How to Get Started On LinkedIn for Beginners

LinkedIn… a seemingly intimidating social network for professionals. Is creating a profile really necessary? I don’t have my professional life figured out, what would I even put in my profile? How do I even get started on LinkedIn? How do I go about navigating LinkedIn as a beginner? Why bother?

 I used to ask myself these questions too. I was hesitant to put myself out there and I feared the unknown. After becoming a business student, I quickly realized that LinkedIn is one of those professional ‘must-haves’ to keep in your back pocket. 

 It’s a powerful tool with many benefits. I’ve used it for discovering my interests, getting the inside scoop from people about companies and positions, building a network, keeping an eye out for job opportunities, and most importantly, branding myself. 

 Your profile should reflect who you are, and who you want to be. After all, brand is perception. When making your profile, consider, “How do I want people to perceive me?” This is your professional image. This is your brand. 

 If you don’t know how to get started with creating a profile or feel intimidated by making your first connections, that is perfectly normal — I was the same way. Starting your profile is easy to put off, but in all honesty, the best approach to building your network and setting yourself up for success is to dive in head first and as Nike would say… just do it. 

 To help ease the process, here’s my advice for getting started on LinkedIn:

 1. Build a profile you are proud of!

 I like to think of my profile as the presentable version of me — like a public resume, but more personal. You want to show who you are as a person. This can range from your passions to aspirations, to anything that makes you, YOU. 

 A few starting points:

•  Profile picture: clear & professional headshot with a clean background. 

Don’t be afraid to smile! You don’t need to be a professional photographer to get a nice, professional picture. You can get a good picture with your simple iPhone. Check out some Tips for Taking and Choosing a LinkedIn picture.

• Headline: engaging & straight to the point. 

Quick points about what you’re all about. Check out this stylistic approach: 

• Personal summary: telling your story

This is a great place to give insight into yourself. In this section, some people summarize their work experience, some describe their goals and fun extracurriculars, and others create a storyline to explain their interests and how they got where they are (my personal favourite).  

• Custom URL: short & sweet

Get rid of that nasty automatic URL that LinkedIn creates for you and make your own. This makes it more appealing when you share your profile or add it to your resume. Simply click Edit public profile & URL and add the URL you want. 

• Add your info! 

Add your work experience, initiatives you’ve been involved with, projects, publications, languages you speak, skills, and anything you’d like to share.

2. Make connections.

Your first connections are always the hardest. It can feel awkward. To ease your mind, remember that LinkedIn is meant for expanding your network, so it is expected to connect with new people. 

 Some people to connect with (even if you don’t know them personally!):

• People you know. LinkedIn will suggest people you know based on your contacts, your profile information, and your other connections. If you see someone you know, connect with them.
• People you meet. Whether you’re at a networking event, or in class, why not exchange LinkedIn profile’s to stay connected?
• People you have something in common with (even if you don’t know them personally). Students at your school, your school’s alumni, people who work in the same company as you, etc.
• People you look up to. Don’t be afraid to connect with people working at your dream company or working your dream job.
• People you want to impress. Connect with recruiters.

 Pro tip: When sending a connection request, add a short note as a friendly introduction so the recipient is more likely to notice your request. There are plenty of sample note messages available.

If you’re having trouble making those first connections, feel free to send me a connection request at Julie's LinkedIn Profile with a little note! 

 3. Engage, engage, engage.

 Engagement is the best way to build your LinkedIn presence.

•  Message people in your network. Did you connect with someone working in your dream position or working in an industry you’re interested in? Message them to ask for a virtual coffee chat to get some insight.
• Interact with content. Like and comment on posts that interest you. When you interact with content, it will show your network. 
• Post! If you read an interesting article, link it in a post with your thoughts. If you’ve been up to something cool, share what it taught you. This helps people get to know you, gives you credibility and builds your brand.

All in all, LinkedIn is an exceptional resource. Just remember, don’t compare your profile to other people’s profiles. You may think that some are impressive, so use them as inspiration rather than intimidation. Everyone was a beginner new to LinkedIn at one point, so don’t worry if your profile isn’t perfect. It gets way easier once you simply start!

 Want support?

 There’s no shame in asking for help. After all, we’re better when we put our minds together. If you’d like a second set of eyes to review your profile, or if you’d like step-by-step support through the creation process of making a profile unique to YOUR brand, reach out to me on my contact page to book a consultation!