The LinkedIn Conversation We Need to Have Right Now

Okay sis, let’s talk about something that probably makes you cringe a little: linkedin. I know, I know. You see the “humbled to announce” posts, the people posting about their “grind” at 6 AM, and the endless motivational quotes with stock photos. It feels fake. It feels like a stage where everyone is performing. But here is the thing — if you ignore linkedin, you are quite literally leaving money, opportunities, and connections on the table that other people your age are scooping up right now.

And I am not talking about some distant “maybe one day” kind of opportunity. I am talking about right now. While you are scrolling TikTok in bed, there is a recruiter looking for someone exactly like you — but they can’t find you because you don’t have a profile, or worse, you have one that looks like a middle school project. Let’s fix that. No fluff. Just real talk about how to make linkedin work FOR you, not the other way around.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Feels Like a Waste of Time

Here is what nobody tells you: the problem is not linkedin. The problem is that you are treating it like a digital resume when it is actually a networking engine disguised as a professional platform. Think about it — you wouldn’t walk into a career fair, hand someone your resume, and then stand there in silence for three years. But that is exactly what most people do on linkedin. They make a profile, upload a photo, write a bio, and then… nothing. They wait. They hope. And then they wonder why nothing happens.

The reality? 87% of recruiters use linkedin to find candidates — yeah that is wild right? Let that sink in. Almost nine out of ten hiring professionals are actively looking for people like you on this platform. But here is the catch: they are not looking for people with perfect resumes. They are looking for people who show up, engage, and demonstrate that they actually care about their field. That is where you come in.

I remember being in college and feeling like everyone else already had it figured out. My roommate’s cousin got an internship at a major tech company and I was still trying to figure out how to write a cover letter without sounding like a robot. The difference? She had been using linkedin since sophomore year. She wasn’t smarter than me. She wasn’t more qualified. She just knew how to play the game. And now I am telling you the rules so you can too.

The Profile Makeover: What Actually Matters

Let’s start with the basics because I have seen some profiles that make me want to log off forever. Your headshot should look like you — not like you are trying to be a CEO at 22. A smiling photo where you look approachable and professional is all you need. No, you don’t need a professional photographer. Have a friend take a picture against a plain wall in good lighting. Done.

Your headline is the single most underutilized space on your entire profile. Do not just put “Student at X University” or “Marketing Intern.” That tells me nothing. Instead, tell me what you DO and who you want to help. Something like: “Aspiring Data Analyst | Turning Numbers into Stories | Looking for Summer 2025 Internships.” See the difference? Now a recruiter knows exactly what you want and can help you get there.

What Actually Works on LinkedIn

Here is the part that nobody talks about because it is not glamorous. The people who actually get jobs, internships, and opportunities through linkedin are not the ones posting viral content. They are the ones who are consistent and strategic. They send 5 connection requests a day. They comment on posts from people in their target industry. They share articles with their own thoughts attached. They do not wait to be “discovered” — they make themselves discoverable.

And listen, I know it feels awkward at first. Sending a connection request to someone you have never met feels weird. But here is the truth: people WANT to help. Especially people who are a few years ahead of you. They remember what it was like to be where you are. They remember feeling lost and unsure. Most of them will respond if you send a genuine message that is not asking for anything except advice.

Let that sink in. The “apply and pray” method is a losing game. You are competing with hundreds of other applicants for the same position. But when you have a connection inside the company? Someone who can refer you or put in a good word? Your chances go up exponentially. And linkedin is the easiest way to build those connections without having to attend stuffy networking events or cold email strangers.

I have a friend who got her first job out of college because she commented on a post from a VP at a company she wanted to work for. Not a long comment. Just something thoughtful that added value. The VP noticed, checked out her profile, and reached out. No application. No cover letter. Just a conversation that turned into an offer. That is the power of showing up consistently on linkedin.

The Truth Nobody Tells You About LinkedIn

Here is the real tea: linkedin can be toxic if you let it. The comparison trap is real. You will see people your age landing dream jobs, traveling the world, and posting about their “hustle” while you are still figuring out what you want to eat for dinner. And it is easy to feel like you are behind. But here is what I need you to understand — most of those posts are curated highlights. You are seeing the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes.

The people who are actually winning on linkedin are not the ones posting every day. They are the ones who show up with intention. They share what they are learning. They ask questions. They are authentic about the struggles too. Because here is the thing — recruiters and hiring managers are humans. They want to work with people they like. And people like real people, not polished robots.

I want you to think about something for a second. Where do you want to be in two years? In five years? Now think about the people who are already there. They are on linkedin. They are posting, sharing, and engaging. And they are looking for people to mentor, to hire, to bring along with them. But they cannot find you if you are not there. They cannot help you if you do not show up.

And I know what you might be thinking — “But I don’t have anything impressive to post about.” Girl, stop. You are in college or just starting your career. Nobody expects you to have a TED Talk ready. Post about what you are learning in class. Share an article that made you think differently. Ask a question about something you are curious about. That is how you start building authority. That is how you show people that you are someone worth paying attention to.

This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real.

Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey.

Start Here: Your 7-Day LinkedIn Challenge

I am not going to overwhelm you with a 50-step plan. Here is exactly what I want you to do starting today. This is your 7-day linkedin challenge. No excuses. No “I will do it later.” Start now.

You might also love this article — one of our most shared.

Here is the thing about linkedin that nobody tells you: it is not about being perfect. It is about being present. The people who get the opportunities are not the most qualified on paper. They are the ones who showed up, who asked, who connected, who followed up. They are the ones who understood that your career is not a solo journey — it is a community effort. And linkedin is the tool that lets you build that community.

I remember sitting in my dorm room sophomore year, staring at my linkedin profile, feeling like I had nothing to offer. I was just a kid with a part-time job and a vague idea of what I wanted to do. But I started small. I connected with one person. Then another. I commented on posts. I shared what I was learning. And slowly, things started to shift. People started reaching out. Opportunities came my way. Not because I was special, but because I was consistent.

And that is what I want for you. Not to become some linkedin influencer posting motivational quotes every morning. But to build a network that supports you, challenges you, and opens doors you did not even know existed. Because you deserve that. You deserve to have people in your corner who believe in you and want to see you win.

So here is your challenge: pick one thing from this post and do it today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. Update your headline. Send one connection request. Comment on one post. Just start. Because the only way to build a career you love is to take the first step. And that first step starts with showing up on linkedin.

And remember, sis — you are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be. The fact that you are reading this, that you are looking for ways to grow, that you are willing to put yourself out there — that already puts you ahead of most people. So take a deep breath, open linkedin, and start building the future you deserve. I am rooting for you. Always.