Building Your Personal Brand

Entering the professional world as a graduate can be both exciting and intimidating. With numerous job seekers competing for the same positions, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd, whether you’re searching for a graduate internship or a full-time job. One way to achieve this is by building a strong personal brand on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. In this guide, we’ll discuss how recent graduates can create and maintain a personal brand on LinkedIn that showcases their skills, experience, and achievements, ultimately improving their chances in the graduate recruitment process.

Customize your LinkedIn URL:

Begin by customizing your LinkedIn URL to include your name or a variation of it, making it easy for others to find and remember your profile. A customized URL looks more professional and is an essential step in creating your personal brand for graduate and student recruitment opportunities.

Invest in a professional profile picture:

Your profile picture is the first visual impression potential employers or connections will have of you. Invest in a high-quality, professional headshot that portrays you as approachable, confident, and competent. Avoid casual or low-quality images that may hinder your personal brand and chances in the graduate recruitment process.

Write an engaging headline:

Your LinkedIn headline is a brief statement that appears under your name, and it’s one of the first things people see when visiting your profile. Write an engaging headline that summarizes your value proposition and showcases your expertise or unique qualities. Consider using relevant keywords, such as “graduate,” “graduate internship,” or “student recruitment,” to help your profile show up in search results.

Craft a compelling summary:

Your LinkedIn summary is an opportunity to introduce yourself, share your story, and highlight your achievements as a recent graduate. Write a concise yet engaging summary that showcases your skills, experiences, and career goals. Be authentic and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Remember to include relevant keywords, such as “graduate recruitment” or “graduate internship,” to help your profile appear in search results.

Showcase your experience, education, and achievements:

Under the “Experience” and “Education” sections, list your relevant work experiences, internships, and academic accomplishments as a graduate. Include detailed descriptions of your roles, responsibilities, and any significant achievements. Highlight any projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and expertise, making you an attractive candidate for graduate recruitment or student recruitment opportunities.

Seek recommendations and endorsements:

Having recommendations and endorsements on your LinkedIn profile adds credibility to your personal brand as a graduate. Reach out to lecturers, colleagues, supervisors, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Be specific about what you’d like them to highlight and offer to return the favour by writing a recommendation for them.

Share valuable content and engage with your network:

Regularly sharing articles, news, and insights related to your industry or interests demonstrates your passion and commitment to staying informed. Engage with your network by liking, commenting on, and sharing others’ content. This activity not only showcases your expertise but also helps expand your network and increases your visibility for graduate and student recruitment opportunities.

Join and participate in relevant groups:

LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and stay informed about industry trends. Join groups relevant to your career interests and actively participate in discussions. This can help position you as a knowledgeable and engaged member of your industry, making you a more attractive candidate for graduate recruitment or graduate internships.

Monitor and update your profile regularly:

Building a personal brand on LinkedIn is an ongoing process, especially for graduates. Regularly update your profile with new achievements, skills, or experiences. Keep track of your profile’s performance by reviewing LinkedIn’s analytics.