JOG the Web: LinkedIn 101 for JOG Participants

Learn How to Make a Successful LinkedIn Profile!

A big part of work readiness is having a well-managed LinkedIn profile. But what is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a social media platform that focuses on connecting peers and companies. According to LinkedIn’s website, they say “You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career.” Even if you do not use it to apply for jobs, most employers will look you up on the platform the further along you are in your career.

Here are some introductory tips to make a successful LinkedIn profile.

Upload a professional photo

  • Make sure to upload a photo of yourself that makes a great first impression. A professional photo should be of you facing the camera, normally smiling, wearing professional attire and uses good lighting.

Write a Summary

  • Your summary is under your name, title and workplace. This caption is used to highlight a small summary of yourself. This should include mentions of the industry you are in or want to be in, any experience you have and some applicable skills you have.
  • A good summary is written in 1st person since it is meant as a caption discussing YOUR professional story.

Add at least 5 Professional Skills

  • One of the biggest parts of building a professional LinkedIn page is highlighting the skills you have attained. The easiest way to find the skills you have is to begin writing down things that you are good at. Some questions you can ask yourself to get started are: What do people compliment me on? What tasks do I do at work? What do I think I do best? What could I teach someone to do?

List any experience

  • Of course, listing your work experiences is very important to your profile. Since your career is just taking off, make sure to list your work experiences you have had while in JOG. These work-based learning experiences are closer to how the working world works than you may think.

Connect!

  • Send requests to connect with other people you know on LinkedIn! Whether it is a teacher, Career Specialist, friend, coworker, or someone else you know, it is always a good idea to connect with everyone you know educationally and professionally on LinkedIn. You never know who may be able to open a door for you in the future.

Though there is always more you can do to improve your LinkedIn profile and professional online presence, these are some tips that will help to get you started!