What is Linkedin?

Linkedin is a social media network for professionals. It has over 500 million members in over 200 countries. You use it to network or get connected with other professionals in your industry & in different industries. It is also becoming a resource to find new jobs and reach out to hiring managers or recruiters through the application process.

Why use Linkedin?

93% of recruiters use LinkedIn to research and recruit candidates. LinkedIn allows you to have an online personal brand which makes you visible to key decision makers and recruiters.

How do I create a Linkedin?

Step 1: Add a professional profile photo

• Members with a profile photo on LinkedIn can get up to 21 times more profile views that members without a photo

• Choose a professional looking photo with good lighting where you are looking straight at the camera

Step 2: Make your headline stand out

• Your headline allows you to showcase who you are in a couple of words

• Here are some fantastic examples (source)

Step 3: Write a summary

• The About section of your profile should express your mission, motivation, and skills to people who view your profile

• This is a great way to let your creativity come through!

At the bottom is a great example (Find more examples linked here).

Step 4: Add relevant skills

• A list of relevant skills on your profile helps you showcase your abilities to other members, like your colleagues and recruiters. It helps other understand your strengths.

• Examples of Skills You Can Add: Customer Service, Python, C++, Project Management, etc.

Step 5: Add your work history in the experience section! Include specific information about what you accomplished at that job.

Step 6: Add your education (any schools you have gone to in the past).

Step 7: Connect with friends on the platform by searching their names and clicking connect. Follow companies you are interested in working for so you can stay up to date with any new projects they have.

Step 8: Make sure to enable the “looking for work” option on your profile so recruiters can contact you! Here is a link explaining how to do it.

Key Tip: Customize your public profile url that way it shows up with your name. Find out how to do that here.

Get inspired with these great linkedin profiles!

• Shonali Burke

• Austin Belcak

Check out this guide to powerful Linkedin profiles if you want to take it a step further!

Here is a video playlist the Key team curated that discusses everything you need to know about Linkedin!

Source:

• 7 Benefits of Using Linkedin by Career Coach Sarah Rycraft

• How Do I Create a Good Linkedin Profile