Getting Started on LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

• Purpose: To create a standout LinkedIn profile.
• Platform Overview: LinkedIn is a professional social media platform for job hunting, networking, and personal branding.
• Statistics: 600 million users, 2 new users every second.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: The Basics

• Headshot:

  • Should be with a smile, direct eye contact, and dressed appropriately.
  • Avoid full body shots, hats, sunglasses, and selfies.
  • Professional headshots get 14 times more views.

• Headline:

  • Acts as a tagline with keywords and phrases others might search for.
  • Default is job title; advisable to customize it with industry-specific keywords.
  • 120 characters limit; include specialties.

Step 2: About Section

• Structure:

  • Organized, intriguing, showcases skills and personality.
  • Two main areas: Summary and Media.

• Summary:

  • Address who you are, who you help, and how.
  • Begin with passion, followed by strengths and achievements.
  • Use short paragraphs and bullet points for readability.

• Media:

  • Include links to documents, photos, videos, etc.

Step 3: Experience Section

• Purpose: Tells your career story; more informal than a resume.
• Content:
  • Use first person; two to three sentences per paragraph.
  • Include at least one quantifiable accomplishment.
  • Add keywords and phrases from job postings.

Step 4: Education Section

• Content:
  • List degree, institution, awards, and honors.
  • Include relevant coursework, clubs, or certifications.

Step 5: Skills and Endorsements

• Display: Top three skills shown on homepage.
• Limit: Up to 50 skills, but focus on core competencies.
• Strategy:
  • Use specific terms (e.g., "corporate training" instead of "training").
  • Rearrange top skills as needed over time.

Step 6: Recommendations

• Purpose: Recognizes and commends your work.
• Strategy:
  • Ask for recommendations from individuals in leadership positions.

Bonus Tip: Security Settings

• Access: Via "Me" icon > Settings and Privacy.

• Key Areas:

  • Privacy Tab: Controls visibility of your profile.
  • Custom URL: Edit to reflect your name.
  • Visibility Controls: Customize what sections of your profile are public.

• Job Seeking Preferences:

  • Application Settings: Save job application details.
  • Open to Opportunities: Let recruiters know you're available.

Conclusion

• Further Learning: Check additional resources on optimizing LinkedIn profiles.
• Engagement: Subscribe for more videos and tips.