CREATING A LINKEDIN PROFILE

LET’S THINK ABOUT THE WHAT, WHO, WHY AND HOW

OF LINKEDIN PROFILE

1. What is a LinkedIn Profile?

2. Who uses LinkedIn Profile?
3. Why is there a need to create a LinkedIn Profile and account?
4. How to use LinkedIn Profile as a job search tool?
LET’S FIND OUT FROM THE EXPERTS ABOUT LINKEDIN
PROFILE

Jobscan, 2018. LinkedIn Profile Writing Guide (Online). Available at:

https://www.jobscan.co/linkedin-profile-writing-guide#whatislinkedprofile [accessed
on 28 October 2018]

Ways to liven up your LinkedIn profile. (Online). Available at:

https://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-2015/liven-linkedin-profile-for-job-
search.html?intcmp=AE-WOR-JBSR-RELBOX1 [accessed on 28 October 2018]
 SOME KEY POINTS ABOUT LINKEDIN PROFILE
What is a LinkedIn Profile?
• An online social platform that connects people (employers, employees and clients).
• It is like Facebook for professionals.
Who uses LinkedIn Profile?
• Individuals, for professional networking, connecting, and job searching.
• Companies, for recruiting and sharing company information.
Why is there a need to create a LinkedIn Profile and account?
• It is an online version of the resume; can send URL of LinkedIn Profile to recruiters.
• LinkedIn offers job search and application opportunities for job seekers.
• Recruiters who find you suitable based on your LinkedIn Profile may offer you a job!
• It is viewed worldwide, if set to ‘public’, so it allows you to be connected globally!
• It shows you are someone who keeps up with technology, is forward looking and open to
opportunities.
HOW TO USE LINKEDIN PROFILE AS A JOB SEARCH TOOL?
1. Create a Profile
• include employment (current/past), education and industry + relevant information from
your resume.
• If unemployed, list current position as “Open to opportunities’.

2. Add a Photo
• Choose a professional and pleasant looking photo (avoid selfie shot).
3. Add a Headline
• This appears right at the top of the page when someone views your profile.
• Use attention grabbing descriptive keywords to market yourself in about 120 characters.

4. Add a Professional Summary

• This is your ‘60 sec elevator pitch/commercial’ to highlight your 3-4 key skills,
accomplishments and industry.
HOW TO USE LINKEDIN PROFILE AS A JOB SEARCH TOOL?
5. Include Keywords and Skills
• Use industry-specific keywords and skills from your resume to make it easier for your
profile to show up in the search results.

6. Customise Your Contact Settings

• This will allow your connections and recruiters to know whether you are available for
career opportunities, consulting offers, job inquiries, new ventures and reference
requests.

7. Go Public
• Make your profile public so you can be viewed globally.
• Customise your URL to make your link easy to share.

8. Update Your Profile

• Keep your profile (esp positions/companies, etc) current and up-to-date.