LinkedIn: The Importance of Connections

Ever since joining Women in Business in college, LinkedIn became one of my favorite forms of social media. 500+ connections seemed like such a daunting, but important number to reach. Getting to this number of connections not only increases your visibility to others…including your potential future employer…but the LinkedIn algorithms prioritize profiles with more connections. This, then makes it easier for recruiters to find you and message you about applying for a position or connecting with one another.

Increase Visibility with 500+

What better way to grow your connections base than to join Women in Business at your school. For myself, this made that “500” seem a bit smaller. However, make sure you are meeting these women. Engage with one another, learn what interests you. Attend the socials and general body meetings to develop yourself personally and professionally, connecting with one another on LinkedIn throughout the process. This allows you to build that network early on, connecting with peers, professors, alumni, and professionals that interest you. These just might lead you to your next job, internship, or you may even find a mentor.

 

PRO TIP → ALWAYS include a personalized message! Let the person know that you actually care about connecting and/or meeting with them–that’s where the real value lies. 

But wait, there’s more!

Beyond building your network, LinkedIn is powerful in many other ways. This platform helps create a professional brand with you in the driver's seat. Highlight what you are proud of. Did you speak at a conference? Complete a certification? Attend your first Women in Business meeting? Accept a summer internship? Tell the LinkedIn stratosphere! Recruiter’s want to see you show your drive.

Afraid You Don’t Have Enough to Show? 

No worries…have you heard of LinkedIn Learning? Spice up your profile by taking any of the offered video courses that interest you. They offer a subscription model, but also offer a free trial. So, when you’re ready to grind and be a business powerhouse, get the free trial and master those classes. You can learn key skills, follow learning paths, complete certifications, and more.

By building a solid foundation, it will be easier to continuously update your profile when you do get that internship or job. At the very least…have the areas below filled out in your profile. Make sure you have a profile photo…one that is more professional. The Career Center at my University offered free headshot dates throughout the year…so did WIB! (Another reason you should join, if you haven’t already). You can look up banner ideas to copy over or even create your own on a platform like Canva. Fill out the “Intro” area with your name (headline), school, location, and position…if you don’t have a job that’s okay! And, before adding in any positions from your past, fill out that “About” section! Do your best to post all the amazing things you do and if you need any inspiration, check out my personal page at www.linkedin.com/in/kendralandi. 

Key Tips →

• Hit 500+ connections, but don’t just accept everyone
• This is something recruiter’s will notice
• Utilize your college network…sororities, clubs, sports, classes, etc.
• Highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments
• Connect and reach out to people who inspire you
• Alumni
• Someone in a position that you want
• Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning – get that free certification and add it to your LinkedIn AND Resume
• Great research tool to prepare for an interview
• Keep your page updated!