Let’s Talk LinkedIn

As the popular saying goes – your network is your net worth. Thanks to the emergence of social networking platforms, we have endless opportunities right within a click of a button to grow and expand our circle!

LinkedIn is a social networking tool that can be helpful no matter what stage you are in your career. Keeping in touch, making new connections, searching for a new internship or job…the list goes on!

Here are a few ways of getting the most out of your LinkedIn experience:

Making connections

LinkedIn is useful for keeping in touch with existing connections, as well as making new ones! In the case of making new connections, your connections can make introductions for you to people from their own circle. Maybe they know the Owner of that clothing line you’ve been admiring, or the Head of Merchandising at your dream company. You can also reach out personally. Sometimes, reaching out doesn’t guarantee a response. Their inbox might be filled with too many messages, or maybe they don’t check their messages at all. Don’t be discouraged! Seek someone else holding a similar position in your desired field. What matters is that you’re sincere in your approach in building these professional relationships.

Finding internship and job opportunities

Of course, this sounds like a given. This is what job boards are for! However, if you do your research correctly, you can find positions at fashion companies you never even knew existed! For example, typing in “Styling Intern” into the search bar, and narrowing search results into profiles in your local city will pull up all profiles of people that currently have a styling internship, as well as the names of the companies. If someone currently occupies that position, that means the position exists at that company! While there may not be an opening right away, researching and taking note of these companies can be useful for future reference.

Displaying your work

If someone asked you what your previous accomplishments were in your previous position, would you have the work to show for it? If possible, adding visual elements such as images, presentations, and links from projects you’ve worked on adds another layer to your profile, as well as helps to build credibility. In addition, you can ask for recommendations from past advisors/bosses/colleagues to attest to your work ethic and accomplishments.

Becoming an expert in your field

Following industry news and companies you aspire to work for will help you become knowledgeable and well-versed in your field. Do you know what’s currently going on in the industry? Do you know enough about what’s trending to have a conversation about it? The more you know, the better prepared you are for that next interview or big event. Sharing updates about trending industry news can also help with building your brand in how you want to be perceived by your connections.

There are numerous opportunities to network and get connected: whether it be through a friend, former employer, or even on the internet! Use your available resources to your advantage, and be sincere and professional in your approach.

How have you used social media or the internet to help build your career aspirations?