In this episode, Brad W. Minton speaks with Melissa Grabiner about leveraging LinkedIn for early career professionals. They discuss the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, engaging with the platform, and networking effectively to enhance job search success.

Melissa shares practical tips on how to stand out to recruiters, the significance of being proactive in job searching, and the value of building connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for young professionals to take charge of their career paths and utilize LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity.

Key takeaways

• LinkedIn is essential for job seekers, especially young professionals.
• Engagement on LinkedIn can significantly increase visibility to recruiters.
• A strong profile photo and personalized banner are crucial for attracting attention.
• Using keywords in your profile can help recruiters find you more easily.
• Networking is often more effective than applying to job postings.
• Reaching out to decision-makers can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
• Being proactive in your job search can set you apart from other candidates.
• Utilizing LinkedIn Learning can enhance your skills and profile.
• It's important to share your personal story in your LinkedIn profile.
• Life is too short to be unhappy at work; seek a fulfilling career.

Guest Info:With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, Melissa Grabiner is widely recognized as a leading strategist and thought leader in the field. She has built a strong reputation for her expertise in Talent Acquisition and has cultivated a LinkedIn following of over 470,000 professionals. Melissa is ranked the #2 Female LinkedIn Creator globally and the #1 HR Creator in the United States.
In the past year, her content has generated over 100 million post impressions and almost 2 million post engagements, underscoring her influence as a top voice in the HR and TA spaces. Her thought leadership extends beyond social media, with features in prominent publications including Market Watch, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Indeed Business. She is also a sought-after podcast guest and frequently hosts LinkedIn Live sessions. Her expertise has been spotlighted twice on the iconic Times Square Billboard in New York City.
Melissa spent 18 years at Baxter Healthcare, where she led Talent Acquisition for the company’s largest global business unit—later acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Melissa and her team received numerous awards, including recognition as the highest-performing global HR team at both Baxter and Takeda.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Melissa is a passionate Job Search Coach, helping professionals enhance their resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and refine their job search strategies, with perfect testimonials and ratings from every client (over 500). Melissa also works as a Talent Acquisition consultant for companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and serves as a Business Advisor to three startup organizations.
Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a certified yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their two sons.Website: https://topmate.io/melissagrabiner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-grabiner/

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career.

www.minttobecareer.com