LinkedIn and networking

Your network as a stepping stone

LinkedInExternal link is a rich database of professionals, organizations, topic groups, and job vacancies. Worldwide, the platform has around 1 billion users, making it the go-to tool for orienting yourself in the job market, growing your network, and making yourself visible.

Through LinkedIn you can:

• find people who are already doing what you want to do, and who can give you insight into that role;
• map out possible career paths based on your degree;
• prepare for a personal meeting — a shared interest or contact is often a good icebreaker;
• stay up to date on trends within your field.

Once you've created a (minimal) profile, you can start searching yourself, but you'll also become easier for others to find.

Creating a LinkedIn profile

Watch how to optimize your profile and get found on LinkedIn in the video below.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with CareerSet

As a UvA student you have access to CareerSet, a tool that can take your LinkedIn profile to the next level. With CareerSet's AI tool, you receive personalized advice on your LinkedIn profile, including your headline, summary, and work experience. This way you can optimize your profile based on what recruiters are looking for.

Get started with CareerSetExternal link.

Exploring the job market via LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than an online CV and business card. You can also use the platform to get a sense of the job market: which jobs suit your degree, and what does a career path look like in practice? On LinkedIn you can also easily stay in touch with people you already know, follow organizations relevant to you, and find alumni from your program. Watch the video below for more explanation.

Networking

A large share of jobs are found through networking. So it's important to add this to your repertoire of job-search strategies. For many students, networking sounds pushy or uncomfortable. Realize that in practice you're already part of a network: family, friends, fellow students, hobby/sports clubs, etc.

These people may be able to give you information about your options in the job market, a specific vacancy, or an interesting field of work. They may also know people who would be worth talking to. Look for people who share your interest in a particular topic. These people are the most relevant to you. Talking to someone with whom you share a mutual connection is often easier, so don't hesitate to ask if someone knows someone.

An informal conversation

Below you'll find a number of questions you can use when having a conversation. Use them mainly to prepare for the conversation, and focus on the things that matter to you. Also prepare what you want to say about yourself and what you're curious about.

Workshops

Want to know more about how to use LinkedIn? In our information session we cover how to set up an effective basic profile. Learn how to present yourself, expand your network, and use LinkedIn to orient yourself in the job market. Check the Events page for when this and other sessions from the UvA Student Careers Centre take place. There you can also find the session on networking, where you'll learn how to approach networking. Sessions are also organized in English.