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LinkedIn often gets overlooked by students’ as it can be seen as a resource for people already working in their chosen industry or profession. LinkedIn is a great resource for students, and can help you gain a keener insight into the industry or profession you are aiming for a career in. Below are some tips to help you get started.
Use the right profile picture
We all know the benefits and importance of having a profile picture for our social media accounts, and LinkedIn is no different. However, it is important to remember that LinkedIn is a network for professionals, so choosing the right profile picture can be tricky.
Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right picture:
- Choose a recent photograph that is easily recognizable as you.
- Make sure your face takes up around 60% of the frame – long distance shots don’t work well as profile pictures on LinkedIn
- Make sure the picture quality is good – you don’t necessarily need a professional headshot but the picture should be of good quality.
Use your headline
When you sign up for LinkedIn as a student, your headline automatically defaults to student. What many students don’t realise, is that it can be edited. Your headline is important as you can use it to reflect your area of study. Don’t be afraid to edit your headline to include your college and course. For example if you are studying a BA in Early Childhood Care & Education, you could use the following as your headline:
BA in Early Childhood Care & Education student at Mary Immaculate College
If you are particularly interested in a certain area of study you can always include this too, for example:
BA in Early Childhood Care & Education student at Mary Immaculate College, with a keen interest in Educational Psychology
Your summary is your story
A LinkedIn summary is the most effective piece of content marketing on your profile, as it gives you a chance to tell your story. Don’t just list your work experience and skills, use your summary to explain why these skills matter and try to use real world examples of how you developed them.
Try to avoid overusing LinkedIn buzzwords
LinkedIn buzzwords are words that appear so often on LinkedIn profiles, that prospective employers lose interest quickly. Words like ‘specialised’ ‘leadership’ ‘focused’ ‘passionate’ ‘creative’ etc. are overused so much that they begin to lose meaning. While it’s perfectly ok to use these words, try to lend meaning to them by linking back to your experience. For example if you have stated that you are passionate about film, try to give an example of how you are passionate about film. Maybe you have made a short film, or written an article for a publication. Just using the words isn’t enough, demonstrate them as well.
List your relevant core skills
LinkedIn provides a pre-made list of skills that members can scroll through. Use this list to identify the skills that are relevant to you. This helps to confirm the description in your headline and summary. You can also take a skills assessment to demonstrate the level of your skills with a verified skills badge on your profile. Displaying proof of your abilities strengthens your profile, but displaying the results of skills assessments is entirely voluntary.
Follow companies that interest you
Many companies use LinkedIn, and will have a company page. Here you can find out more information about the company, if they currently have any positions available, connect with people who work here and view any video content the company may have.
Research people in positions that interest you
Make use of the LinkedIn search function, and search for people in positions that interest you. For example if you are studying a BA in Liberal Arts and majoring in media, you may have a particular interest in film, and be considering a career in film production. You can begin your journey by researching people who are already in these positions. This will give you an indication of the skills required for the position. To search for people in positions that interest you, follow the below steps:
- Search for the position that interests you
- People results for the position are the second results that appear
- Select see all at the top right of the listings
- Select a profile for the results that you would like to view
Create Job alerts
While you may not be ready to start applying for jobs, job alerts are a great way to keep up to date with the positions that are available in your chosen industry. Research these positions, and see what qualifications and skills are required by employers for these positions. To create a job alert, follow the below steps:
- Search for a position that interests you
- Job results for the position are the first results that appear
- Select see all at the top right of the listings
- All results will then appear in a column on the left side of the screen
- Above the first result, in the top right corner you will find the job alert button. It is automatically sent to off.
- Set the Job alert button to on, and select whether you would like to receive alerts daily or weekly, and whether you would like to receive your alerts by email, notification or email and notification
Connect with people
Connect with people in the industry or profession that you are interested in. Most people are open to growing their network in LinkedIn and are happy to connect with people, at any professional level. Connecting with people in the industry or profession that you are interested in, is a great way to keep up to date with industry and professional trends.
Engage with your connections
While LinkedIn is a network for professionals, it is still a network and the best way to stay involved is to engage with your connections. Engagement can take the form of sharing relevant content to your LinkedIn network, adding comments to articles or using the publications section to share content you have created.
