My two tips for upcoming female grads to get their foot in the door are to start making a name for yourself with an online presence, and then to put it to use.

1. Personal Branding

Crafting a personal brand can be a great way to stand out beyond just a resume or cover letter — it makes you memorable to future employers and strengthens your passions in your chosen area of expertise.

• A great place to start is to give your profile a facelift. Treat your LinkedIn profile like a website landing page, it’s one of the first places people will look when searching for you either (whether it’s a recruiter, a potential mentor or even a new colleague). Some key areas to jazz up are your banner image, adding descriptions to your past experience, updating your headline and freshening up your About section. 
• Building a personal brand doesn’t have to require posting content, because let’s be honest it can be really scary for a lot of people. If you want to build a PB online, consider leaving some meaningful and insightful comments on other people’s posts. If you want to work on your PB in real life, think about how you dress at the office or even your presentation style in meetings – these are two easy ways to curate your personal brand in everyday settings. 
• If you’re struggling to define your value pillars and what you want to be known for, take a step back and ask your support circle e.g. your parents, bestie, partner or colleague. Ask them to describe who you are in just a few words, this can be a great jumping-off point and spark inspiration.
• When it comes to writing content for your personal brand, keep it simple. Imagine you’re catching up with your best friend for coffee and you’re telling them about your week – use that energy and voice, and convey that in your content. The best personal brands sound like the real you, not an overly curated version of yourself. 

2. Reach out with purpose.

Whether it’s a hiring manager or a future mentor, send a personalised connection request on LinkedIn. 

Take the time to do a little online research, find something that really resonates with you and mention this in your connection request. Being confident and getting personal can make a world of difference to help you stand out and make a lasting first impression that could be your first big break.

Linked-Into more?

Try one of these unlocked learning courses.

Nano Tips for Defining Your Personal Brand with Diana YK Chan

Job Interview Nano Tips with Madeline Mann

How to rock your LinkedIn profile

For more of Rosie’s frank advice to help female grads get into the industry, watch the Off Script video series in partnership with LinkedIn. And for reading this blog and leaning into the upskilling spirit, use LINKEDIN15 for 15% off your next frank purchase.