Fill Your LinkedIn DMs with Recruiters
What are you doing after college? Where are you working after college? Oh, you don’t have a job yet?
Are you tired of answering these questions? We all know how difficult it is to juggle job hunting, our university course load, and extracurricular activities. It may have even been pushed to the back burner until spring break. Public relations and advertising are highly competitive fields, so getting an edge wherever you can makes job hunting easier for the weary graduate. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for job hunting – but is your profile optimized to fill your messages from recruiters and hiring managers?
I interviewed ten recruiters and hiring managers using LinkedIn to find potential candidates for their vacant positions in the public relations, advertising, and marketing fields. They are more compelled to reach out to people when their profiles are enriched with buzzwords, have a (1) visible “Open to Work" green banner, (2) listed certifications, and (3) a compelling bio.
With their advice and my experience working alongside recruiters, I was recruited by Google, the Grand Hotel, and Amazon. Let’s make your LinkedIn buzz.
Bye-Bye Default Headline
Recruiters are generally tired of reading “Student at Grand Valley State University.” The default headline works – but you want to stand out by including industry keywords, such as content creation, copywriting, and brand voice. Ask yourself these three questions to build your headline:
What is your job title, current Company, or education?
What is your Area of expertise?
What are you passionate about?
Here are a few formulas to help you write the best LinkedIn headline:
[Title] at [Company] | I help companies develop [skills]
[Major] Student at [University] | [Area of expertise] | [Passion]
Writing a Compelling Biography is Highly Subjective
Some recruiters and hiring managers prefer a succinct, few-sentence biography, while others want to get to know who you are professionally and personally. I have made personal connections with hiring managers on LinkedIn because I included I love coaching tennis in my biography. So, don’t be afraid to be bold here and share your interests unrelated to public relations and advertising. However, if oversharing makes you uncomfortable, stick to the basics!
Either way, most students should describe their current situation for recruiters and hiring managers. This may include (1) their name, (2) their role, (3) career goals, (4) industry expertise and experience, (5) educational qualifications, (6) passion, and (7) what you’re looking for through LinkedIn.
Here is a great example:
Hi, my name is [Name]! I am an advertising professional, graduating from Grand Valley State University in April of 2023 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Through internship and volunteer experience, I have experience in social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. I’ve gained additional skills in marketing strategy, graphic design, photography, and videography.
I love storytelling and reaching people through new media. When I’m not working, I am always creating. I produce a podcast with GVPRSSA, lead volunteer teams, and make ceramic objects.
I am seeking a full-time advertising or marketing position in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area.
Another great example:
I am graduating from Grand Valley State University in April of 2023 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. With two years of public relations and advertising experience, I am skilled in social media development, written and promotional communication, and content creation. I am seeking a full-time position in the Detroit, Michigan area.
Most Recruiters Find LinkedIn Profiles Based on Specific Experience Buzzwords
Generally, employers prefer to see at least one experience related to advertising or public relations. This can be gained through volunteer work, part-time employment, freelance, internships, or leadership positions at student organizations. Include all relevant experience in the experience section.
If you’re like me – you have experience in part-time hospitality or food service positions. Should you include this? Most recruiters and hiring managers agree that if you have at least one relevant position, it may distract from the goal of your LinkedIn profile: passively scoring a position in advertising or public relations. However, if the position is a core passion or highlights exemplary characteristics as a team leader or skills trainer, then include one nonrelevant position!
After you know what experience to include, what do you write? The description can be bullet points, sentences, or just a list of skills and tools used in that role (ex., Social Media, Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Sprout Social, HubSpot, Google Analytics). The more specific skills, performance metrics, and buzzwords – the better.
Madison Hites is a senior graduating with her B.B.A in Marketing in April of 2023. She is passionate about professional development and working with people. She has two years of marketing experience, ranging from an internship with Gordon Food Service, business consulting, social media coordination, and various student organization positions.