Career Blog
LinkedIn. What is it, exactly?
LinkedIn is a social network (much like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), but one that is used for professional networking. According to Techno-Science, this online service is a social network that facilitates dialogue between professionals.
At some point, regardless of our program, we must look for a job that fits our profile or, better yet, is related to our program of study. Throughout our academic journey, we want to build a network that will open doors for us. To achieve this, we need to equip ourselves with the best tools available. That is exactly why we should invest in LinkedIn. Here are basically the ABCDs of a solid LinkedIn page!
A is for appearance: your profile photo
The overall look of your profile is dictated by your profile photo. No selfies, please! A graduation photo, maybe. But still. You need an EXCELLENT profile photo: a well-framed, crisp portrait in which you are smiling. Remember, you want to encourage people to check out the rest of your page.
B is for basis: your headline
Your headline is THE component that LinkedIn users rely on to determine if your summary and the rest of your profile are worth reading. Make sure your headline draws attention to your potential. It can have several components: your job title, your student status, your main area of expertise, etc.
C as in copy-paste: your experience
A simple trick to quickly build your “Experience” section: “grab” the content of your resumé (as long as it is complete). A tip about volunteering: if you do volunteer, mention it in your experience, as employers appreciate it. If you don’t have any volunteer or extracurricular experience, try to get some: you’ll thank me later!
D is for details: your skills
On a LinkedIn page, every detail counts. And it starts with your skills. Add at least 10 that are relevant and that your network members can endorse.
BONUS: Don’t hesitate to “like” and comment on posts, or even share them if they align with your values. This will increase your visibility!
So here are the ABCDs of the LinkedIn profile! To bring your profile to the next level, be sure to schedule a one-on-one critique with our Professional Development Coordinator through Career Launch.
Source: https://bit.ly/3BdSaJz
So you want to get a job but don’t know where to start? Well, the first step is simple. You just have to make a résumé! Now, tossing all of your skills and experience onto a document is easy, but nicely formatting everything is the real challenge. Here are some general tips to make the process easier.
- Keep it short and succinct. If you have less than 5 years of experience, your résumé could very well fit on one page. Write in bullet points with size 11 or 12 font in Arial or Times New Roman. The margins should be set to a minimum of 0.5 inches.
- Keep it formal. Do not use personal pronouns. When discussing previous positions, use the past tense. When describing your current position, use the present tense. Use bold, italics, and underlining formatting to nicely organize everything.
- Keep the content relevant. Refrain from using jargon and obscure acronyms. Hiring managers should understand what you are referring to. Focus on your skills and past experiences that are most relevant with regard to the posting. Don’t hesitate to elaborate on your accomplishments!
- PROOFREAD YOURSELF AND GET SOME PEERS TO EDIT YOU. No matter how well you did in your English class or how much time you spent working on your résumé, make sure to proofread it! Get a friend to peer edit it as well because they might see something that you missed. There is no shame in asking for help. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Are you wondering how I know so much about formatting résumés?
I simply researched during my spare time and I attended Telfer’s Rock Your Résumés event! If you were not able to attend, don’t fret!
Here is, in essence, what the experts I have met had to say.
- Create your own personal “letterhead” and use this for your cover letter as well. Include your name, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address and voicemail message are professional. If you are still using something like chocolatepanda(...)@hotmail.com as your email address, make a new one that includes your first and last name.
- If you have a high GPA (over 7.0), feel free to list it. You may also list any awards and scholarships you have received in the past.
- Avoid acronyms. Human resources managers will not know what everything stands for, so make their job easier and write it all out. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Try to set yourself apart from others by making your resumé unique to yourself.
Many recruiters glance at a resumé for around 6 seconds. Only if it is eye-catching will they decide to read through it. Therefore, I suggest putting your best effort forward.
Always remember, first impressions matter!
Be sure to check out Career Launch for more events that will help you achieve your dream job!
Reference:
Are you confused about what to write in that little box called “Summary” (the About section) on your LinkedIn profile?
Well recently, I was too. However, after attending several Telfer events and doing some research in my spare time, I was able to fill that little box and finally complete my LinkedIn profile. I know it is easy to skip the summary, but it is one of the easiest things you can do. Most importantly, it significantly improves people’s first impression of you.
With the summary, you get the chance to introduce yourself in your own words and better display your personality. Readers will believe whatever you write! Now, this does NOT mean that you should lie...
Here are a few tips which can help you write an impactful summary!
- Your summary should be unique! Do not copy your friend’s or family member’s summaries. Mention some unique traits that set you apart from others, as well as some of your strongest skills.
- Talk about your goals and career aspirations! Employers are looking for individuals who have goals, who are striving towards something. Setting goals provides you with both long-term and short-term motivation, and aids in the further development of time management and organizational skills.
