Your Career

10 things to avoid when building your LinkedIn profile!

LinkedIn image

It’s natural to feel unsure about a professional social media network like LinkedIn. It’s a place where people in all industries can go to build relationships with their colleagues and demonstrate their experience and expertise. It’s also a place where businesses and organizations can show off their work to prospective clients, customers, and even future employees.

The absolute last thing you want to do is to look like you don’t know what you are doing!

Here are some things to avoid when building your professional profile:

  1. Not understanding the difference between a LinkedIn Company Page and a LinkedIn Profile. There are two ways for you to demonstrate your expertise on LinkedIn. With a Company Page, you’ll be communicating as your business. This is similar to a Facebook Business Page, where prospective clients can learn more about your business. However, it is much more focused on informing your audience rather than building a community like you would on Facebook.
    With your LinkedIn Profile, you’ll be communicating as an individual rather than a business. Here you’ll connect with clients, colleagues, and other members of your professional network.
    Mixing this up is a guaranteed way to look foolish when starting out.
  2. Not having a profile photo. This might seem like a no-brainer, but not having a photo can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your profile. Even worse is using an unprofessional profile photo! Quirky photos that might fly on Facebook are not a good choice on LinkedIn. Keep your headshot professional.
  3. Not completing your entire profile. Having an incomplete profile not only looks lazy, but it also doesn’t portray all of the amazing credentials and experience you have. Show them off!
  4. Not including a personalized message. With every invitation you send to connect, you should always include a personal message. This is the place to add that little something extra. A personalized note goes a long way because it makes your invitation feel genuine.
  5. Not posting appropriate content. LinkedIn is a professional social networking site. The type of content you’d post on Facebook, might not be appropriate on LinkedIn. Keep content professional and relevant.
  6. Not proofreading your posts. An extra comma here and a misspelled word there may not seem like a big deal, but it does make you look less professional. Keep posts as grammatically sound as possible.
  7. Not being selective about the connections you accept. The people you choose to connect with are a representation of who you are. Don’t accept just anyone. Make sure you know who they are and their credentials.
  8. Sending too many requests = poor LinkedIn etiquette. Don’t bombard people with request after request. It gets annoying. You also want to be choosey about the people you request to connect with.
  9. Embellishing your responsibilities and accomplishments. Plain and simple, it’s just better not to embellish. Plus, I’m sure you have plenty of experience to show off. Tell people about it all!
  10. Not sharing rich media (i.e. links, videos, infographics, slideshare etc.) Take advantage! It’s an engaging, fun way to attract people to your profile!

Remember that professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, have become a valuable place to find new employees, employers or clients, reconnect and strengthen relationships with friends and former colleagues, and get career-related advice.

What do you think about our list? Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts!

The Right Choice

Although most students are completing their study break and returning to the half-way mark of the winter semester, prospective students are beginning to decide where they want to go in the fall and what programs they need to take.

Given the variety of programming offered by Algonquin College and the School of Business, the options can be diverse and sometimes confusing. For that reason, the web site is constantly being updated to give current information and the School will be hosting a series of info sessions throughout the spring and summer to answer any questions and a opportuity to meet some of the professors and staff.

Whether you are a college or university graduate looking to develop specific skills sets and preparation for a specific industry through our graduate certificates, a person who is returning to school and wants the hands-on experiential training that we offer or a high school student looking at the next step in their career, we are pleased to answer any and all questions or concerns.

We would prefer that you choose other options that are right for you than mistakenly register for a program that you then realize is not right for you. If you are interested in a business career (which is a cornerstone for most careers) from professors who are from industry and care about your success, we have the programs. If you are interested ins studying in an institution that provides leading edge technology while providing classroom where the professor actually knows your name, we have the programs.

But to make sure we are right for you, check out information on upcoming information sessions or tweet your questions to @deandaved or @ACBizschool. We want to make sure you make the right choice!

Dean Dave Donaldson

Top 5 Job Searching Strategies for Students and New Grads

Are you wrapping up your time at Algonquin College School of Business and thinking about your future?

It’s probably time to start thinking about looking for a career related to the business program you’ve spent so much time studying.

job search strategies

Job searching can be tough. In many ways it’s almost like a full-time job! You need to invest time into research and preparing for interviews.

But there are ways to make the job search process less tedious.

Here are the top 5 job searching strategies:

Job Boards

Job boards are a great to place to start looking for a job. But, don’t depend solely on this method; see the other strategies.

