Hey there, students and graduates! Have you ever wondered how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out in a pool of professionals? Well, I recently attended an enlightening LinkedIn Masterclass hosted by Sarah Clay and the Careers and Employability service (Early Careers Support) and I have some game-changing tips to share with you all!

Sarah Clay enlightened us on optimising our LinkedIn profiles for maximum findability and finding potential companies and employers aligning with our career goals. The session focused on how to use LinkedIn effectively and efficiently. It was a hands-on, insightful live session with a lot of engagement from the attendees, and the networking continued in the evening with some refreshments complemented by a professional LinkedIn photo session.

Here are some INCREDIBLE tips Sarah shared with us for creating and enhancing our LinkedIn profiles:

Crafting Your Banner: Your banner is your digital billboard, so make it count! Your banner could potentially start a conversation, to showcase something you’re proud of, a hobby you’re interested in, or drop a quote that resonates with you. And don’t forget a captivating stock photo or your own stunning shot!

Perfecting Your Headline: In 220 characters or less, unleash your unique selling point (USP). For instance, “I am a Westminster graduate in Criminology and Arabic actively seeking roles within Higher Education within the careers service with experience interning at the University of Westminster for the Early Careers Support Programme.” Highlight your experience in your preferred field as your USP.

Profile Picture Perfection: Your profile picture should scream “approachable and professional”. Opt for a high-quality photo that looks like you now. Frame it well, make eye contact with the lens, and ensure there’s no clutter in the background. Oh, and don’t forget to flash that winning smile!

Audio Introduction: Introduce yourself with a quick 10-second audio welcome note. Say hi, share your name, field of study, and career aspirations. Keep it concise and record only on your phone for that personal touch.

Crafting Your About Section: This isn’t your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Use conversational language, sprinkle in keywords for findability, and add a personal touch. Answer interview questions in your About section, and watch your profile come to life!

Glowing Recommendations: Don’t be shy to ask for recommendations from lecturers, family, friends, part-time employers, or colleagues from work experiences. Their endorsements add credibility and depth to your profile.

Customise Your URL: Make your LinkedIn URL unique by removing those pesky numbers, and if your name is taken, add a middle initial. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference!

Mastering the Job Search: You can save the URL of your job search to easily revisit and check for live updates. You never know when that dream job might pop up!

Navigating Hidden Job Markets: Search for companies you admire and make connections. Build relationships with future bosses and industry professionals through those doing internships who can share insights, alumni networks, and mutual connections.

Connect with Ease: Utilise LinkedIn QR codes to connect effortlessly. Scanning QR codes simplifies the process, such as at a networking event. To generate your QR code, tap the QR code in the Search bar on your LinkedIn homepage. Go to the ‘My code’ tab to find your unique QR code. Then, choose between either sharing your unique code or saving it to your photos to share with others.

So, what are you waiting for? Update your LinkedIn profile and get networking! Incorporate these tips, and watch as opportunities come knocking at your digital door 🚀🌟

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Many thanks to Zainab, our graduate intern for the Early Graduate Support project, for this excellent blog.

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