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BUILDING A LINKEDIN ACCOUNT
LinkedIn is a social media platform built for professional networking. Users can create a profile to connect with other individuals and companies in specific industries, search and apply for open jobs, and read and share professional related news.
LINKEDIN TIPS
• Build your profile and connections as you go so you don’t forget any experiences or people you meet • Keep your profile up-to-date even if you aren’t actively seeking a job • Supplement your profile with images or documents you’ve worked on to demonstrate your abilities • Join groups to enhance your network and engage with other users in your industry or who share similar interests • Personalize every connection request to remind people where you met or let them know why you want to add them • Use LinkedIn to see what other professionals in your industry are doing and learn how you can stay competitive • Create a unique URL to share on your résumé and increase your chances of appearing in searches EXAMPLE CONNECTION MESSAGE
Dear Nathan,
My name is John Sparks and I recently became a member of Alpha Kappa Psi at Georgia State University. As we are both members of the organization, I would like to add you to my professional network. I'd like to talk about your experience within the organization and how you feel it has helped you professionally. You can contact me at jdsparks.akpsi@gmail.com or 123-456-7890.
Sincerely, John D. Sparks
Sources:
(Marr, 2015) (Callahan)
Nathan Lane Jr.
Marketing Professional and Servant Leader Rachmil Automotives · New York University New York, NY · 377 &
MESSAGE MORE ...
My mission in life is to serve others. Whether it's clients, friends, or strangers, I want to make a difference in the life of each individual I work with. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge... Photograph — Your photograph on LinkedIn should be a professional image of yourself. There should not be a distracting background or other people in the image. You can also choose to add a header photo.
Heading — This provides a glimpse of your qualifications and professional goals, and this can be seen by anyone whether or not they are connected with you. A good header can help expand your visibility and increase your network. By default, LinkedIn populates the header with your current position, but it can also use keywords or a phrase. Ex. Recent Grad seeking Email Marketing position
Summary — Resembling a cover letter, your summary should highlight your interests, qualifications, and goals as well as mention what you are currently looking for, whether it is connections or a new position. It should not be too long, and it should be short blocks of text or bullet points.
Experience — LinkedIn isn't limited to a single page, so unlike your résumé, you can add all your previous work experience. Each position should be accompanied by either a short paragraph or bullets describing what you did and how you may be able to help a future employer.
Education — Add information about all institutions you have attended, including study abroad. For each entry, include the dates attended, majors and minors, campus activities, and GPA, if it's strong.
Skills & Endorsements — LinkedIn allows you to add several skills you believe to be your strengths, and your connections can then endorse you for those. Similar to a recommendation, endorsements can improve your profile and demonstrate to others that you are qualified.
Recommendations — Ask for recommendations from professors, employers, mentors, or coworkers who can provide additional insight into your work. If you assisted with a large event on campus, consider asking other students or faculty for a recommendation.
Accomplishments — If you have any publications, certifications, important test scores, honors or awards, these can be listed on your profile to showcase your experiences beyond what you have accomplished in a specific role. If you have extensive volunteer work, that can be added as its own section.
