If you are new to LinkedIn you might not know what is what when it comes to your profile. As a LinkedIn member you can search for a job, join interesting groups, research companies you might be interested in, and network with other members. Your profile will let everyone know who you are, your qualifications, your experience, and your skills so you will want it to be as complete as possible.
Start by adding a photo. Your profile photo should be of you and not an object; people want to know that you are a real person. You do not have to have a professional photo but it should be a good representation of you. You will want the photo to be recent so that you are recognizable when you walk in for your interview and you should look approachable.
Your summary is the place to highlight you so don’t leave it blank. This will be your chance to make a great first impression. Write in the first person, let people know why you do what you do in your own words, and be engaging.
Your experience section is your online resume. Add in your past and present employment, and your education. You can also add a section that includes volunteer experiences if you have any. Make sure to update your profile when things change.
Don’t put that you are unemployed in your headline. Be creative, and use relevant keywords. Use all or as many of the 120 characters that you can.
Here are some other sections you should pay attention to. Select an industry so that you can be found when someone does a field search. Take a moment to ask for recommendations from people you work with or have worked with in the past. The additional information section is for you to add in your links (website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, anything that will give someone extra information about you). Your URL is customizable too; use your name if it’s available. Finally make sure you profile is public. It would be a shame if people couldn’t stumble across you. Have a great time growing your network. You never know who might bring you your next job opportunity!