As was mentioned earlier, creating a LinkedIn Account is different from other social media accounts. Where it’s acceptable, and normal, on Facebook or Instagram to have a photo of you out surfing, or at a party, that tends to be looked down on in LinkedIn. Instead, you want to focus on making yourself look as good and professional as possible.
Remember though – don’t lie, just put your best foot forward. Here are a few things that can help.
Have a Good Profile Photo
I remember when LinkedIn started using Profile Photos. A lot of people didn’t want that. They were afraid of it becoming like Facebook. Also, a lot of people were afraid of being judged for everything from their gender, weight, race, or other description.
While I’ve not heard of that happening in any well known cases it can happen, and so you must choose carefully what you want your photo to show.
Generally a professional styled portrait is a good idea. Don’t rush with a quick selfie. Ask a friend or family member to take it, and look up posing techniques to put your best foot forward.
Humans are naturally drawn to look at other humans. So having a good profile photo will help you. For quick tips: (if you don’t have time to read a post on photography posing)
- Use good lighting, but not so bright that you squint.
- Smile!
- Be careful of shadows.
- Wear a solid color, or basic pattern – nothing shiny or busy.
- Smile!
- Keep the shot to a head shot – mostly shoulders and above is possible.
- Have a simple background, so it doesn’t distract from you.
- And finally, SMILE! (in case you missed the hint before). You are much more approachable with a smile. It shows confidence and friendliness.
Write a Good Headline
The headline is the second biggest thing people will notice. It’s actually bigger on the screen.
Here is where you can define yourself as a “Seasoned Professional in __________”, or “Studying ______”, or “Looking for Opportunities in_______” if you want to let people know you are looking for work.
Make this about you, and let it define who you are in under two lines of text.
Sometimes they are boring like mine, “University Instructor of Information Technology and Computer Science” but it works, and gets people to contact me still.
About Section
This is where you can write a small synopsis of yourself. If you are studying in a specific field, let people know your interest. If you want people to know about your professional experience, then let it roar here.
Experience
Like a resume, put relevant work experience here. Give descriptions, and mentioned how you helped customers/companies. If you can point to an increase of sales, or savings in process, use that.
Use those boring numbers! Trust me, increase of sales vs increased sales by 15% – which would interest you?
Education
If your education is your main thing, push it higher up, and make sure to list in, and include your expect graduation date.
List all of your post-secondary sources if possible. (Generally K-12 are not as important.)
Volunteer
Do you volunteer someplace that is relevant to what you are wanting to do professionally? If so, here is a good place to show it off. If you can mention where you worked, LinkedIn will help identify those people as well.
Skills and Endorsements
With LinkedIn integrating with Linda and now rebranding as LinkedIn Learning this is a good way to learn and showcase what you know. However, I still like the next one better:
Recommendations
People who you’ve linked with can leave recommendations. So finding lab partners, professors in your major, coworkers, and even bosses who will leave you a note, says a lot about you, and is highly considered by some.
So ask for them, and display them!
Posts Periodically
I know you may not have a lot to say, especially as a student. But if you fill out a profile and then never touch it again, you aren’t going to do as well as someone who is active, posts etc.
Do little things like congratulate colleagues on work anniversaries, tell people about completing a school/work project, etc.
Share in other people’s successes. That includes sharing their posts periodically. Especially if you see someone looking for work, or needing employees. You may not know about people who it could help, but it’s always good to, because you could help someone out.
Things to Avoid
However, there are things to avoid. For example – don’t post photos of you and your friends out partying. (Unless it’s a work party – and even there, be careful.)
Avoid non-work/non-professional type of posts. Generally speaking religious (unless you’re part of the clergy), political, and funny posts are not viewed favorably. So use desecration when deciding what to post.
Tips for Creating a Good LinkedIn Profile was originally found on Access 2 Learn
