As a student, your LinkedIn is similar to a 24/7 resume and can be a gateway to networking, internships, and job opportunities. But simply having a profile isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you need to up your LinkedIn game. Here are some tips to make your LinkedIn profile shine.

Use Canva to Personalize Your Banner

Your LinkedIn banner is the first thing people see when they visit your profile. It’s a visual representation of your personal brand, offering a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression. A well-designed banner can communicate your field of study, career aspirations, or personal interests at a glance. Canva, a free and user-friendly design tool, is perfect for creating a customized banner that reflects your personal brand.

Steps to create a banner on Canva:

• Go to Canva: Visit Canva.com and sign up or log in.
• Search for LinkedIn Banner: In the search bar, type “LinkedIn Banner” to find the correct dimensions.
• Choose a Template: Select a template that resonates with your style or the message you want to convey. There are many free options available.
• Customize the Template: Add your own images, choose colors that represent your personal brand or field, and include text that might highlight your skills or career goals.
• Download and Upload: Once you’re happy with your design, download it and upload it to your LinkedIn profile by clicking on the pencil icon on your banner space.

2. Customize Your URL

An un-customized LinkedIn URL can send unintended messages to recruiters, none of which are particularly favorable. A customized LinkedIn URL makes your profile easier to share and looks more professional on resumes and business cards. A personalized URL not only makes it easier for people to find you but also shows attention to detail and professionalism.

Steps to customize your URL:

• Go to Your Profile: Navigate to your LinkedIn profile page.
• Edit Public Profile & URL: On the right side of the page, click on “Edit public profile & URL.”
• Customize URL: In the top right corner, click on the pencil icon next to your current URL. Enter a version of your name that’s easy to remember and professional, such as “JohnDoe” or “JaneSmith123.”
• Save: Click “Save” to confirm your new URL.

3. Update Your Headshot

Your profile picture is crucial because it’s often the first impression you make. A professional, approachable, and up-to-date headshot can significantly influence how others perceive you. A good headshot conveys professionalism and can make you appear more credible and trustworthy.

Tips for choosing the perfect LinkedIn headshot:

• Dress Appropriately: Wear professional attire that matches the industry you’re targeting. For a corporate role, opt for business formal; for a creative field, business casual might be more appropriate.
• Choose a Clean Background: A plain or subtly textured background ensures that the focus remains on you.
• Good Lighting: Natural light works best, but if that’s not available, use soft artificial light. Avoid harsh shadows and overly bright or dark images.
• Smile and Look Approachable: A friendly, confident expression makes you appear more likable and engaging.
• High Resolution: Ensure your photo is clear and high quality. Blurry or pixelated images can look unprofessional.

4. Update Your Skills

The skills section of your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool for showcasing what you’re good at. It helps recruiters understand your capabilities at a glance and ensures your profile appears in relevant search results.

How to make the most of your skills section:

• Be Relevant: Focus on skills that are pertinent to your career goals and industry. This helps to attract the right kind of opportunities.
• Keep It Concise: List around 15-20 key skills. Too few skills might make you seem underqualified, while too many can make you appear unfocused.
• Prioritize Endorsements: Endorsements add credibility. Reach out to classmates, professors, or colleagues to endorse your skills. This can be done by endorsing their skills first; they might return the favor.
• Update Regularly: As you learn new skills or gain more experience, keep this section updated to reflect your current abilities.

5. About Section – Show What You Are About/Apart Of!

Your “About” section is your opportunity to tell your story and give a deeper insight into who you are. It’s where you can show your personality, passions, and what you stand for. A well-crafted About section can engage visitors and make them want to learn more about you.

Crafting a compelling About section:

• Be Personal: Share your passions, goals, and what drives you. Use a conversational tone to make it relatable.
• Highlight Achievements: Mention key accomplishments and experiences that make you unique. Include awards, recognitions, and significant projects.
• Keep It Concise and Readable: Use short paragraphs or bullet points for easy readability. Avoid large blocks of text.
• Include Keywords: Use industry-specific keywords to improve your profile’s visibility in search results. Think about the terms recruiters might use to find candidates like you.

6. Use Your Experience Section – Discuss RESULTS and the Impact

Your experience section should do more than list your job duties. It should showcase the impact you made and the results you achieved. This demonstrates your ability to contribute meaningfully to a team or project.

Tips for maximizing your experience section:

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to show the scope of your impact. For example, “Increased social media engagement by 30%,” or “Managed a budget of $10,000 for marketing campaigns.”
• Highlight Projects: Discuss specific projects you worked on, your role in them, and the outcomes. This can include internships, volunteer work, or significant class projects.
• Show Growth: Demonstrate how you developed skills or advanced in your role. Mention any promotions, increased responsibilities, or new skills acquired.

7. Make Your Headliner Searchable

Your headline is one of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile. It’s the first thing people see, and it needs to be compelling and searchable. A good headline can significantly increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

Creating a searchable headline:

• Use Keywords: Include terms that potential employers or connections might search for. Think about the job titles, skills, and industry-specific terms that are relevant to your career goals.
• Be Specific: Mention your current role, industry, and key skills. For example, “Marketing Student | Social Media Strategist | Content Creator.”
• Show Value: Highlight what you bring to the table. For example, “Aspiring Software Engineer | Passionate about AI and Machine Learning.”