SOCIAL MEDIA
Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn as a Student/Young Professional
Zachary Burton - Ph.D. Candidate, Stanford University
When I was 19, I blasted off dozens of resumes for dozens of summer jobs remotely related to geology and environ- mental science. Not only did I not get a job, I did not even hear back from a single employer. You could say this process did not exactly erase my strong dislike of resumes and cover letters.
Now, a good handful of years later, LinkedIn has become my favorite social network. Using it, I have been in touch with and have arranged in-person meetings with quite literally dozens of individuals in the energy and space industries, with a success rate of one response for every three or four messages I send out. The secret: I never ask for a job, and instead offer whoever I am mes- saging some tangible benefit (e.g., a cup of coffee in exchange for “picking their brain” on some topic, or even a guest lecture at my department).
In their wonderful book, “Designing Your Life,” Bill Burnett and Dave Evans emphasize the importance of this very strategy: if you are searching for jobs, reach out to people at companies you are interested in working for (especially indi- viduals in the field you are interested in or potential future managers). Never ask directly for a job or internship, instead ask these people about their thoughts and experience in the industry, and then finish by asking them something along the lines of, “How might someone in my position contribute to a company such as yours?” Obviously, this will not always turn into an opportunity, but you may very likely be referred to a contact who is looking for someone to hire, and either way, you will have made a valu- able connection.
So where does LinkedIn fit in with all of this? LinkedIn is the perfect platform to learn about the types of people in the careers you want to pursue. You can research their backgrounds, from educa- tion and work experience to volunteering and extracurricular activities, and most importantly, you can contact and set up meetings with people in your industry of choice. You do not need to be a Premium member to send messages, instead use this very simple “hack”: navigate to the profile of someone you are interested in meeting and chatting with. Click
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“Connect” to request that you become LinkedIn connections. A window will pop up that reads, “You can customize this invitation.” This step is critical. Click “Add a note.” Now comes your opportu- nity to use your own personal touch and creativity. You have a limited number of characters to briefly introduce yourself, express your interest in learning about the person’s particular industry, their career path, their thoughts on the future of the industry, etc., and to suggest meet- ing for coffee, a meal, etc. (or a call by phone!). End your note by expressing your interest in chatting with them soon, by thanking them for their time, or with a traditional closing (“Sincerely,” etc.). I have included below an example of a note that I wrote that resulted in meet- ing with the CEO of a space company.
after all, a good picture of you out in the field.
Write a great headline (it does not have to be your job description).
Write a Summary! This is critical. This is your chance to tell your story. Absolutely do not use third person (first person is much more personable). Bullets in a Summary can be quite effec- tive. Grab your reader’s attention with the first few lines of your Summary. Stand out. (Think, “You might think licking rocks is child’s play, but it’s what I do every day. Welcome to the life of a geologist.”)
Do not be discouraged. Tailor each message and be relentless. Celebrate responses, even if you do not always achieve a meeting. Your voice and mes- sage will improve with each message you send. Do not be afraid to experiment and to test what sort of message works best.
This ability to find, message, and meet up with people in literally any field in which you are interested is one of the strongest features of LinkedIn. Use it to your advantage, and do not be surprised if a chat over coffee turns into a job offer.
Since you will be messaging people who are working your dream job, you will want to leave a good first impres- sion. And since you are using LinkedIn, that first impression is going to be your LinkedIn profile.
Here are a few critical tips on creating a strong LinkedIn profile (and nailing that first impression):
Take a professional profile picture: Smiling headshot with business casual attire, OR, since we are geoscientists
No on buzzwords, yes on numbers. Absolutely do not use empty buzzwords (none of this: “I’m a problem-solver who is detail-oriented and a great team player. I’ve spearheaded many brain- storming sessions and I love a challenge” – anybody could fit that description. It is not uniquely you.) Do, however, include numbers. Quantify your achievements right at the beginning of your Summary (“I’ve taught geology courses to over 150 students and have published 3 peer- reviewed scientific papers. I’ve had 2 industry internships and advised com- panies on millions of dollars’ worth of drilling projects.”). It is also critical to use numbers when describing your work experience achievements. Quantify your achievements.
Fill out the sections of your profile. Absolutely include your past work expe- rience, your education, any publications (papers, conference abstracts), honors and awards, and volunteer experiences. Include two or three bullet points for each work experience. What were your duties? What were your accomplish- ments? Honors and awards show recruit- ers you are a high achiever. Volunteer experience can show you care for your community and for helping others, and highlight causes that are meaningful to you. This is often an important part of company culture!
And there you have it. First, beef up your LinkedIn profile. Then, start mes- saging people in the industry you want to be in! Remember that each connection and tidbit of advice you receive is moving you toward your dream job.
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