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LinkedIn and Handshake

What are they?

These are two websites that are meant to connect employers to potential job applicants. This is an opportunity to display who you are and what you have to offer as a candidate. You can also apply to numerous jobs through these websites. 

What is the difference between LinkedIn and Handshake?

The main difference is that Handshake is specifically tailored to college students. Handshake has a lot more information on career fairs and internships. Also, some internships on Handshake are only available to UIUC students.

Creating a LinkedIn and Handshake Profile

Overall, the format for both websites are very similar and require the same information.
  1. Try to include keywords in your headline, because this makes you easily searchable for recruiters.
    • Example: Marketing College Student​ | Product Management | UI/UX Design
  2. Change your profile background to something other than the original one
    • Use Canva to find or create one!​
  3. Differentiate yourself by writing a unique about me section
  4. List out accomplishments in your experience and projects
  5. All writing must be grammatically perfect

Under-Used LinkedIn Features

  1. ​Recommendations - get your recommendations from previous jobs, managers, and even fellow interns
  2. Projects (not experience) - include the small projects from classes and other RSO’s regardless of how important or small they were
    • Example: I put my AMA Project Director in experience and talk about both projects in the projects section
  3. Skills - attach skills to different experiences or projects you have 
    • NOT every single skill but instead a distinct few per item
  4. Attachments - attach your slides and/or project results as a file
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