31 Jul How to create an effective Linkedin profile for graduates/students

Posted at 12:21h in Article by

Linkedin is one of the most popular professional networking sites on the internet. If you are a college or graduate student, Linkedin can assist you in making the transition to the professional world. But how can you make your Linkedin profile stand out from the crowd of other candidates with more experience? Students from all disciplines can take advantage of this opportunity to concentrate on an often-overlooked section of a Linkedin profile: the summary.

Summary example for a recent graduate student

You’ve finished graduate school! So, what now? You have to join the wide world of job seekers, all looking to put their best foot forward and land their dream job. One of the ways to position yourself more effectively is to create a professional Linkedin profile, allowing your skills, qualifications and experience to advertise and promote you, it does the hard work for you. Here’s an example of a Linkedin summary:

  • Recent BA Honours graduate of the University of Johannesburg (UJ). My interest in graphic arts led me to the School of Fine Arts at Boston Media House, where I am currently pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design. I completed the Foundation Program last semester, which included drawing, sculpture, painting, and printmaking.
  • The most important lesson I’ve taken away from BMH is the importance of drawing before moving on to other art forms. Despite knowing I wanted to be a graphic designer, I’ve enjoyed going back to basics with sketches and lightboxes. In addition, the Marketing Strategies class has given me valuable insights for a future career in graphic design.
  • In addition to the above, I have gained valuable experience in software programmes including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and HTML and am currently honing my UI and UX skills.

Tips for writing an effective Linkedin summary

After your picture and name, the third item readers will see is your Linkedin summary, also known as the “About” section. In contrast to a Twitter bio, which is limited to 160 characters, LinkedIn summaries allow you to describe yourself in up to 2,000 characters (around 150 to 350 words, including spaces). Here are some pointers to help you create an effective LinkedIn summary.

  • Make your first sentence stand out. Employers are extremely busy people. A strong first sentence can entice even the busiest hiring manager to read further.
  • Make use of industry-specific keywords. Linkedin ranks profiles based on search terms, so including relevant keywords in your summary can help you rise to the top. But don’t overdo it!
  • Write in the first person, in the third person, in the fourth person, in the fifth person, and in the sixth Professional bios are written in the third person, whereas LinkedIn summaries allow readers to learn more about you and your voice.
  • Explain what you’re doing now in the simplest possible terms. Even if you’re still in college, your experiences are worth documenting. Tell potential employers why only you are capable of doing what you do and what value you can add.
  • Separate your paragraphs. Nobody wants to wade through a wall of text. Paragraphs should be no more than two or three sentences long.
  • Include information about your life outside of work. List your interests, hobbies, pets, family, and so on. Because the rest of your Linkedin profile is informational, let the summary demonstrate that you’re a real person (but keep it professional).
  • Use the word ‘unemployed’ sparingly. You are not unemployed; you are a future lawyer, educator, or aerospace engineer. Concentrate on the future.
  • Include media. Linkedin allows you to add files, images, videos, articles, or your résumé to your summary, transforming it into an excellent professional portfolio.

Remember that just because you have the option of using up to 2,000 characters does not mean you have to use them all. A brief summary can be just as effective as a lengthy one.

Check out these hints to make your LinkedIn profile the best viewing experience possible.

  • Provide a current photo – it speaks to trustworthiness if you use an up-to-date photo. Professional headshots are recommended as this is the first image that readers will see.
  • Keep in touch with your school’s networks. You never know who might end up being your next boss (or employee).
  • Make your headline memorable and one-of-a-kind. What makes you unique?
  • If you’re going to change your cover photo, keep it simple. The focus should be on your words, not the skyline above your name.
  • Customise your Linkedin URL with “linkedin.com/in/(your name).” Every basic LinkedIn profile includes a URL with numbers after it, however, you may remove these numbers in the “Edit Profile” section for a more memorable and user-friendly URL.
  • Look at other people’s profiles. They’ll be notified that you looked at their profiles, and if they return the favour, you’ve established a potential relationship.
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