LinkedIn – the professional networking app, designed to connect people, create new opportunities, and build careers, is used by over a billion users worldwide, whether it be CEOs showing off their accomplishments or high schoolers seeking job opportunities. In our increasingly global economy, LinkedIn has immense potential to become the ultimate hub for professional growth, but how do we build a stronger, more compelling account?
After doing some research and asking for insights from current college students with internship experience, I have made a step-by-step guide to enhance your LinkedIn account.
First Impressions
Just like it is important to dress professionally for a job interview or style your hair, your LinkedIn profile should exude confidence and clarity. The photo should be of just you and give off a professional, genuine attitude.
The About Section
The second thing that a potential recruiter would see is the "About" section. You have to utilize this to your fullest, as it serves as your elevator pitch. This section should tell a compelling story about yourself succinctly—describing who you are both professionally and personally—and give a straightforward snapshot of your strengths. After speaking with some current college students, I received some more practical examples. For example, a former Sentinel graduate advises putting the "important stuff" (e.g., "IR student looking for Congressional Summer Internships") so recruiters can easily pick you out from the crowd. Another example of a summary that showcases personality is "I enjoy playing sports, serving the community, and developing leadership skills."
Showcasing Your Experience
Your LinkedIn profile is often checked after a recruiter or hiring manager reviews your resume. This is the perfect opportunity to complement your resume by expanding on your work history, internships, and key achievements. Providing background information about the company and the industry or the company's mission and how your role contributes to it adds depth and context to your experience.
You can also add key tasks and responsibilities you didn't mention in your resume to provide a fuller picture of your role.
A useful tip is to quantify your impact, as numbers add clarity and credibility. For example, adding a specific accomplishment like: volunteering at local community centers and organizing events for over 100 hours.
This number underscores the impact of your work.
These experiences should connect to your career goals and mention how the role shaped your professional interests.
Maximizing Exposure
Another tip is to add your LinkedIn profile URL in strategic places such as your email signature or Instagram bio to drive traffic to your profile. This increases accessibility to your professional presence and reinforces your personal brand.
There you go! A step by step guide on how you can create a successful LinkedIn profile. A final valuable piece of advice I received is to take inspiration from others—explore well-crafted LinkedIn profiles to see how they structure their content and present their experiences. Good luck, Sentinel!
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