Even if you've still got years until you finish your degree, employers could be looking at your social profile right now. Make the most of your online identity with LinkedIn, a simple and effective tool that gives employers a glimpse of what to expect if they hire you. If you aren't already on LinkedIn, these 5 reasons should change your mind. If you are, make sure you follow USQ and expand your network by connecting with other USQ students.

1. 5 reasons you should
be on Linkedin
YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

2. • 93% of recruiters will review a candidate’s social profile before making a
hiring decision. (Jobvite Survey 2014)
• Just because you aren’t looking for a job doesn’t mean that potential
employers aren’t already looking at you. If one of these recruiters were
to google your name, what would they find?
• LinkedIn is the largest professional network, with over 300 million
users. With the ability to connect with workplace acquaintances,
publically display your work and follow big name businesses, LinkedIn is
basically Facebook for your career.
DID YOU KNOW?

3. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, here are
5 reasons why you should be on LinkedIn.
YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

4. • A résumé is like a dentist appointment. The longer you put it off,
the harder it is going to be to fix up your teeth if there are problems.
Imagine rushing your résumé at the last minute and forgetting to
add one of the most important projects you worked on, because it
happened three years ago! LinkedIn not only provides a platform to keep
this information up to date, but you can literally just copy and paste from
sections of your profile into your résumé.
• Make sure you keep things current and fresh. Just like a résumé, your
profile always needs to be updated and tweaked.
1. KEEP YOUR RÉSUMÉ UP TO DATE

5. • There has been a shift in the way recruiters employ staff, choosing candidates based on
their values and how they would fit in the workplace.
2. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

6. • There has been a shift in the way recruiters employ staff, choosing candidates based on
their values and how they would fit in the workplace.
• While you might want to concentrate on your study now and deal with searching for
employment later, recruiters are going to be looking for interns and casual/part-timers
during the course of your degree.
2. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

7. • There has been a shift in the way recruiters employ staff, choosing candidates based on
their values and how they would fit in the workplace.
• While you might want to concentrate on your study now and deal with searching for
employment later, recruiters are going to be looking for interns and casual/part-timers
during the course of your degree.
• Without a LinkedIn profile for these employers to see, this could be a massive opportunity
missed. Even if your peers are not actively looking for a job right now either, if they have
a LinkedIn profile they are already a step ahead.
2. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

8. • There has been a shift in the way recruiters employ staff, choosing candidates based on
their values and how they would fit in the workplace.
• While you might want to concentrate on your study now and deal with searching for
employment later, recruiters are going to be looking for interns and casual/part-timers
during the course of your degree.
• Without a LinkedIn profile for these employers to see, this could be a massive opportunity
missed. Even if your peers are not actively looking for a job right now either, if they have
a LinkedIn profile they are already a step ahead.
• Talent sourcing – there has been a big shift in the HR recruiting process. Companies are
now searching and sourcing their own talent pools instead of asking for applicants.
2. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

9. • There has been a shift in the way recruiters employ staff, choosing candidates based on
their values and how they would fit in the workplace.
• While you might want to concentrate on your study now and deal with searching for
employment later, recruiters are going to be looking for interns and casual/part-timers
during the course of your degree.
• Without a LinkedIn profile for these employers to see, this could be a massive opportunity
missed. Even if your peers are not actively looking for a job right now either, if they have
a LinkedIn profile they are already a step ahead.
• Talent sourcing – there has been a big shift in the HR recruiting process. Companies are
now searching and sourcing their own talent pools instead of asking for applicants.
• You may not realise it, but LinkedIn is a great way to keep track of the connections
you’ve made. It’s almost like collecting business cards, except the person’s details remain
current as they update their profile.
2. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

10. YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

11. • If you already have a job at a company where you are happy working,
having a LinkedIn account can still have its benefits. If you continuously
update your successful projects, achievements and skills gained
through your current role, people higher up the food chain may take
notice, be reminded of your potential and consider promoting you.
You never know, your LinkedIn profile may come in handy at your next
performance review.
• Having a LinkedIn account doesn’t necessarily mean that you are looking
for a new job. It is a great way to show pride in your work and build a
strong online reputation.
3. MOVE UP THE RANKS

12. • Sometimes when you achieve something amazing at work or university,
the first thing you want to do is tell someone. This can be off-putting for
your friends if you are a lively Facebook user.
• When you post on LinkedIn, the people in your network will be the people
who are genuinely interested in your achievements, not your holiday pics.
This is why distinguishing a Facebook and LinkedIn profile is important
and why you should tailor particular information for each channel.
• Remember, you can also congratulate other people in your network on
their job anniversaries and professional achievements. This can help build
long-term relationships for the future.
4. PROMOTE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY

13. YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

14. • If you want to succeed in any industry, the best workers always do their
research and make an effort to be as informed as possible. These industry
leaders often go on to become ‘Influencers’ on LinkedIn. Influencers post
articles, tips and information about what is happening in the industry and how
changes affect your career. It’s pretty worthwhile keeping an eye on these
leaders and reading their advice… and LinkedIn provides that key connection
for you.
• LinkedIn provides a platform to gain valuable skills beyond what is taught
in the workplace, including tips and tricks to improve team building and
organisational skills. You can remain updated on everything currently trending
in your industry and stay ahead of the game. Remember: this is a brilliant
opportunity for gaining valuable professional development for free.
5. STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME

15. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.6.3.2 11.2016 images © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
There are so many benefits to setting up a
LinkedIn profile, no matter what stage of
employment you are at.
If you want to set up a LinkedIn account, but are
not sure what to do, this is what your LinkedIn
profile should look like.
LinkedIn is an important tool for many
companies and recruiters, so if you’re not on
LinkedIn, maybe it is time to consider an account.