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Now that you have an interview scheduled, it’s time to prepare. Read below for 12 tips to get you interview ready as well as additional tips for a virtual interview.
Research the company
One of the most popular interview questions is what do you know about our company. Looking through the company’s website, social media accounts and press section can give you an understanding of the company and help you answer this question with confidence. Researching the company in advance can also help you tie in your skills and experience to your answer.
Practice answering common interview questions
Practicing answering common interview questions, can help boost your confidence before the interview. Common interview questions include;
- Tell me about yourself?
- What interests you about this role?
- Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
- Tell me about your work experience?
Reread the job description
Read through the job description again in advance of the interview. Think about the requirements for the position and how your past experience links in with these requirements. Match your experience to the role i.e. what skills do you have that are relevant to the role?
Prepare examples of your work
You may be asked to provide specific examples of your past work that relate to the position you’ve applied for. Think about the past experience you have and how it can relate to the position you are applying for. E.g. If you are applying for a Summer Camp leadership position and you have previously volunteered at a camp or club, then use this as an example of how your past work relates to the position.
Prepare a list of references
You will most likely be asked to provide references, either before or after the interview. Having a prepared list of references can help advance the process. This can be daunting for a student starting out, but don’t forget that references don’t necessarily have to come from past employers. They can come from the organisation you volunteer with, your lecturers or past work placements.
Prepare a list of questions you may have about the position
Think about the position and any questions you may have that are not answered in the job description. For example, if the job description requires a team player, ask how the team and/or departments collaborate?
Arrive early
For an in-person interview, try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview. While you most likely will not be seen until your allocated time, arriving early makes a great impression. For a virtual interview, be ready and connected to join the interview no less than 5 minutes before your allocated start time.
Make a great first impression – don’t forget the little things
The little things can make all the difference and more often then not we are so focused on the interview, that we forget about them. Some little things to take note of are:
- Check your clothes for stains or stray pet hair
- Make sure your hands and nails are clean
- Make sure to shine your shoes
Link your answers back to your skills and experience
Try to link as many of your answers back to your skills and experience as possible. This allows you to use every opportunity to show that you meet the requirements of the position by highlighting your experience.
Keep your answers concise and to the point
Most interviews are allocated a specific amount of time, make the most of that time by keeping your answers concise and to the point. Of course, this can be easier said than done, if you are feeling nervous about the interview. A great way to combat nerves is to practice before the interview, have a friend or family member run through a few questions with you or maybe practice a few answers in front of a mirror.
Ask about the next steps and thank your interviewer for their time
Once the interview is finished it is perfectly ok to enquire about the next steps. This usually takes the form of a follow up contact whether by email or phone, advising of your interview result and whether there will be any additional requirements. Make sure to thank your interviewer for their time, if there are multiple interviewers thank each one individually.
Follow up after the interview
Most interviewers will advise you of the timeframe that they will be in contact by. If you have not heard from the interviewer within the timeframe then you can follow up with an email. Most interviewers will take the time to respond to your follow up. If it is a case that you have been unsuccessful, you should once again thank the interviewer for their time. Just because you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, does not mean you will be unsuccessful should you apply to the company again at a later date.
While COVID-19 continues to have an impact on everyday life, many companies still need to hire employees. Virtual interviews are becoming more common as a solution to this problem. While all the above tips still apply to virtual interviews, below are five tips that apply specifically to virtual interviews.
Check your technology before the interview
Many virtual interviews take place online through video conferencing software like Zoom or Google hangouts. You will be provided with a link to sign into a meeting by the interviewer. Before the interview it is really important that you check that your camera and microphone work effectively. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the software if you have not used it before. If you are using a portable device, such as a laptop, tablet or phone, for the interview, ensure that they are fully charged. It is also a good idea to check your internet connection, to ensure that it is strong enough for the interview.
Choose a quiet, comfortable space
The best place to take your interview is in a quiet space that you are comfortable in. Ensure that the space you choose is clean and free from clutter, you want the interviewer to focus on you, not what is around you. If using a portable device, such as a laptop, tablet or phone, try to place the device on a table or stand, rather than on your lap or chair.