- Add in a short description of your experience and current role! Talk about what you excel at and back it up with some of your past accomplishments. This lets employers know if you would be a good fit and/or are qualified for the job.
- Keep your summary short and sweet! Hiring managers do not have the time – or the patience – to read long paragraphs for each person. Only add key details that will make you stand out. When you get the interview, you can further elaborate!
- Lastly, have a call to action! Tell them what you want them to do and how they can get in touch with you.
With everything happening virtually these days, your LinkedIn profile might very well be the first thing HR managers and hiring recruiters will see when looking for candidates online. Therefore, your summary can be a determining factor in your job search.
Trust me: put some time and effort into it, because I promise, it will be worth it!
Need to talk to an expert? Book a Writing a Compelling LinkedIn Summary appointment with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch.
Resources:
20 Superb LinkedIn Summary Examples (+Writing Guide)
13 Creative LinkedIn Summary Examples & How to Write Your Own
Networking does not simply mean clicking on the “Connect” button on LinkedIn and trying to reach the highest number of connections possible: it means creating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Many candidates credit their success to the strong network they have built over time. Here are the top do’s and don'ts of networking.
Do’s
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Be proactive
If you decide to suddenly message someone and expect them to instantly help you out, it may not be as quick as you think. Remember that maintaining connections is a two-way street: to cultivate a relationship, try to offer help or favours. Also, follow up with your connections: a one-time message or meeting does not constitute a relationship!
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Make a plan
You don’t need to know exactly what you want all the time or what you expect from every networking opportunity. However, make sure you attend events and meet people with a specific goal in mind and see how you can accomplish your goals through these events and new people.
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Have patience
Networking is a daunting task, as it can be time consuming, awkward, and at times downright draining. However, you can’t deny that a strong professional network can be quite powerful in terms of launching your success. Patience is a virtue, so don’t expect to reap all the benefits immediately.
Don’ts
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Hesitate to ask questions
Many professionals truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise, and there is no harm in asking questions. Learning from others’ experience will benefit you in the long run.
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Be timid
If you only talk to people you already know, you will never expand your horizons and find out about new opportunities. Networking isn’t just for extroverts: it’s for everyone!
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Overly self-promote
Don’t just dive in with your elevator pitch and make networking a “me me me” moment. Be genuinely interested in whomever you speak with and focus on building valuable relationships.
You don’t have to join every single professional network and attend every networking event. New networking opportunities show up all the time, and sometimes, they can even pop up by surprise.
Meaningful relationships built over time will prove valuable when you find yourself in need of referrals, insights into new job opportunities, and other valuable information. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you are now ready to start networking!
For expert, personalized advice on networking, book an appointment with a Relationship Manager at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch.
You finally did it! You completed your LinkedIn profile:
Experience? Check.
Education? Check.
Licenses and certifications? Check.
Volunteers experience? Check.
Skills and endorsements? Check.
Profile Summary? Ignored.
Let’s face it. Writing a LinkedIn summary can be incredibly difficult. However, it is one of the essential steps in completing your LinkedIn profile. If you include your LinkedIn address at the top of your resumé, your summary may even be THE first thing employers see, and as we all know, you don’t get a second chance to make a good, lasting impression on recruiters. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional writer to create an impactful LinkedIn summary.
Here are five easy steps to make your LinkedIn summary more impactful:
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Get noticed
What better place than your summary to “hook” your readers? Try to engage with them and grab their attention in the first three lines: this will compel them to click the “See more” button and explore your profile. You can do so by incorporating a personal hook such as a clever question, a strong statement, or an interesting fact about you.
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Stand out
A unique LinkedIn summary should make you stand out. However, an astonishing number of summaries start with a super-generic, borderline cliché profile that is neither relevant nor industry specific. A word of advice: avoid general sentences and overused phrases, as they dilute your message. Also, avoid overused buzzwords such as “experienced,” “motivated,” and “creative”, as they do not attract recruiters to your profile.
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Use “I”
LinkedIn being a social media platform, a personal touch is required. Using first-person pronouns in your LinkedIn summary (e.g., “I am resourceful”, not “Jessica is resourceful”) will make you seem more engaging and approachable.
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Organize your content
Just as every school paper (or resumé!) requires structure and organization, so does your LinkedIn summary. Make sure it is clear, focused, logical, and effective (a reflection of your mindset as a professional). Break up your information into clear and concise blocks while steering clear of long paragraphs. This will allow people to easily skim through your summary and obtain all the necessary information.
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Proofread like a pro
Lastly, learn to proofread. Make use of self-revision and spellchecking applications such as Antidote (free through uOttawa library services), Ginger (free) and Grammarly (free). Don’t let avoidable typos discourage employers from browsing your profile. Go the extra mile and consult your “peer-review committee” (a group of trusted classmates, colleagues, friends, or relatives with an eye for details), and kindly ask them for feedback. It’s always easier to spot mistakes in someone else’s text!
