How To Create A LinkedIn Profile
What Is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network—a massive online space where companies find talent, colleagues share opportunities, and careers are built every single day. It’s the go-to site for anyone serious about their professional growth. Your LinkedIn profile is your personal online landing page and acts as a professional first impression.
This chapter will explain how to build an effective profile, whether you are creating a profile for the first time or editing an existing profile. We’ll explain, step-by-step, how to craft a sharp headline that gets you noticed, write a compelling “About” section that showcases your ambition, and select an appropriate, professional photo.
If you follow the recommended best practices, you’ll have a dynamic tool that clearly communicates your value and actively helps you achieve your career goals.
Watch: Introduction to LinkedIn
Why Create A LinkedIn Profile?
In today’s job market, your online presence is just as crucial as your resume. For current students and recent grads, a well-crafted LinkedIn profile is part of your essential toolkit for building a successful career.
Think of LinkedIn as your professional landing page, available 24/7 for recruiters, mentors and industry professionals to discover you. If you’re not on LinkedIn, you may risk being invisible to a wide array of opportunities.
It’s not just a job search tool, though – it’s a research platform, a networking tool, a place to share your professional thoughts and experiences and an online space to get relevant, essential industry information.
Here Are 7 Reasons Why Current Students And Recent Grads Should Use LinkedIn:
How To Create Your LinkedIn Profile: Quick Start Guide
Watch: In-Depth LinkedIn Profile Creation Guide
The “Getting Started on LinkedIn” online module provided by LinkedIn includes a holistic guide to setting-up your profile and using the platform. We recommend watching “Part 1 : Create a New Profile” and “Part 2: Strengthen Your Profile”.
Sample LinkedIn Profile and Writing Tips!
Click the green dot on each image to get tips on how to create each section of your LinkedIn profile.
Further resources:
Quick Chapter Recap
- Recruiters and hiring managers will look for you online – it’s to your advantage to have a professional and up-to-date LinkedIn profile
- Your LinkedIn profile showcases your past experience and your future career goals and aspirations
- LinkedIn is an essential tool for career research, building professional relationships and community and looking for job
Need more support with building your professional identity?
Meet with a Science Career Advisor
Book a 30-minute appointment with the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) in advance through OSCARplus.
Design your future with SCIENCE 2DL3
Enrol in SCIENCE 2DL3: Design Your Science Career— an interactive career development course designed to help undergraduate students take charge of their future with creativity and confidence.
Explore these additional chapters:
- What Is Your Professional Identity?
- How To Pitch Your Skills And Experience
- The Importance Of Self-Assessment In Career Planning
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