Guest blog by the LinkedIn Careers Team
Your soon-to-be awarded degree is likely a requirement
for your dream job. But what is going to set you apart from everyone else who
just graduated college with the same qualification? Your network!
Do I even
have a network?
LinkedIn is helping soon-to-be grads from around the country
tap into their professional community—whether they realize they have one
already or not. LinkedIn has the power
to uncover 1st and 2nd degree connections that will boost
your chances of getting hired for highly sought-after jobs in a competitive
market. We found that 70% of people were
hired at a company where they had a connection.
One of the easiest ways for students to make connections is
through the LinkedInAlumni tool. It’s a simple way to explore and create alumni connections
from your school. You can lean in on
where they work now and in what cities. Simply search for your school and
select “see alumni” to get started. You can access career paths for more than
23,000 colleges and universities worldwide.
Your First Job is a
First Step!
Even if you land your dream job right out of college, the
most successful professionals will warn you about complacency and how it may
negatively affect your earning potential over time. Searching for jobs can seem like a daunting
task, especially right after you've just landed one. It’s ideal to continue
interviewing and keep an open mind for your next career move. LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to keep
your options open even when you’re not actively seeking alternative employment. It’s called OpenCandidates and it’s as easy as updating your LinkedIn career interest
preferences. By flipping the switch, you
privately signal to recruiters that you’re interested in new opportunities.
What Now?
Create or update
your LinkedIn profile today. There
is no other place where you can access such a wide range of knowledge, skills
and resources to help you reach your goals!
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