How College Grads Can Use LinkedIn to Get a Job (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applied to 30 Jobs and Still No Offers? Try This LinkedIn Strategy

Jul 05, 2025

Welcome to issue #152 of The Introverted Networker. Each week, I share my best networking advice to change the way you feel about networking. If you like this issue, share it with a friend.

You’ve submitted dozens of applications. Maybe even had a few interviews.

But still no job.

If you’re a recent college graduate trying to break into your first role, I get it:

It’s frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to do more.

You need to do it smarter.

And LinkedIn is the tool you’re probably under-using.

This issue breaks down the exact strategies I share with college grads to help them go from invisible to noticed without cold-pitching strangers or begging for a referral.

This issue takes about 7 minutes to read…

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Why LinkedIn Is Your Secret Weapon (and How to Use It Right)

If you’re a recent college graduate trying to land your first role, this might sound familiar:

You've submitted dozens of applications
You’ve written and re-written your résumé
Maybe you’ve had a few interviews, but no offers

And now you’re sitting in inbox limbo wondering what else you can possibly do.

The answer isn’t more applications. It’s smarter networking.

And LinkedIn is where that happens if you know how to use it strategically.

This isn’t about cold DMs or fake engagement.

This is about:

Building visibility
Positioning yourself clearly
Starting conversations that actually go somewhere

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Fix Your Headline

One of the biggest mistakes I see grads make is this:

“Recent Business Admin Graduate from XYZ University”

That doesn’t tell anyone what you’re interested in or where you’re headed.

It’s a summary of what you’ve done, not what you want.

Try this instead:

“Pursuing Project Coordinator Roles in Tech or Healthcare | Skilled in Excel, Jira, Communication”
“Aspiring UX Designer | Interested in Human-Centered Research & App Design”

Your headline shows up everywhere: in search results, in comments, in connection requests.

It should make it crystal clear what you're aiming for.

Step 2: Make Your Profile a Landing Page, Not a Placeholder

Treat your profile like a personal site. It should show:

Who you are
What you want
What makes you different

Checklist for a job-search ready profile:

Professional photo (clean, confident—not a cropped group shot)
LinkedIn banner (free, branded Canva templates are your friend)
“About” section that explains:
- What roles you’re looking for
- Why you chose that field
- Any relevant coursework, projects, or internships
Experience section that says what you did, not just what you were titled
- Example: “Worked with cross-functional team to develop onboarding flow for new users, resulting in 20% decrease in support tickets.”

Don’t make people guess what you want to do. Clarity builds trust.

Step 3: Find People Where You’ve Already Applied

Here’s where the strategy shifts:

You’ve already applied to 30+ jobs.
That means you already have 30 companies you can research.
So instead of waiting, start investigating.

Use LinkedIn to:

Search those company names
Click on “People”
See who works there now
Prioritize active users (look for posts or recent comments)

Then send a simple message:

“Hi [Name], I just graduated with a degree in [Field] and applied to a position at [Company]. I’d love to learn what it’s like to work there if you’re open to a quick conversation.”

Don’t ask for a job. Ask for insight.

And if they don’t respond?

No worries, you’ve got 29 more companies on your list.

Yes, it’s work. But right now finding a job is your job.

Step 4: Don’t Sleep on Past Employees

Most grads only look at current employees on LinkedIn.

But people who used to work at a company can be even better to talk to:

They’re more likely to be candid
They might post more (especially if they’ve gone to startups or private industry)
They may have a wider network and be willing to refer

Use LinkedIn’s “All Filters” → Select “Past Company”

Add in the company you already applied to.

You’ll see people who were there in the past, and you can message them:

“I saw you used to work at [Company]. I’m researching what it’s like there for an upcoming role. Any insight you’d be willing to share?”

Again: low-pressure, high-curiosity, high-trust.

Step 5: Turn Conversations into Projects

Here’s how you turn a single chat into a reason to follow up later:

“I’m collecting advice from people in this field for a personal project. If you’re open to it, I’d love to include your insights (anonymous of course), and I’ll share the final version with everyone who contributes.”

Now you’ve done three things:

Given them a meaningful reason to talk
Set up a natural follow-up
Shown that you take initiative

Most job seekers send one message and disappear.

You’re offering value and creating connection.

That stands out.

Even better: When you follow up later with the finished project, you’ll be remembered as “that person who actually followed through.”

Step 6: Engage With Industry Posts Even If You Don’t Post Yet

You don’t have to be a content creator to get noticed on LinkedIn.

You just have to engage like one.

Here’s how:

Follow 5–10 people in your target field who post regularly
Read their posts (filter by “content” or “people”)
Leave insightful comments that show you’re thinking

Example:

“I just read this in one of my marketing courses, and it totally aligns with your post. I’m curious what you think about ‘xyz.’ Thanks for sharing!”

Now you’re in their notifications.

Now your name starts to feel familiar.

Now when you message them, you’re not a stranger.

You’re that person who commented last week.

It’s small, but it works.

Final Advice for Grads (Or Anyone Looking)

Stop thinking of LinkedIn as a résumé warehouse.

Start treating it like what it is: a discovery engine for people, ideas, and opportunity.

You’re already doing the hard work of applying.

Now shift gears and start building your visibility.

This means:

A clear, complete profile
A strong headline that speaks your goal
Smart, respectful outreach
Following through with real conversations
Creating something that gives you a reason to follow up

You don’t need to know a bunch of “important” people.

You just need to be someone who shows up consistently, adds value, and stays curious.

Want More Like This?

If this helped, forward it to a college grad who’s stuck in the job hunt.

Or hit reply and let me know what part you’re working on right now.

And if you’re already on LinkedIn today, here’s your challenge:

🔹 Fix your headline
🔹 Send one message
🔹 Leave one comment

Small actions. Big momentum.

Have a great week!

—Greg
The Introverted Networker

The Introverted Networker