Need an extra hand? Book an appointment for a LinkedIn summary critique with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch, and get customized advice!
Good luck, and let’s see that summary magic!
With the quick development of worldwide communications, the importance of an elegant and effective LinkedIn profile can’t be denied. A huge number of experts are tapping daily into the platform to find competitors, openings, new customers, and business opportunities.
Perhaps you have been ignoring it for some time. Perhaps you are a LinkedIn “beginner” who doesn’t have the slightest idea where to begin. Whatever is your current level of proficiency with LinkedIn, check out the following advice to make the most of your profile. Do you have all you require to succeed?
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Use your profile for self-promotion
Don’t see it as a fill-in form. It is far more than just a Web resumé, as it is expected to be seen publicly by employers.
Do remember that we each have a unique professional brand to promote.
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Pick a professional-looking photo
Try not to upload selfies or photos where you wear sunglasses… in the car. You get the point.
Do not make it excessively casual and stay away from unattractive backgrounds.
Do choose a photo where you look professional and where the background is not distracting.
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Specify your career plans
Try to incorporate a professional objective on your profile.
Do explain your Career Interests. This way, your profile will gain visibility on recruiters’ radar. You can also choose the Actively Applying status for employers to see that you are open for new opportunities.
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Make your headline unique
Don’t just outline your present positions: add some flavour!
Do mix commonly used position titles with your interests and objectives.
Finally, don’t forget that the Telfer Career Centre offers workshops focusing on LinkedIn. To know when and where, check out the Calendar of Events. You can also book an appointment with a Career Centre specialist to know how to build and strengthen your LinkedIn profile.
For more information, please check this link below:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dos-donts-successful-high-impact-linkedin-profile-galyna-daniel/
LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for anyone looking to enter – or grow in – the job market. It is very common for recruiters to look at the LinkedIn profiles of their candidates to know more about them. Indeed, just as your resumé, your LinkedIn profile provides a wealth of relevant information.
Not too familiar with LinkedIn? Don’t worry. Here are three easy tips on how to improve your LinkedIn profile to attract employers.
Tip #1: Generate your personal URL
Did you know that each LinkedIn profile has its own URL? With your personal address, you can easily refer employers to your LinkedIn page, whether from your resumé or from your business card. You can also customize your URL to give it a more personal/professional twist. When you log in on LinkedIn, you can see your personal URL and change it so that it includes your full name.
Tip #2: Ask for endorsements and recommendations
When you add skills to your profile, your contacts can endorse you. You can also ask your contacts to give you recommendations, either in person or directly on LinkedIn. By being endorsed and recommended by your former employers, colleagues and various contacts, you’ll gain in credibility.
Tip #3: Stay active on the platform
Contrary to what you may think, LinkedIn is not a network of you remain inactive once you’ve created your profile. Check your profile regularly and make improvements to keep it up to date. Also, don’t hesitate to share your accomplishments or to congratulate your contacts for their successes. LinkedIn is the ideal platform to promote your activities and the blogs you’ve published.
Finally, don’t forget that the Telfer Career Centre offers workshops focusing on LinkedIn. To know when and where, check out the Calendar of Events. You can also book an appointment with a Career Centre advisor to know how to build and strengthen your LinkedIn profile. You can book an appointment at any time on Career Launch.
Whether you are graduating next fall or in three years, chances are you already know that your education does not stop at the classroom door, and that to attract job offers, you will need more than a business degree. The good news is that uOttawa students have a free, unlimited access to over 9,000 online courses related to business, media and technology through LinkedIn Learning, a self-service training site.
Not sure if this is for you at this time in your journey? Here are four reasons that make LinkedIn Learning an invaluable resource for all professionals, especially in the current context.
1. Fill the gaps on your resumé
Have you ever found THE perfect job posting for you, only to realize that you are missing one or two qualifications or assets to apply with confidence? You are not alone. What you need to do is to: 1) identify the knowledge and skills that might prevent you from landing interviews (or even applying for jobs!); and 2) start filling in the gaps.
While you’re at it: Whether you’re learning how to use Quickbooks or Python, manage change effectively, develop a digital marketing strategy, or apply blockchain theory, don’t forget to update your resumé as you go.
2. Optimize your Web presence for job-hunting purposes
No matter how strong your LinkedIn profile, it will never yield optimal results if you remain a passive user. Whenever you complete a course or training on LinkedIn, you have the option to letting your contacts know about your progress and interesting courses they could take themselves. As your training “library” grows, you will generate traffic, attract views, and reinforce your professional brand.
While you’re at it: Remember to update your Skills section as you go.
