they will search for it instead. Whether it’s a recruiter you haven’t met yet, a potential collaborator, or the summer internship you dream about, your LinkedIn presence often does the talking before you do.
Profile That Pops: Make “YOU” the Headline
Most people treat their LinkedIn profile like a redundant to-do list: “Add a photo. Write a headline. List experience. Done.” But the best profiles go beyond what you have done — they show how you think, what genuinely excites you, and where you are headed. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
Headline: If you had one phrase to describe who you are, what would you say? Think of it as your “elevator pitch,” but without the jargon. While “Student at [University]” does the trick, you may try: “Marketing Enthusiast,” or “Sustainability Advocate,” both of which go beyond the academics and tell a story unique to you.
The About Section: Clichés are not always the enemy here. What matters is how you make them yours. Sometimes, a classic “hard-working student” intro can work if it’s paired with a touch of personality or a clear sense of direction. For example: “I’m a motivated business student at [University], passionate about bridging creativity and strategy. Whether it’s planning events for my student clubs or diving into case competitions, I have developed a knack for finding innovative solutions to complex challenges.” End by sharing your next steps and a warm invite to connect.
Experience, but with Personality: Don’t just list your tasks and credentials. What impact did you make? Instead of “Managed event logistics,” say: “Led a 200-person fundraising event that raised $5,000 for the local food bank.” Let the numbers speak for themselves.
Skills That Matter: Focus on quality over quantity by choosing skills that reflect your specific strengths. For endorsements, ask collaborators or supervisors with a courteous, “Could you endorse me for [specific skill] based on our work on [project]?” Endorsements are quick to get and serve as visual affirmations of what you will bring to the table in future roles.
Connection Without Cringe: How to Network Behind the Screens
Reaching out on LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel like sending a cold email to someone who will never reply. The trick is to make it human. Make it about them. And, most importantly, make it authentic. Here are some pointers to consider before pressing send:
1. The Art of the Non-Awkward Message: Skip the “Can I pick your brain?” message that everyone sends. Instead, tie your ask to something specific. Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your post about the future of renewable energy and loved your perspective on storage challenges. As someone interested in sustainable finance, I would be grateful for any advice you have on building expertise in this area.”
2. Common Ground is Your Superpower: Did they go to your university? Work somewhere you admire? Share a hobby? Mention it. It shows you have done your homework.
3. Engage Without an Agenda: Comment thoughtfully on posts. Share articles that resonate with their work. Networking is more about conversations than requests.
4. Treat Them Like a Human, Not a Job Offer: People respond best to curiosity and genuine interest, not desperation. A simple, well-timed thank-you message after an interview or coffee chat can go a long way in creating an impression for yourself.
Hidden Gems: Unlocking Your LinkedIn Potential
The average LinkedIn user will quickly become acquainted with the popular functions. However, as with anything, the devil may be in the details. Here are some lesser-known advantages of LinkedIn, which may give you a leg up:
School Alumni: Search for your school and then click the “Alumni” tab. You will find a detailed breakdown of where your school’s alumni live, what positions they hold, and which firms they work for. It may help focus your networking and may even offer a glimpse into your future.
LinkedIn Groups: Think of these as online meetup spots. They are a forum to share experiences and interests. Whether you’re interested in construction, agriculture, or AI, there is likely one for you.
Job Alerts: Looking for a position at a company that’s not currently hiring? No need to retype it into your search bar every day, hoping to see something new. Turn on ‘Job Alerts’ for that company and rest assured that you will receive a notification as soon as they release a position.
LinkedIn Newsletters: Instead of tirelessly searching for engaging reads, let high-quality newsletters come to you on a wide range of topics. Subscribe to experts for insights on the latest economic trends or valuable career-improvement tips, delivered consistently to your inbox
When you have some free time, play around with the interface. Leave no stone unturned. Because with the endless functions of LinkedIn, you may just stumble across the one that is perfect for you.
To Premium or Not to Premium?
It’s hard to escape being bombarded by pop-ups and emails enticing you to “Try LinkedIn Premium for $0!” But what even is LinkedIn Premium, and is it worth the price?
While a one-month free trial is offered for all users, a LinkedIn Premium account comes at the hefty price of $49.99 CAD per month, which is about four times as expensive as a Spotify Premium account. Major benefits of such an account include:
· LinkedIn Learning: a platform offering thousands of courses on skills on technology, writing, marketing, and more.
· InMail: Directly message professionals in your field, even without being connected beforehand.
· Profile Views: See everyone who has viewed your profile, to notice if any recruiters or candidates are interested.
· Unlimited Search: While a standard LinkedIn account will only allow you to view 1000 profiles per month, a Premium account allows you to search until your heart is content.
Of course, each of these assets has a unique value to each person. If you’re a casual LinkedIn user and have never reached your search limit, then it may not be worth the price tag. But if you’re on the fence, take the free trial for a month and see how the new tools help you specifically, and then you can make an informed decision.
Mythbusters!
Here are some common misconceptions regarding LinkedIn, and their respective truths:
You should only connect with people you know well: Not every connection has to be your best friend. If you spot a potential connection, which you believe would be mutually beneficial, then pursue it. In this case, it is best practice to send a personalized message along with your connection request, to specify why you want to connect.
The longer your post is, the better: Clear and concise language will make your content more accessible and increase engagement.
You must only post about your industry: Broaden your content to highlight who you are. It will make you more unique and memorable for your network.
Ready, Set, LinkedIn!
Whether you’re a LinkedIn enthusiast or simply indifferent to the platform, the reality is clear: 97% of HR and staffing professionals incorporate LinkedIn into their recruiting strategies. This means that LinkedIn is far more than just a profile picture or an online version of your resume. It's a powerful tool that can elevate your job search and open doors to new opportunities—if you know how to use it effectively.