Focus Keyword: LinkedIn; Designers

Word Count: 675

Content is king, and unfortunately for the coming generation of architects and designers, the job market is no different. The current job market is fasted-paced, competitive, and wide-open. Remote work has stretched the talent pool across the globe and visibility is the differentiator that determines whether talent sinks or swims.

Social media, particularly LinkedIn, is a crucial tool for young architects and designers to not only network and finds job opportunities, but to build their personal brand. It's essentially a digital version of networking at a conference or industry event, but with a much wider reach.

Here are just a few reasons why LinkedIn is essential for aspiring architects and designers:

According to a 2012 survey by Jobvite, 93% of recruiters use social media to find and screen job candidates. LinkedIn, in particular, is a go-to platform for recruiters and hiring managers, with over 20 million companies using the site to advertise job openings. By creating a LinkedIn profile and actively using the platform, young architects and designers can greatly increase their visibility and chances of being discovered by potential employers.

But LinkedIn isn't just about finding a job. It's also a valuable resource for staying up-to-date on industry news and trends, connecting with fellow professionals and thought leaders, and finding opportunities for continuing education and professional development. This means that without a LinkedIn profile, young professionals are missing out on recruiter visibility, showcasing their work, and furthering their career knowledge.

However, it's not just about being on the platform – it's also about how it's used. A well-written LinkedIn profile with a clear, professional headshot and a comprehensive list of skills and experience can make a big impact on recruiters. Additionally, jobseekers can better position themselves by connecting with other professionals and securing recommendations or referrals.

LinkedIn is also a great platform for showcasing work and building a personal brand. By posting a portfolio, creating posts on LinkedIn, and engaging with other professionals, designers can demonstrate their expertise and thought-leadership to potential employers and clients.

As a young professional, it can be tough to stand out in a crowded job market. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, there were over 238,000 architects in the United States in 2018, and that number is only expected to grow.

In this crowded field, it's important to do everything possible to differentiate from the competition. It's no secret that the job application process can be overwhelming and competitive, especially for entry-level positions. According to a study by Glassdoor, the average job opening attracts 250 resumes, and only 4-6 of those candidates will be called for an interview.

LinkedIn can help by offering an organized platform to showcase unique skills and experience through a living CV and recruiter-approved skills test.

Young architects or designers should not neglect the importance of LinkedIn in their career development. Take the time to create a comprehensive profile, connect with others in the field, and stay active on the platform. It may just be the key to landing your dream job.

NCARB (2018). Number of U.S. Architects on the Rise. [online] NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Available at: https://www.ncarb.org/press/number-of-us-architects-the-rise.

staff, S.O. and staff, S.O. (2014). Poll Reveals HR Takes Less Than 5 Minutes to Review a Resume. [online] SHRM. Available at: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/shrm-resume-poll.aspx.

Turczynski, B. (2016). 2019 HR Statistics: Job Search, Hiring, Recruiting & Interviews. [online] zety. Available at: https://zety.com/blog/hr-statistics.

Whitney, L. (2012). Heads up, LinkedIn users: 93% of recruiters are looking at you. [online] CNET. Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/heads-up-linkedin-users-93-of-recruiters-are-looking-at-you/ [Accessed 2 Jan. 2023].

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