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Tips for Building your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is an incredibly valuable tool you can use to build your professional presence and connects you with a variety of career opportunities. It allows you to showcase your skills, experiences, and goals beyond a resume.a strong profile can help you get noticed—even for jobs you haven’t applied to yet. It also gives you the chance to network with peers, mentors, and professionals in your field, while staying updated on industry trends, internships, and job openings. Below are some useful tips for designing your profile page and how to connect with professionals via LinkedIn.

Building Your Profile PageÌý

• Choose the Right Profile Photo

  Your profile photo is how you introduce yourself to employers on Linked. Make sure your photo is recent and reflects your career interests (wearing business casual clothing is usually a safe bet). The LinkedIn Blog recommends that your face makes up about 60% of the photo, to avoid using distraction backgrounds, and using a soft or natural light. LinkedIn does offer filters to change the look of your photo but use filters wisely.

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• Use a Background Photo

  Using a background photo is a great way to show off your hobbies or something you care about other than work. They are attention grabbing and can help set the tone for your profile. It tells potential employers a little bit more about you and helps your profile be more memorable.Ìý

• Write a Compelling Headline

  The description at the top of your profile page can be a job title but does not need to be. This is also a space to showcase your goals or skills, or to say a bit more about why you do what you do. Go beyond "Student at É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥."

• Customize Your Summary ("About" Section)

  Do not leave this section blank! Your summary is a chance for you to tell your personal story. Employers will be able to see your job titles and skills in the "Experience" section, so this as way to highlight your accomplishments, passions, and to talk about your journey into the career you chose. Avoid using overused buzzworks like "experienced", "expert", "focused", "strategic", etc. Most importantly, be your authentic self. Use the summary section to help build your personal brand. to the LinkedIn Blog containing examples of some great profile summaries.Ìý

• Add Experience, Even Non-Traditional

  Part time jobs, internships, volunteer roles, and tutoring all count! Focus on highlighting your transferrable skills, like communication, time management, or teamwork. Make sure to your skills list is relevant. A long list of skills that don't align to who you are and what you do can start to feel unwieldy.

• List Your Skills & Get Endorsements

  Include technical and soft skills, such as coding languages, software, and other skills like public speaking. You can ask peers, teammates, or coworkers to endorse you—and return the favor. Also, manage your endorsements proactively. You can chose which endorsements to show, and which to hide. A way to take it a step further is to ask for reccomendations.Ìý

• Include Your Educational Details

  This is the place to list your relevant coursework, honors, GPA, and extracurriculars. Make sure to fill out the details for each of your entries. Focus on your recent work, and know that you don't need to list every past job you have ever had. This section should not be longer than your resume, but should give a good, reflective snapshot. Make sure to update this section to show your progress or advancement within a company.Ìý

• Grow Your Network Authentically

  Using LinkedIn is a great way to connect with classmates, professors, mentors, and internship coordinators. You don't need to add every professional that comes into your feed. This will ensure that the content in your feed is relevant to you and your career goals. Make use of the "People You May Know" suggestions and add a short personal note when sending connection requests.Ìý

• Post Updates and Engage

  Let your network know when you hit milestones, publish a project, or attend events. Posting on LinkedIn is like building a public virtual portfolio that will reach beyond your network. Sharing content you find genuinely interesting is a great way to convey your passions and point of view.Ìý

• Additional Tips

  Turn on "Open to Work" if you are job or internship hunting. You can also join LinkedIn Groups Relevant to your school or industry. Use the Alumni Tool to help find graduates from your school who are in your desired field.Ìý

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How to Network on LinkedIn

DO's

• Start With People You Know

  Connect with classmates, professors, teammates, coworkers, etc. These connections are the easiest to make and can help you build a solid foundation. Also, having mutual contacts makes it more likely that others will accept your requests.Ìý

• Personalize Your Connection Requests

  When building new connections, avoid using the default connection request message. Personalize it by mentioning why you are interested in connecting. It could be that they are in a career you desire to be in and would like to learn more, or that you just met at a conference and are interested in their work. A short and friendly message shows you are genuinely interested in building a relationship rather than just expanding your network, and it makes you more memorable.Ìý

• Join and Participate in Groups

  LinkedIn is a great platform for meeting other likeminded individuals and professionals in your desired field. Try joining relevant or interesting groups and engaging with their content. Whether it's asking questions or providing insights, this is a great way to make connections outside of your immediate circle.

• Ask For Informational Interviews

  Don't be afraid to ask professionals for a brief conversation where you can learn about their career path. This is a great way to build a professional relationship while learning more about a field you might be interested in. Make sure to be concise and respectful of their time. For more guidance, for tips on how to ask for an informational interview.

• Send Follow Ups

  After a career fair, event, or meeting, send a quick message to stay in touch. This can help nurture your connections. Networking is an ongoing process, and keeping up with building those relationships can lead to valuable opportunities in the future.Ìý

DONT'S

• Don't Use LinkedIn Like Other Social Media Platforms

  LinkedIn is a professional space and should be used as such. Avoid posting content that is too personal, and keep your content focused on industry, career development, and professional growth.Ìý

• Don't Ignore Profile Updates

  Make sure to keep your profile updated by keeping certifications, experience, and skills current. This ensures your connections have an accurate understanding of your professional trajectory.Ìý

• Don't Send Spammy Messages

  Generic messages come across as lazy. Personalizing shows respect and genuine interest in the person you’re contacting. Networking is a two-way street. Always approach it as a relationship, not a transaction.Ìý

• Don't Forget to Say Thank You

  Never forget to say thank you because it shows respect, appreciation, and professionalism, which are qualities people value in someone they’re helping or potentially hiring. When someone takes the time to connect with you, give advice, answer questions, or make an introduction, acknowledging their effort builds trust and leaves a positive impression.

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