WELLBEING & DEVELOPMENT
LINKEDIN PROFILE GUIDE
Getting started in networking - creating your LinkedIn profile
Think of your LinkedIn profile as a modern age CV - or as LinkedIn refer to it, the “foundation of your personal branding”. It’s dynamic and therefore always up to date, easily accessible, and allows you to add a personal touch that a typical CV may not reflect. It is the gateway to a forever growing network of professionals, right at your fingertips.
Creating a LinkedIn account
You can sign up with either an email address or mobile number. Use your personal email, NOT a work/company email. Likewise for phone.
You can also join using your Google login credentials or Apple ID. This is handy if you don’t want to think of creating and remembering a password.
Check out the User Agreement for further information
Personal details and basics
Name: Use your legal name or professional name you go by - e.g. If your name is Michael Burns, “Mike Burns” would be okay, but we really wouldn’t recommend signing up as “Mike Burnsy Bulldog”
Location: This is crucial for finding jobs, being considered for open jobs, and networking effectively. You can select the nearest major city if you don’t feel comfortable listing your residential suburb.
Headline: This is a kind of tag line that will appear alongside/below your name throughout the platform. It’s your opportunity to catch the attention of recruiters and other industry professionals! Provide a quick summary of who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what matters to you. Steer away from the predictable “looking for work” or basic job title… spice it up!
Custom profile URL: A small action that can boost your profile and shows attention to detail.
Selecting a profile photo
It’s totally okay if you don’t have a professional headshot! You can manage to take a very presentable photo easily, using these suggestions. Ask a friend if they can make some time to help take a few photos for you. Alternatively, use your own phone on a tripod or sturdy surface, and timer/remote button. Just avoid using a selfie!
Quality: Your smart phone should take a great quality image, just ensure there is enough lighting.
Focus: You should be the main and only subject. People far in the distance in the background is okay, but avoid this if possible.
Framing: Crop the image from torso or shoulders up, centering yourself, and avoiding full-body shots.
Expression: Looking at the camera is essential, smiling or with a neutral expression. Natural mid-laugh is okay too!
Clothing: Neat and tidy, at least smart casual. Showcasing your trade with PPE is great, so long as it is worn correctly. Avoid showing too much bare skin, ripped/dirty clothes, or slogans/brands.
Setting: Plain backdrops look most professional, even if just a blank wall in your home. You could also consider your work area, place of study, or outdoors.
Showcase who you are: Perhaps you’ve worked on your family farm for thirty years, love driving trucks, or consider yourself a bookworm. Show off your recent graduation! Represent your community and nationality! Stand out by adding something unique to your photo.
Leverage additional settings to improve your job search and profile visibility
Algorithms are wildly helpful and the more information you feed into your profile, the stronger the algorithm will work for you. Think of it like LinkedIn trying to match up millions of people based on who wants a job where - that’s a lot of information processing, right?
The more you tell LinkedIn what you want, the better it can work in your favour.
Complete your profile and adjust your settings to be as accurate, detailed and up to date as possible. Check out the section below for more.
Don’t forget to follow our LinkedIn company page!
