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Is LinkedIn Helpful for College Students in Getting a Job/Interview?

Jobs for UNLV Graduates | PrideStaff Las Vegas

As a college student, you’re probably no stranger to social networking. However, LinkedIn is one platform you have yet to explore.

You’re not sure if it makes sense for you to join the social networking site yet, because you’re still in school. However, you’re starting to look for Las Vegas job openings, and you want to make sure you’ve covered all the bases to present yourself as a competitive candidate.

Here’s a look at what you have to gain by joining LinkedIn.

Four Ways LinkedIn Can Help College Students Get Hired

Make Connections

The world’s largest professional networking site, nearly 800 million people in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide use LinkedIn. Who you know can help you get hired, so create a profile and start building a network with your existing contacts — i.e., your friends, family, internship colleagues, professors, etc.

This will serve as a key way to help you get noticed, because potential employers who check your profile out will be able to see how you’re connected. People prefer to hire new employees who come with a referral from someone they know and trust, so your network can prove invaluable.

Conduct Pre-Interview Research

Preparation is the key to interview success. When you’re invited to interview for a job, it’s important to research both the company and the people you’ll be meeting with. LinkedIn is a great place to do this, because you can check out interviewers’ alma mater, previous jobs, blog posts, and more to learn about them. This information can be used to create a connection — i.e., you have the same hometown or they went to your school — that will make you stand out.

Get Recommendations

Potential employers want to learn as much about you as possible, and LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to present yourself. Ask managers and colleagues from past internships to write a recommendation that will be displayed on your profile. If you worked closely with any past professors, they might also be willing to write you a recommendation, which will also look great.

Show Ambition

College students don’t have to create a LinkedIn profile, so taking the initiative to do so makes it clear you’re motivated to start your career. Potential employers will be impressed by this, because they want to hire entry-level candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Many of your peers likely won’t take this step until after graduation, which will put you one step ahead.

Ready to Find Your First ‘Real’ Job?

Getting started in the professional world can be a challenge, but PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to help. Contact us to connect with top local employers looking to fill entry-level jobs with promising new talent like you!

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