How to use LinkedIn

So here's a list and breakdown of what many consider essential tools to get that first graduate job and where to get them. These items all build your portfolio and I've placed them in what I feel is the top priorities.

1. LinkedIn 

If you do one thing as a student it should be LinkedIn. This site is more than a cloud based CV it's a vital networking and job seeking tool. Create a profile and make sure its complete. Add a photo, It helps boost your placing in LinkedIn's search results and for some reason people aren't drawn to faceless profiles. What sort of photo you use is up to you but thereis just one rule you should consider.

RULE #1 sorry, THE ONLY RULE
Don't just pick your favourite one from facebook, choose your photo wisely,  here's an example:

Yes the feather boa and pink t-shirt are well co-ordinated and the red brings out the best of my squinting eyes but will a future employer want to interview me? Highly unlikely, which, lets be honest would be a shame because I'd bring that boa to every staff party and gladly share it around. I digress.

The picture on the left is much more suitable, it's natural, I look happy it puts my personality across and I don't look too fat. Some people put very nice pictures of themselves all dressed in suits and ties which is great if your looking for a job in the London Stock Exchange, from the profiles I've seen on LinkedIn for CGI/animation professionals most are dressed casual/smart. I guess you don't look very creative snapped in your dads hand me down suit.* 

If you do things right you should start to get views of your profile from people you don't know but you may want to know. A Profile should look something like this:

The Summary is pretty important too and should be as catchy as you can get away with, just remember to keep it professional but interesting. The usual cliches should be avoided unless you want it to look like you used a generic summary template, but er... you wouldn't use a generic summary template would you?

Of course If you haven't been to LinkedIn then stop procastin, procastina..... ...... ...... ....... sorry just had to update my facebook status and make a coffee, I also took the kids out and now I thought Id better finish this post. Don't put it off get over to LinkedIn here.

Also while your there check out my profile and connect with me, yes its a tactless plug but why not? Don't actually tell me why not because Im sure the rules state something about only connecting people you actually know. But chances are if you're reading this you probably know me anyway, right?

Well this post actually came out long enough Ill blog Priority Numero 2 when I've had some sleep. Please feel free to comment whatever you like because If I don't agree I don't have to approve it ;-) See you all later.






*Went to a wedding recently and two days before my dad didn't try to give me just one suit he offered me a choice of five! Sorry Dad.