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LinkedIn 2

by | Nov 28, 2022

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. A complete LinkedIn profile can help you connect with opportunities by showcasing your unique professional story through experience, skills, and education.

LinkedIn vs. Resume

Getting Started

To create your LinkedIn profile:

  1. Navigate to the LinkedIn sign up page.
  2. Type your first and last name, email address, and a password you’ll use.
  3. Click Join now.

Adjusting Your Profile

Turning off the option to share profile edits eliminates notifications about changes to your network. 

To adjust notifications sent to your network about profile changes:

  1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
  2. Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown.
  3. Click the Visibility tab on the left.
  4. Under Visibility of your LinkedIn activity, click Change next to Share job changes, education changes, and work anniversaries from profile.
  5. Switch the toggle to Yes to share your profile edits or No to stop sharing your profile edits.
  6. Your changes will be saved automatically.

Your Professional Profile Must Have

  1. Custom URL
  2. Professional Profile Photo
  3. Headline 
  4. Summary
  5. Work Experience
  6. Education

1. Custom URL

  1. Click on your Profile
  2. Click on “Edit your public profile” on the right column
  3. A new window will appear – “Your public profile URL” can be edited
  4. Ensure it’s professional (“john.smith” vs. “JohnnyIsDaBomb”)
  5. Remove the 6 numbers behind your name

2. Professional Profile Photo

Your profile picture is a key element of your LinkedIn presence. Our research shows that just having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others.

3. Great Professional Headline

Who you are, what you want to do (120 characters or less)

Here are the 4 things that should be included in your headline:

  1. Say WHAT you are
  2. Say WHO you help
  3. Say HOW you make their life/work better
  4. Give PROOF that you are credible

4. Great Professional Summary/About

The summary or “about” section is often under-utilized, and many LinkedIn users leave it blank or type a short tagline that is better suited for the headline. Use your summary to strengthen your profile by adding some personality and telling your career story to inspire action from the readers. Whereas the headline is limited to 120 characters, the summary has 2000 characters which is about 300 words.

Tip: Start with a strong catching statement. Use accomplishment statements and make sure you have a “call to action” at the end.