There are many websites where you can search for companies looking to hire. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

For most of these websites, you can (and should!) set up job alerts based on specific criteria that applies to you. For example, you could search for Ottawa jobs in Marketing, Business Administration, Law Clerk, etc.

Networking

Many jobs that are available are not even posted online. These jobs are usually filled through word-of-mouth and connections.

To find out about these jobs, you need to network with your connections.

  • Send around resume with a brief description of yourself
  • Tell your network what you want
  • Join LinkedIn and start building connections
  • Take part in LinkedIn groups for your industry
  • Join associations in your field

The more people you know and the more people who know you are looking for a job, the better!!

Cold Calling

In some cases, a cold calling approach works. However, use this approach carefully and really do your research in advance.

Research organizations you want to work for and send your resume and cover letter. Be sure to specify why you are contacting them and what type of position you are suited for.

Places to look:

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Associations

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn more about a career and how that person got to where they are.

Meet with people in your industry to learn more about their experience and what they look for in employees.

Always research the person and company before your meeting. Come prepared with specific questions that can’t be found by a search of their site.

Be sure to send a thank you letter, card, or email to the person you met with.

Note: Do not expect a job out of the interview and don’t ask for one. The point is to gather information and build a connection.

Volunteering

Volunteering is another way to build connections and gain more experience in an industry and career.

Organizations that promote volunteer opportunities:

Or, see if a company you are interested in will take you on as a volunteer or intern.

Don’t give up!! Keep up with all these strategies and something great will happen!

Advice to New Algonquin College Students from an Alum

Looking back to when I started at the School of Business at Algonquin College it seems like time flew by so quickly during those years.

I made some amazing memories and of course had my ups and downs, but now I just focus on all of the good memories I’ve made. I wouldn’t change my college experience for anything and want to share some of my tips for success.

new college students

Get Involved

Part of the learning during your time in College happens outside of classes. By getting involved with the various clubs on campus, such as the Accounting Club, you develop leadership skills that are valuable to future employers. You also can put into practice some of the skills you are learning in class. For example, you could join the Algonquin Entrepreneurs Club and learn how to build your own profitable company.

Meet New People

College is a great place to make life-long friends who share the same passions and interests as you. It’s also an opportunity to meet people who are different from you and share an alternative perspective on things. Take time for others and work on your friendships; these are what really matter at the end of the day!

Take Time for Yourself

Studying and holding down a part time job can get overwhelming, especially during exam time! Be sure that every once in a while you take a “personal day”. Take a break from every day tasks and relax. Have a pjs/jogging pants day and lounge while reading a book for pleasure. Taking these mental breaks will actually help you focus better on your studies. Just be sure not to take too many days off! 🙂

Study Hard

College can be difficult! Classes are harder than high school. It seems like you have more free time but that can be deceiving. While you should take some personal time (see above) it’s equally as important to be serious about your studies. You’ll be much happier graduating college with job offers, than your peers who skipped class and are sitting around on their parents’ couch.

HAVE FUN!

Above all, have fun! Get involved and meet new people, take time for yourself but balance that with serious studying. Enjoy every moment and look for opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Career Networking Fair February 12 + 10 Tips for Career Fair Success

Don’t miss out on Algonquin College’s largest on-campus recruitment event! The Career Networking Fair is being held on Tuesday February 12 from 11am to 3pm in the Gymnasium. The fair features over 50 employers with full-time employment opportunities for graduates and soon-to-be graduates, as well as summer employment opportunities for students. There are many opportunities for School of Business students and grads so brush up your resumes and take advantage of this great event!

This annual fair is put on by the Employment Support Centre, one of the many resources we have here at Algonquin to assist students with career preparation and job searching. Their website has tons of tips and advice for job seekers on how to:

There is also a great article featuring 10 tips for a successful career fair experience.

  1. Wear suitable interview attire
  2. Bring several copies of your professional, up-to-date resume
  3. Plan to arrive early
  4. Carry a folder or portfolio; avoid bulky backpacks
  5. Bring paper, pens, and business cards so you can easily exchange contact information with employers
  6. Visit booths on your own, not as part of a group
  7. Prepare a 30 second elevator pitch – outline your education, skills, experience, and the type of job you want
  8. Research the top 3-5 companies you are interested in before you go
  9. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  10. Keep an open mind! Consider all employers as a potential contact no matter what the industry

Above all, treat career fairs as a serious job searching opportunity. Prepare, be professional, and put your best foot forward!