LinkedIn is a great way to promote yourself on social media to a professional audience.
As your online business card, it’s something recruiters and potential employers may look at when seeing your CV. It’s where you can share your education, your background, and highlight anything a potential employer might find worthwhile.
From volunteer work and awards to publications and interests, you’d be surprised what can catch an employer’s attention, and for good reasons.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some things to remember when setting up your LinkedIn account.
Presentation
Employers may check to learn more about you than your CV can tell them, so your profile photo is the first thing they will see. Make sure the photo is a clear shot of you. If you don’t have access to a professional image that’s okay, just ask one of your friends to take a headshot of you.
Your personal statement in a sentence
What are you looking for in your next job? Add a one to two sentence statement about who you are and what you’re seeking professionally.
Example: I’m a hard-working, results-driven, biomedical sciences graduate looking for a placement in a laboratory.
This is like a short sound byte to introduce yourself to employers. They won’t have time to read everything on your CV or on your profile, so this will help them see and remember you.
Give yourself the credit you’re due
If you’ve won awards, prizes, or recognition for past endeavours, here is the place to share it. Tell us about any awards or accolades you’ve received. It all helps build a picture of who you are.
Share your experience, even if it wasn’t paid
If you’ve done volunteer work, be sure to add it to your profile. The littlest bit of experience shows a well-rounded person, which can make you stand out from other candidates.
Don’t be afraid to ask for endorsements
If you’re doing volunteer work or a work placement, go ahead and ask a colleague you know and trust to share an endorsement on your profile. These last for years and are online recommendations that will show your worth to employers.
Above all, don’t be afraid to add things about yourself. A LinkedIn profile with lots of information is much better than an empty one.
Tell us about your education, your schooling, your interests and what you’re doing now. Even if you’re not currently employed, tell us how you’re spending your time. It can all help earn you your next role.