Set Your LinkedIn Profile Up for Success

KATIE OLSON

The most common way to find work today is through networking. Some experts say that around 70% of all jobs are landed this way, others say that the percentage is closer to 80% or even 85%. No matter the exact number, one thing is for sure: networking is vital to your job search. This is why it’s important to use networking sites like LinkedIn for the best chances of landing your dream job. In this article, I will be outlining six things you can do to make sure your LinkedIn profile is set up for success.

1. Profile and Banner Picture

Although the saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover” that’s precisely what happens with your profile picture. This will be the very first thing that potential employers or connections view on your profile, and they will judge you based on the choices you make for these images. When making this decision, it’s important to choose the right picture that shows your professional side, but also lets them see a bit of personality. When I say personality I don’t mean last year’s Halloween costume, just something not boring. Most of the time the smaller profile picture will be one of yourself but the larger banner offers a chance to express yourself or your interests.

For example, if you live in Minneapolis and are looking for jobs in the area, use the city skyline as your banner.

2. Write a Biography of Yourself

Although the saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover” that’s precisely what happens with your profile picture. This will be the very first thing that potential employers or connections view on your profile, and they will judge you based on the choices you make for these images. When making this decision, it’s important to choose the right picture that shows your professional side, but also lets them see a bit of personality. When I say personality I don’t mean last year’s Halloween costume, just something not boring. Most of the time the smaller profile picture will be one of yourself but the larger banner offers a chance to express yourself or your interests. For example, if you live in Minneapolis and are looking for jobs in the area, use the city skyline as your banner.

3. Describe your Work Experience

Just like on your resume, LinkedIn has a section for Work Experience. Some argue that it’s the most important section because it demonstrates what professional skills you learned and can offer to employers. Most people in this section will upload just the title and company for that experience. This is your chance to set yourself apart by putting a simple bullet-point description of the responsibilities or skills you gained from that experience.

4. Follow Organizations and Groups

5. Engage in Posts

Like every other social media platform, LinkedIn is a place where you can keep up to date with other people or organizations by following them. Doing this shows potential employers or connections what kinds of things interest you as well as the groups that identify you. In any workplace there is a culture, by following the organizations or groups you love, you are building a personality for yourself that could fit in with that culture— giving your profile a personality.

When potential connections visit your LinkedIn page, they have the option of viewing your activity, and that’s why you need to have activity to view. All of the likes, comments, and updates will show up in your profile so make sure you have interacted with several posts to let others know that you are up to date and actively pursuing connections. If you have updates on your current work experiences be sure to post them to allow others to engage with you, demonstrating your value as a connection.

6. Connect with Everyone

Last and probably most important, make connections with everyone you meet. It may seem awkward at first but others on LinkedIn are looking for connections just like you! Don’t be afraid to take that first step and reach out to a classmate or work partner, these connections are the foundation of your LinkedIn profile and will build your popularity. Having more popularity allows you to connect with more prominent and otherwise inaccessible professionals on the website. Some of these professionals

will not just accept requests from everyone, attend networking events and have conversations to solidify a relationship before sending an invitation. Although we currently live in an online world, there are plenty of networking opportunities on the internet. The University organizes many throughout the year, so take advantage of these events to meet more professionals and build a strong network.