In the past, college graduates would search through ads in the newspaper or be interviewed on campus to find jobs. In today’s world, companies like LinkedIn are changing everything about finding employment.
Students now hunt for jobs through online databases on social media sites, which completely alters traditional hiring practices. This study explores LinkedIn, one tool “that college students can consider while branding themselves and advancing their careers.”
The researcher, Mary Beth McCabe of National University, is a contributor to LinkedIn.com and a speaker on various social media panels. Based on her research, she makes these recommendations for using the platform:
- If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, look at examples of successful individuals. If you do have a profile, ask connections for improvements that will enhance it.
- Starting a group can be a good way to learn about a topic, and it can build your professional and scholarly reputation quickly.
- You can build professional recommendations simply by asking people and telling them your intentions clearly. Nothing is more effective than a third-party referral, and this is one of the key benefits of LinkedIn and other professional social media platforms.
- Download your own personal data for analysis to determine what’s working and what isn’t. All it takes is your e-mail address and a password to get started.
To read the full text of the study: http://asbbs.org/files/2017/JBBS_29.1_Spring_2017.pdf#page=86
McCabe, M.B. 92017) Social Media Marketing Strategies for Career Advancement: An Analysis of LinkedIn. Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences 29(1), 85-99