How LinkedIn can Help STEM Professionals to Get a Better Job

by
Rida Maheen

LinkedIn is a professional tool and social networking website that allows one to search for people by name or company and “connect” with them. Not only is it a smart way to network with prominent figures in your preferred industry, but also you can use it to showcase your skills and achievements and build up a professional presence online. Recruiters are actively using the website, on the quest for the job positions they are trying to fill. You have to have your virtual resume most updated and polished, so when employers come across your profile, you present yourself in the most positive light.

Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential to secure a job?

Your LinkedIn profile has a number of sections that you need to fill in to complete your online CV, make sure to keep these sections up to date:

The About Section

Here, you may list your “specialties” or skillsets (all of the skills that you believe you possess can help a future employer with; focus more on the skills needed in the jobs that you are searching for). Keywords such as “leadership, Word, Excel, finance, research etc.” are possible options, but be prepared to show how you have implemented your “specialties” in the past.

Experience

List all jobs that you have previously held (the ones that you think are relevant to the jobs you are searching for) along with a brief description of each. When writing a description, bear in mind the types of skills needed for the positions you are applying to.

Skills and Endorsements

This section is similar to the above-mentioned section on specialties. However, this section has a set of predefined terms that can be listed as options once you begin typing.

Focus on mentioning skills relevant to your industry. Moreover, arrange those skills in order of importance and relevance, because only the top three show up on your profile. Bear in mind that those visible skills are also the most likely ones to be endorsed by people.

Education

You will want to include the same educational information in this segment as on your resume. You may not need to include high school, but any study abroad programs, interesting clubs, unions or activities, etc. should be included.

Licenses and Certifications

This is a good section to show off any licenses and certifications (language, instructing etc.) that you may have acquired. You may list any online courses that you have taken as well.

Some general tips that may help in keeping your LinkedIn profile more professional:

Your Profile Picture Matters

Make sure to upload a hi-resolution photo that is suitable for work but also makes you look approachable.

Headlines will Attract Employers

Write a relevant headline that will make you stand out from the crowd. You may write the title of your last work experience, your part-time or freelance work or your aspired job.

The Featured Sections Also Helps

Here, you can showcase your key work by featuring your best posts, links, media or articles that you have published.

Let Employers know You are Looking for New Opportunities

If you are actively looking for a job, let recruiters know you are available by toggling “open to work” option in LinkedIn.

Focus on Bulding 1st Degree Connections

Expand your network as much as you can because your connections have the potential to increase your exposure.

Follow Companies to Screen for Job Openings

LinkedIn allows you to look up and follow companies that you’re interested in. This helps one to stay updated on company news and new job openings.

Use the Advanced Search to your Benefit

One of LinkedIn’s most powerful tools is its search feature. Put the LinkedIn Advanced Search option to use and look for data about people in a structured format. You can find professional groups in your area and get involved; which will help make more connections, showcase your expertise, and potentially connect you to the companies you are aspiring to work for.

Let Your Peers Know About your Online Courses

The top sought-after soft skills in 2020 were creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence — all these skills exhibit how we collaborate with others and bring fresh ideas to the table. You may take online courses to hone these skills and other relevant skills needed in your field.

Company Pages can give You Valuable Insights if you are Looking to Work there

You may use LinkedIn to look up interviewers and recruitment managers to find out about their likes and preferences before going in for an interview. During your interview, you can use this knowledge to build relatability and show that you’ve done your homework. You can also use keywords from the job description in your CV or cover letter.

Talking about company pages, have you seen ours on LinkedIn?

Finally, Always Follow-up

Remember to connect with employers and keep track of your applications.

Finding a new job is a huge step and venturing into the unknown can seem daunting and frightening, but it doesn’t have to be that way! The opportunities that could be offered to you are innumerable and your job search can be the start of an exciting journey. All the best!

This article was written by Rida Maheen, a marketing intern at WEmpower Pakistan and Masters student at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.