News & Insights

Career platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake help students discover opportunities.

To get the most from these tools and stand out in a competitive job market, avoid these common mistakes and put our recruiters’ tips into practice.

Ready to apply for a role? Visit our Early Careers page to explore opportunities.

Using only one career platform

LinkedIn and Handshake offer different advantages, so use both:

• LinkedIn helps you build a professional network, follow companies, connect with industry professionals, and demonstrate your interests and experience.
• Handshake helps you discover internships, entry-level positions, career fairs, and employer events specifically designed for college students and recent graduates.

Coming across as inauthentic

Technical skills are important, but recruiters also want to understand who you are and what motivates you.

Use your profiles to highlight relevant projects, student organizations, leadership experiences, volunteer work, and career interests. Share what excites you and the type of work you’d like to pursue.

They should represent you, not a generic resume template.

Forgetting to update your profiles

Even a strong candidate can be overlooked when their profiles are incomplete or outdated. Improve your chances of being discovered by including:

• A current, professional photo.
• A clear headline communicates what you are seeking, such as “Mechanical engineering student seeking internship opportunities” or “Electrical engineering senior interested in building systems design.”
• Adding an “About” section that explains your career interests and goals.
• Relevant coursework, projects, certifications, internships, and skills.
• Current graduation date, location, and contact information.

Keep your profiles consistent and update them regularly as you gain new experience.

Being invisible

Do more than create profiles—use them. To get noticed, stay active.

Follow employers you’re interested in, engage with their content, attend recruiting events, and connect with professionals whose careers interest you. When reaching out, personalize your messages and ask thoughtful questions about career paths, skills, opportunities, and workplace experiences.

Remember: A short, genuine message is more effective than sending the same generic request to multiple people.

Overlooking skills, projects, and recommendations

Recruiters want to see what you can do, even if you’re early in your career. Highlight:

• Technical programs and software.
• Relevant coursework and certifications.
• Capstone projects, labs, research, and competitions.
• Leadership and campus involvement.
• Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences.

Whenever possible, share measurable results and accomplishments. On LinkedIn, add relevant skills and consider requesting recommendations or endorsements from faculty members, coaches, supervisors, mentors, or student-organization leaders who know your work.

Waiting too long to apply

If you find an opportunity that interests you, apply promptly (but only once). High-demand roles fill quickly.

Before submitting your application:

• Review the qualifications carefully.
• Tailor your resume to the position.
• Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and technical skills.
• Check your application for accuracy.
• Make sure your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles support the information on your resume.

Your profiles don’t need to be perfect before you begin. Keep building them as you go further in your career.

Ready to apply for a position?

At Salas O’Brien, early-career talent plays an important role in our future. In 2026, we welcomed 200+ interns and earned a 90% favorability rating for our internship experience.

Visit our Early Careers page to explore internships and early-career opportunities and apply for a role.
Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Handshake!