3. Improve your French for the workplace
LinkedIn Learning offers hundreds of business-focuses courses and training in French. By pursuing your professional development in the other official language, you will learn not only new concepts that apply to your industry, but also the specific vocabulary that you need to discuss them in a professional manner. Plus, if you are contemplating a career in the public sector, it is an excellent way to demonstrate your intention to perfect your French.
While you’re at it: Build on this new knowledge to create a French version of your LinkedIn profile.
4. Make the most of your current schedule
The beauty of LinkedIn Learning is that you can choose from a wide range of formats, from a 15-minute presentation to a 23-hour learning path, and every length in between. Why not set two specific goals for yourself: one for the next term and one for the whole year. By dedicating as little as a couple of hours a week for a full term, you will develop a solid foundation in the topic of your choice.
While you’re at it: Choose wisely for optimal employability. See the most sought-after hard and soft skills in 2020: https://learning.linkedin.com/blog/top-skills/the-skills-companies-need-most-in-2020and-how-to-learn-them.
Access LinkedIn Learning now: https://biblio.uottawa.ca/en/use-library/using-linkedin-learning-uottawa
LinkedIn has many features which allow users to access new and different information, and as a platform created on the basis of expanding user’s professional network, it is a great place to start your job search.
The following 3 tips will allow you to fully utilize your LinkedIn account during your job search.
1. Keep your profile updated and relevant
Many recruiters use LinkedIn as a tool for finding new applicants in the industry, and to do this they make searches based on key words, experiences, skills, and more. By keeping your profile up to date and featuring all relevant knowledge, experience and skills, you are making yourself more visible to the recruiters in your desired industry.
Keeping your profile updated also means that you can quickly and easily apply for jobs without worrying about outdated or missing information. Then when you find the perfect job with a quickly approaching application deadline, you are prepared and can apply within minutes.
2. Use the Job Search Function
This option is a great tool because it allows users to make their search as custom or as broad as they would like. Search for jobs on LinkedIn by clicking the "Jobs" tab, entering keywords and location. Then, you can further customize your search by using the advanced search option and to search by date posted, experience level, specific location, job function, company, and industry. You can then save your searches and receive email notifications when jobs are posted under your saved searches, so you never miss the perfect opportunity!
3. Use Company’s Profile Pages to Learn More and Find Jobs
Many companies have their own profile on LinkedIn which feature information about their mission and vision, recent news, updates, and more. You can also see many employees who work for the company, and a list of current jobs. This can be utilized during the job search in order to target specific companies you may be interested in and get notifications when they post new jobs.
How do you get over 17 million people to willingly dump ice-cold water over their heads? Simple. You present it as the #IceBucketChallenge. Challenges are effective because they encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and to have fun doing so. The list of 2018 viral challenges is endless: the Kylie Jenner lip challenge, the cinnamon challenge, the hot pepper challenge and the chubby bunny challenge, just to name a few. Now, I present you with the latest and greatest challenge — the #CareerDevelopment challenge. It starts out with simple tasks, only increasing in difficulty as you move down the list and start building your confidence with each challenge met.
The following series of challenges will help you stand out from the sea of students and kick-start your career development journey!
Challenge #1: Talk to someone new
The first step to building your network is meeting new people. University is the best place to accomplish this goal because you’re surrounded by new people all the time. Whether you’re in class, at the student lounge or in line waiting for your coffee at Starbucks, you can form a new connection. Who knows? Maybe this person will be your future best friend or business partner!
Challenge #2: Create your LinkedIn profile
Most students are hesitant to create a LinkedIn profile early on in university. People tend to push it off until graduation nears, only to realize that they don’t have enough time to build a strong network on the platform. The opportunity cost of waiting until your final year to create your LinkedIn profile is enormous — imagine the number of professionals you may have met but be unable to keep in touch with!
Challenge #3: Critique your resumé
Your resumé is quite literally a reflection of you — one or two pages that summarize all of your accomplishments, activities and experiences. To put your best foot forward, you can have one of the Career Centre staff members review your resumé and provide you with valuable feedback to improve. They will help you create the best version of your CV so that you can feel confident when submitting your job applications.
Challenge #4: Go to a networking event
As a Telfer student, you have many networking events to choose from. The two largest networking events are Telfer Connects and Telfer Networks, and there are countless other smaller events taking place throughout the year. Take a look at the Telfer Career Centre Calendar to learn more about all the events taking place!
Challenge #5: Pat yourself on the back
If you’ve gotten this far in the #CareerDevelopment challenge, then you deserve a pat on the back. You’re already way ahead of the game! You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and accomplished goals that will help you land your dream job! The next steps to take are continuing to meet new people, attending networking events and strengthening your relationships with existing connections.
Best of luck meeting these five challenges. May the odds be ever in your favour!