The Importance of LinkedIn?

FSHopeful
Sun, 26 May 2013 20:26:18 +0000

Can a few of you guys explain to me the importance of LinkedIn? I’ve been reading lately (in threads here at CC and elsewhere) that seeking out recruiters via LinkedIn is one of – if not the – most efficient way(s) to actually get responses (as opposed to just applying through companies’ online applications).

I’m a rising senior hoping to get into the financial services industry (I-banking, asset/wealth management or consulting). Thankfully I have secured an internship this summer at a risk consulting firm and I’m taking the fall recruiting season VERY serious. I have already set up an Excel spreadsheet of companies I wish to apply to and alumni/contacts that I want to reach out to this summer.

So my additional questions are,

(1) I have had contact with recruiters for companies which I have gotten rejected last year during the summer internship search. Do you think it’s appropriate (do you recommend) to shoot them an email telling them my summer plans and hopes to apply for full-time positions this fall?

(2) How should I integrate LinkedIn into my plans? I have created a dummy profile (I plan to fill in the actual information late August/first week of September – I want to run the content and my resume through my career planning center first) and included the link on my resume (my resume is a rough draft and will not get sent out until it’s read by the career planning center), so is that enough?

Any additional advice that you guys have for me?

I’m really passionate about getting into the financial services industry. I know it’s no easy feat and requires hard work, networking and perseverance, but I’m confident that I WILL get there, I just need some guidance and help!

Thank you all!