| By Maddy Gonzalez |
A great way to connect with professionals and your peers in a professional environment is to create a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn allows its users to easily network with potential employers and to essentially display users’ resumes online. Creating a LinkedIn account is not complicated, but there are a few Do’s and Don’ts one should be aware of when creating a LinkedIn profile.
DO’s
• Do have a profile picture. This is an important part of a LinkedIn profile. A profile picture will help employers remember who you are and make you a “real person” to your connections.
• Do explain and elaborate. Similar to forming a resume, make sure to explain and elaborate on your work experience, positions of leadership, and special programs you are currently or were previously involved in. This shows connections your responsibilities and how your experiences have helped you grow professionally.
• Do list valuable courses and projects. If you have taken any courses or completed any projects that are relevant to jobs you are seeking, make sure to include them on your LinkedIn profile. For example, if you are an accounting major it would be helpful to list all the upper-division courses you have taken in accounting. Listing relevant courses lets employers know the extent of your knowledge and experience with specific subjects.
DON’T’s
• Don’t skip writing a summary statement. Summary statements allow you to highlight your skills and experiences and show employers what you believe your strengths are.
• Don’t add people who you have no connection with at all. It’s important to remember that LinkedIn is different than social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Having a lot of connections isn’t necessarily a good thing. What is important are the connections you make and the quality of those connections.
• Don’t forget to routinely update and edit your profile. You want to make sure your profile is up-to-date so that potential employers see what you are doing currently and the progress you are making. It is always good to edit your profile to make sure it is relevant and clear.
For more tips on how to improve your LinkedIn profile, make sure to come to the Career Center’s LinkedIn Lab this Thursday at 4:15pm. Click the link below for more information. For more information about LinkedIn Labs, go to our website.