Limit distractions
As many of us are working and studying from home, you may not have access to a completely separate space. Explain to your family or housemates, that you have a virtual interview. Give them the time the interview is taking place, the expected length of the interview, and where you will be taking the interview. Explain that this space will be off limits during the interview, and respectfully ask for quietness during the interview. If you have pets in the house, you may also consider placing them in a separate area for the duration of the interview.
Use professional body language
While communicating through video limits the use of body language, there are a few simple things you can do to combat this. Sit up straight and try to ensure that the camera is placed so that your face is in the middle of the screen. Try to maintain eye contact, and if you get asked an unexpected question, make sure to take a moment to collect your thoughts. You can also display enthusiasm for the interview by smiling or giving a confident wave.
Dress Appropriately
Although the interview is virtual, it is still important that you dress appropriately. Dress as if you were attending for the interview in-person.
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Here you will find information, tips and advice articles, to help you on your recruitment journey.
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Writing a CV when you are a student can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel that you don’t have much work experience. Don’t despair though, we have compiled seven tips to help you get the most out of your CV.
Use the proper format and structure
It may sound simple, but it is really important to use the correct format and structure, this gives your CV a professional look. A CV should include your contact information, education history, work experience and your skills. You can also include your referees if you wish, though many people now choose to provide references at interview stage. It is also really important that your CV is easy to read. Use a simple and clear font, sans-serif fonts such as Helvetica, Arial and Geneva work best for legibility, especially if keep at between 10 -12 points size.
Study the position and employer
Researching the position and employer will allow you to tailor your CV to best suit the position. While it is a good idea to have a standard CV to draw from, your CV is not a one size fits all document. You will need to tailor your CV for each position you apply for, especially if you are starting a career path in a multi discipline area. Study similar job descriptions to the position you are applying for. This will give you an indication of the skills the employer will want to see on your CV. Researching the position and the employer will also benefit you if you are invited for an interview.
Open with a personal statement or objective
A personal statement is a great way to begin your CV, especially as a student. A personal statement is a two to three sentence summary of who you are, your qualifications, experience, and what you will bring to the position and employer. As a student this is an excellent way to highlight your relevant skills, any voluntary work or placements you may have completed, and coursework that makes you the ideal candidate for the position.
Expand on your education
As a student, you may not have extensive work experience to add to your CV. However, you will have extensive educational experience, and by expanding on your education you can give employers an insight into your personality and skills. Through group project work you will have experienced teamwork, individual assignments will have taught you research and time management skills as well as motivation, working on your own initiative and meeting deadlines.
Think about your educational experience, what you have learned from it and what skills you have developed from your learning. List your education experience in reverse chronical order, starting with what you are currently studying or have most recently completed. Don’t forget to include any qualifications you may have earned from your studies.
Create your work experience
Now that you have expanded on your education, it is time to create your work experience. Remember your work experience does not have to come from paid positions. You can include volunteer work, work placements, internships and team activities. If you are a committee member of a Club or Society, captain of a sports team, a volunteer or have completed work placement with a company or organisation, you should include this. It is all experience and will have taught you skills that are well worth putting on your CV.
Similarly, don’t be afraid to include any part time jobs you may have or have had on your CV, while they may not be relevant to the position you are applying for, the skills and experience you have gained from these positions may be relevant. Start with your most recent role, and highlight the skills and experience for each role.
Skills
In this section you can list all of your skills that are relevant to the position. For example, you may have gained leadership skills from your involvement with a Club or Society. Make sure that you are only including skills and accomplishments you have gained, as you may be asked to demonstrate them should you be called for an interview. You can also include any hobbies or interests you may have, and the skills you have learned from them.
Proofread and edit your CV
It is really important to proofread and edit your CV before sending it out. Check for typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. You might also consider having a friend or a family member read through your CV and offer feedback.
Don’t forget you can also avail of the Mary I Careers Service. The Careers Services provides the following services*:
- Group careers information seminars
- One-to-one confidential careers advice
- Assistance with postgraduate study applications
- Assistance with employment applications
For further information contact the Careers Service Manager, Maeve Sullivan, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Please note that not all services provided may be available during Covid-19 restrictions.
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Welcome to the recruitment resources section. Here you will find helpful information such as; articles with tips and hints to help you on your journey, and a jobs board which advertises available vacancies.
