/ Finding a Job, What's New! / By

How to Set Up Your First LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn can feel a bit intimidating at first, especially if you’re starting out and don’t have much experience yet but it’s not as complicated as it seems to create your LinkedIn profile. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started and make the most of LinkedIn, even if your CV is still a bit light.

 Step 1: Setting Up the Basics

First things first, get your profile looking good.

  1. Profile Photo: Go with a clear and recent photo. A simple picture against a clean background will do. Aim for something that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional setting.
  2. Headline: This is the bit of text right under your name. It doesn’t have to be your job title (especially if you don’t have one yet). Think of it as a quick snapshot of what you’re interested in or what you want to do. For example, “Interested in Marketing and Content Creation” or “Looking to Break into Software Development”.
  3. About Section: This section is like a mini intro about yourself. Keep it honest and straightforward. If you don’t have much experience, talk about what you’re interested in learning. For example: “I’ve just graduated with a degree in business and am passionate about digital marketing. I’m keen to develop my skills in social media and content creation.”

Step 2: What to Do If You Have No Experience

A lot of people starting out on LinkedIn feel a bit stuck if they don’t have loads of work experience. Here are a few ways to fill out your profile when you’re just starting out:

  • Add Skills: List the things you’re good at, even if they’re not from formal work experience. Maybe you’ve gained skills from university projects, volunteering, or personal projects.
  • Education: Include your school, university, or any courses you’ve completed. LinkedIn also lets you add things like awards or achievements.
  • Volunteer Experience: Volunteering is a great way to show your skills and initiative, even if you haven’t had a formal job yet. Be sure to add any organisations you’ve volunteered with and what you did there.

 Step 3: Who to Connect With

Once your profile is set up, the next step is building your network. The idea is to connect with people who can help you learn, grow, and find opportunities.

  • Start with People You Know: This could be uni friends, lecturers, former co-workers, or even people you’ve met at events.
  • Join Groups: There are groups for almost every profession or interest on LinkedIn. Whether you’re into tech, marketing, or something else, find a few groups that match your interests.
  • Follow Companies and Influencers: If there’s a company you admire or a thought leader in your field, follow them. It keeps your feed interesting and helps you learn more about the industry you want to get into.

Step 4: Maximising LinkedIn

Now that you’re set-up, here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you:

  • Engage With Content: Start liking and commenting on posts that interest you. You don’t have to be an expert; adding thoughtful comments or asking questions can start conversations and build your presence.
  • Share Your Posts: Don’t be shy about posting your own thoughts or updates, whether it’s something you learned from a course, an event you attended, or just an article that resonated with you. It’s a good way to get noticed and show what you’re interested in.
  • Keep Your Profile Updated: As you gain more experience (whether through jobs, courses, or projects), keep adding it to your profile. You’d be surprised at how quickly your experience can build up!
  • Use the Job Search Tool: LinkedIn’s job search feature is brilliant for finding internships, entry-level positions, and even part-time gigs while you study. You can also set alerts for roles that match your interests.

Ready to set up your first LinkedIn Profile?

Starting out on LinkedIn might feel a bit awkward at first, but the more you engage with it, the more useful it becomes. Even without loads of experience, you can still build a strong profile that shows what you’re about and where you want to go.

Still don’t have a CV? Have a look at our CV tips!