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In our previous guide on building the perfect LinkedIn profile for students and graduates, we explained how to make your profile stand out.
Now, let’s go a step further — and show you how to actually use LinkedIn to find a graduate job or internship in the UK.
Spoiler alert: Creating a standout LinkedIn profile is your first and most crucial step. If your profile isn’t getting views or isn’t fully set up, check out that guide first—because this article builds on that foundation.
💼 Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters (More Than You Think)
LinkedIn isn’t just a social network — it’s the largest professional platform in the world. For UK students and graduates, it’s your online CV, your networking tool, and your personal brand, all in one place.
A strong LinkedIn profile does far more than look good. It helps recruiters find you through keyword searches, increases your visibility, and positions you as a professional ready for the workplace.
In short: a strong LinkedIn profile can bring job opportunities directly to you. But creating a great profile is only step one. To truly unlock LinkedIn’s potential, you need to use it actively and strategically to find — or even attract — opportunities.
(fact: According to LinkedIn UK’s Workforce Report, over 70% of recruiters use the platform to search for candidates based on skills and keywords)
🚀 The Best Way to Use LinkedIn as a Student or Graduate
Think of LinkedIn as more than a job board — it’s your professional networking ecosystem.
Once your profile is optimised as explained in our previous guide, it will likely start to gain some traction. But don’t just wait for recruiters to find you, take these active steps:
- Check your profile analytics weekly: see which companies or job titles are viewing you.
- Tailor your content to what your target employers care about.
- Engage in relevant industry discussions — your comments can get noticed by hiring managers.
According to Prospects, graduates who network effectively on LinkedIn are up to 40% more likely to secure interviews compared to those who don’t.
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🌐 How to Build Your Network on LinkedIn
Networking is at the heart of LinkedIn — it’s what makes it powerful. Build a professional network as a student or recent graduate is a great way to use LinkedIn! Let’s go through few simple steps:
1. Search strategically.
Type “Recruiter”, “Talent Acquisition” or “HR” + your desired location in the search bar (e.g., “recruiter London”, “talent Manchester”, “HR Liverpool”).
2. Connect with purpose.
Be strategic, send personalised connection requests — don’t spam people. Limit yourself to 3–5 per day to avoid being flagged.
3. Engage before messaging.
Like or comment on their posts first — this builds familiarity before you send your message.
4. Stay consistent.
Not everyone will accept your request, but over time, you’ll build a solid list of connections. Networking is a long game, not a one-time action.
Once you’ve got a network of recruiters—both from agencies and companies—you’re ready for the next step: reaching out.
🔗 Recommended: networking is important but it doesn’t happen solely online. In our previous guide we looked at How To Network Professionally at University.
✉️ What to Say When Messaging Recruiters on LinkedIn
When a recruiter accepts your request, follow up with a polite, professional message. Here’s a simple but effective example:
Hi [Name],
Thank you for connecting. I’m [Your Name], a student/recent graduate from [University Name] interested in [Industry/Role].
I’d love to explore graduate or internship opportunities in [Field].
Please feel free to view my profile for more info on my background and skills.Best regards,
[Your Name]
It’s simple, professional, and to the point. Some recruiters will respond by visiting your profile, asking for your CV, or even arranging a call. Others, likely the majority, won’t reply at all, and that’s okay—just move on.
💡 Tip: Tailor each message — never copy and paste, using the wrong name is an easy (and embarrassing) mistake to make! Personalisation shows genuine interest and effort.
🔎 Using LinkedIn’s Job Section Effectively
While LinkedIn’s job board isn’t its main strength, it’s still incredibly useful when used strategically:
- Use filters: Narrow your search by experience level, location, or remote work options.
- Act fast: Sort results by newest, early applicants are more likely to be reviewed first.
- Enable job alerts: Let LinkedIn notify you instantly when relevant roles appear.
- Optimise your profile: Ensure your “Open to Work” setting is active and visible to recruiters.
- Check job descriptions carefully: Many “London-based” roles, for example, now offer hybrid or remote options—so don’t rule out opportunities too quickly.
According to Glassdoor UK, roles listed on LinkedIn often receive 50% fewer applications than those on job boards like Indeed — giving proactive users a competitive edge.
🏢 Engaging with Companies and Recruiters
For a more direct approach, connect with Graduate Recruitment Managers or Talent Specialists at target companies.
These are the people making hiring decisions. After connecting, engage with their content:
- Follow their company pages.
- Comment meaningfully on their updates.
- Share posts that align with their values (e.g., sustainability, innovation).
This kind of interaction builds familiarity, so when you apply for a role at their company, your name will stand out.
🌱 Why Networking on LinkedIn Works
Networking might feel time-consuming, but it’s worth it. It builds social capital — the invisible currency of career success.
By interacting with recruiters and engaging in your industry’s conversations, you position yourself as someone worth knowing.
Research from ONS Labour Market Report shows that up to 60% of graduate roles are filled through connections or referrals, not public postings.
LinkedIn helps you tap into that hidden job market.
When a graduate role becomes available, recruiters will already know who you are—and that gives you a competitive edge.
🧩 Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Be Different
Finding a graduate job or internship is tough, but LinkedIn gives is one of the most powerful tools for students and graduates in the UK — if used correctly.
How to use LinkedIn at University:
✅ Build a profile that tells your story.
✅ Network with intent and authenticity.
✅ Engage consistently and professionally.
✅ Follow up after connecting.
Remember: you’re not just applying for jobs; you’re building a professional brand.
❓ FAQs: How to Use LinkedIn for Jobs and Internships in the UK
Start with a complete, keyword-optimised profile. Use the job search tool and connect with recruiters in your target industry. Engage with company content to increase visibility.
Yes — once connected, send a personalised, concise message explaining who you are and what you’re looking for.
Search using filters like “graduate,” “entry-level,” or “internship.” Save your searches and set up alerts.
Yes — LinkedIn combines job listings and networking, while Indeed and Reed only list jobs.
Definitely. Use filters for “remote” or “hybrid.” Many UK employers now offer flexible roles post-pandemic.
Aim for one meaningful post per week — share your projects, achievements, or learning experiences.
Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday), between 10 AM and 2 PM, tends to have the highest response rates.
Use targeted keywords, update your “Open to Work” banner, and list your top skills.
Avoid spammy connection requests, irrelevant posts, or overusing emojis. Keep it professional.
Ask lecturers, supervisors, or managers to write brief recommendations highlighting your strengths.
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