Overview

LinkedIn is a free social networking site for career development and professional use. LinkedIn can help you get noticed by employers, make and keep professional connections, and ultimately lead to job opportunities. 

LinkedIn serves as an extension of your resume and helps you form a professional online presence. You can include a variety of sections on your profile, including: 

• Experiences 
• Education 
• Licenses & Certifications 
• Volunteering & Organizations 
• Skills 
• Languages 
• Projects 

Profile Picture

A professional headshot can make all the difference. Aim for a clear, well-lit photo of just you, from the shoulders up and with a friendly smile. 

Stop by the University Career Center's Iris Headshot PhotoBooth to get yours for free. The photo booth is a standalone unit with a professional camera. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

You are welcome to drop in anytime between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, to take your pictures. Sessions typically take less than 5 minutes. If you would like to reserve a specific time, you can schedule an appointment in the Appointments tab in Hire Red Raiders. 

Each session allows you to take three separate pictures with one retake. You're welcome to complete as many sessions as you'd like. During peak season, we may ask you to allow others to use the photo booth before completing another session. 

To receive your photos, you will need to set up an account with a valid email address. Your pictures will be emailed to you immediately following your session. You will also be able to edit and retouch the photos directly in the booth or later on the Iris website. 

Cover Photo

In addition to a profile photo, your cover photo appears at the top of your profile. This photo allows viewers to learn more about you, whether it helps to tell your story, sell your personal brand, or provide more information about you. Avoid leaving this blank. 
 

Some ideas for cover photos may include: 

• Your personal brand 
• A representation of your desired industry 
• Your work or personal achievements 
• A quote or artistic image 
• Your location or desired location 
• A cause or mission 

Headline

When you create your LinkedIn profile, LinkedIn will automatically make your current job title or education your default headline. However, by customizing this headline, you can stand out from other profiles and give recruiters a sneak peek into your values, vision, or desired industry before they even view your profile. 
 
Browse the profiles of professionals in your field to brainstorm ideas for your headline. Use the opportunity to highlight your unique skills or your “why”, piquing the interest of potential profile viewers.  

About Section

The About section is your opportunity to expand on your experience, explain the career you have chosen, and clarify why you are a fit for these roles. Below are some tips for writing your about section and what to include in your profile.  

• You have up to 2,600 characters in this section so feel free to elaborate, using short 
paragraphs. 
• Add in skills, key words, and past job titles that align with the positions/industries you’re 
interested in. These key words or phrases are likely what hiring managers or recruiters will use to find candidates, so adding them to your profile can help your profile land in their search results. 
• Utilize buzz words, marketable skills, and values to create interest from potential recruiters 
and hiring managers. 
 
• Tell your story in a compelling way and think about what you’ve done that can be woven into that story. Think about your experience, including unpaid positions and volunteer experience. Consider academic or personal projects that demonstrate knowledge and marketable skills in your areas of interest. Include leadership roles and your participation in athletic, academic, and philanthropic organizations. 
• Provide examples and numbers 
• Hook readers with an interesting introduction 

Sample: About Section

This first example provides an example for students or those earlier in their career: 

Welcome! I’m currently a junior at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in digital media & professional communications and a minor in political science. My passion for political communications and public policy has driven the course of my studies and involvement, and I’m excited for internship or mentorship opportunities that will allow me to fuse these passions together. 
  
At Texas Tech, I’ve been actively involved in the Student Government Assocation, where I’ve had the opportunity to oversee campus projects that have had a direct impact. During my tenure, I increased bus system efficiency by 20%, creating a better experience for Red Raiders. Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern in a political office in Washington D.C. as a member of the congressional internship program. Through this position, I was able to gain first-hand knowledge about our legislative system, shadowing professionals and collaborating with our team to meet constituent needs.  
  
I’m a strategic communicator with a history of building long-lasting relationships, and I’m consistently seeking opportunities to develop my skills and hone my craft. Let’s connect! 
The next example provides a more straight-forward, in-depth professional example: 
Working one-on-one with clients, I provide career coaching to students and alumni of Texas Tech University. I work diligently to help them identify their career goals and the steps that must be taken to achieve those objectives. As a generalist, I work with all students and all majors to provide career assistance that will move them closer to attaining their continued educational or career goals. Experienced in working with incoming freshmen all the way to graduate students and alumni. I assist students with essays and personal statements that directly impact their success in gaining admission to professional, law, and medical schools. Specialties: Career coaching, resume reviews, cover letters, personal statements, mock interviews, and assessments. 

Completing Your profile

Once you've filled out the basics on your profile, it's time to add content. Start by reviewing th ecariety of sections you may include, then choose the most appropriate sections for your profile.

Here are a few quick tips to consider as you complete these sections:

• Set aside time to fill out the profile completely. This is your professional online presence, so make sure you are not leaving this space half-finished.  
• Keep your profile updated with all professional experiences and materials that align with your career goals.  
• Don’t be afraid to brag – your profile is your chance to shine. Consider awards, honors, GPA, organizations, study abroad, and accomplishments.  
• Your LinkedIn profile is your extended resume, so use this as a chance to dive deeper into your experiences. Use bullets or paragraphs for each experience, going beyond what is listed on your resume.  
• Add relevant skills and connect them to experiences, projects, or courses. This gives you the chance to demonstrate your skills and provide concrete examples. 
• Request recommendations and give endorsements to add credibility to your profile. 
  Customize your URL using the edit tool on the right side of the screen. This will make you easier for recruiters to find and allows the link to fit at the top of your resume.   
   

Building Your Network & Presence

Once you’ve filled out your profile, it’s time to start building connections.  

• Start by adding people you know, like friends, coworkers, or professors. Avoid spamming people with requests and adding people you do not know.  
• Make a goal to start with 50 connections. 
• If you are adding someone who may not immediately recognize you, try sending a note to form a connection. A free LinkedIn profile allows you to send five notes per month with a connection request.

Linkedin functions as a social networking site, and because of this, posting and reposting are key aspects of using LinkedIn to the fullest extent. Here are a few ideas to get you started on posting:

• Experiences at work or school 
• Opportunities like job fairs, conferences, professional development, or networking 
• Successes and accomplishments 
• Projects or your work