Creating a Linkedin is an easy way to connect with employers, learn more about companies, and keep in touch with your network. Linkedin grants you access to a greater pool of employers and a way to deep-dive on your resume. I’m a second-year college student, and I had trouble knowing what to put on my Linkedin, in the absence of major work experience. I spoke to ideamix coach Meghan, a senior executive recruiter and master career coach, about the benefits of a Linkedin profile and her tips for students looking to start one.  

Why is creating a Linkedin profile important?

Linkedin is “a free business card,” described Meghan. She said that with the world being so digital, Linkedin provides employers with a snapshot of your accomplishments and what you could add to a company without talking to you. Linkedin helps you network, search for jobs, and research opportunities, Meghan explained. “It’s really a one stop shop tool for professional development.”  Meghan also said that Linkedin is a way you can tell your story and create a personal brand. She said, “Out of college, it’s tricky because maybe you haven’t had a ton of work experience. But, maybe through your time in school, you’ve led teams, or [were] the president of your class, you ran the drama club, you were the star lacrosse player… there’s something that we are really proud of that we want to share that makes us who we are.”  Your Linkedin also grows and changes with you and your career, Meghan explained. It’s the most up to date version of your resume. “You’re the best advocate for yourself,” Meghan said – it’s important to communicate how you connect to a brand’s values and how you could be a unique and valuable asset to them. If you’re worried about doing any of this on your own, try working with a coach. ideamix coaches like Meghan help guide people on how to most effectively present themselves professionally at any age. 

What should my profile photo look like?

Professional. Invest in a headshot or find a friend who’s a great photographer, Meghan explained. She says a color picture with a clean background and minimal distractions is ideal. Wear something that looks professional.  Your face should be clear in the photo. Don’t crop your face out of a group photo, show only a side profile, or wear sunglasses, Meghan added. If you are creative, she said, you can have a more alternative photo, but you should still make sure that your face is clear and visible. 

What format should I use to show my experience on Linkedin? 

You should do 3-5 bullet points that highlight the key parts of an experience, Meghan explained. She said that successful descriptions of an experience mention professional or personal growth, data, an experience of working with people, winning an award, and working on relevant or multi-dimensional projects.  Data should illustrate project progress, impact or your contribution to a team. Working with people can include any collaborative work or managing people. It’s important to show “how you’ve been involved on that team,” explained Meghan. Awards and projects can be anything you’re proud of, but “you don’t have to put everything there… Linkedin should just be a snapshot,” Meghan explained. 

What should my Linkedin background photo be?

“Keep it really clean,” said Meghan. Don’t have your background be too busy or it will distract from the rest of your profile, she added. You can do anything neutral or simple as long as it’s professional.  Many students use a picture of their campus or the city skyline of where they live or would like to work. Meghan explained it’s important to keep it general, “You wouldn’t put a quote on a business card or on your resume,” so save any inspirational quotes for your summary section. 

Do I need an About section? What should it say?

You should definitely have an About section, said Meghan. She described it as a “fun introduction to yourself” and a “little cover letter,” in one. An About section adds a personal aspect to your profile, and shows your writing tone, she added.   In your summary, you should start by saying: My name is _______, and I go to _______ school where I study ______ . You should say a bit about who you are and what you’ve been doing. Meghan explained it’s worth adding something along the lines of “people define working with me as…” to show how you work with a team.  It’s best to stay away from hobbies unless they’re applicable to the career you want. But if it’s a hobby or sport in which you’ve achieved a milestone, that makes you interesting. It can be helpful to have a coach guide you in determining what to add and what to leave out of your profile. Coach Meghan’s view? “When in doubt, keep it simple.” 

Should I attach a resume to my Linkedin profile?

Not needed! Ideamix coach Meghan feels strongly that resumes can feel outdated – your Linkedin profile is good enough. 

Should I put all of my experiences, skills, publications, etc.?

You should definitely include education, volunteer experience, awards, and recommendations, if they’re applicable, coach Megan recommends. It doesn’t hurt to add a skills section, but your experiences should speak to the skills you have.  Employers mostly look at your About me and Experience sections, so you should focus on those parts of your Linkedin first, explained Meghan.  If you have publications you want to highlight, choose a few you’re most proud of and want to highlight, she said. If relevant, you can have a portfolio for your other works that you can send to potential employers, she mentioned. 

Should I include my test scores (ACT and SAT) on Linkedin?

Not needed. Sometimes people want to see your GPA, but that depends on the industry you want to work in, she said. You can add your GPA if you’re comfortable with it. 

Should I say a major if I’m unsure?

No. Unless you’re sure of it, leave it. You can always talk about what you want to do and why you want to do it instead, recommends ideamix coach Meghan.

Should I let people I don’t know join my network on Linkedin? 

If someone looks interesting, you see value in connecting with them, or they work in the same field, you should connect with them, she said. If you feel like they’re bots, selling to you, or asking you something weird don’t connect with them, Meghan recommends. 

Other general tips?

“Don’t set it and forget it,” said Meghan. Linkedin is a living universe. You should update it, be active, comment, get on the home feed, share posts, and celebrate new jobs, she said. Continue reaching out to people, and try to make meaningful connections with them, she said. When connecting, make messages personal, she added.  For your profile, “less is more. Give people a reason to want to contact you and get to know you,” Meghan explained.  Her last piece of great advice? “Be proud, share yourself.” Coaching can help you improve your Linkedin, your broader personal branding, and guide you in effectively communicating your experience to your network. Consider using an ideamix coach as a way to find a personal branding coach that’s right for you. Ideamix coach Meghan Meghan is a “one stop shop for personal development.” She specializes in career development, brand building and leadership. Find her, and other great coaches through our coach matching platform.