LinkedIn

What is LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world's largest online professional network, where you can find internships and full-time jobs, build your professional network, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. Create your free LinkedIn profile and begin networking today.

Curate a "Stand Out" Profile

A well-designed LinkedIn profile is key to growing your network and being discovered by potential employers. Update your profile anytime there is a significant change in your professional or academic experiences, such as a new job, certification, technical skill, etc. Use powerful and relevant keywords to increase your chances of being contacted by an employer. 

• Professional Headshot – Current photo where you are dressed professionally and placed in front of a simple background. Watch this video on how to take your own professional headshot.
• Banner Image – Add a banner image that aligns with your personal brand, professional goals, or WVU-related images. Learn more about selecting the right banner image for your profile.
• Name – First and Last Name
• Headline – There are multiple uses for the headline. As a student, you might want to list your major, type of role you're seeking, and (potentially) target location. For example:
• Seeking accounting internship in the DC Metro Area
• Emerging Marketing Professional at West Virginia University 
• Sales Professional Seeking SDR Role in SaaS
• Wealth Management Student and Campus Leader at WVU
• Human Resources Intern at WVU Medicine 
• About – Think of the about section like a 60-second personal elevator pitch about yourself.
• Experience – Display relevant jobs in this section similarly to how you do on your resume: action and impact-oriented, measurable outcomes, and key words.
• Education – Include more than your degree! Talk about your involvement, awards, projects, etc.
• Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations – Proactively request managers, faculty, and coworkers write a recommendation or endorsement to your page. Also take advantage of various LinkedIn certifications depending on your desired job or skillset!       

Networking Tips and Tricks

Leverage the System

Don't just publish your profile and passively log in monthly. Be proactive and curate your feed!

• Follow organizations and employers that interest you... and actually read the articles they post. 
• Post intentional content on your own feed. Share stories from your alma mater, hot indsutry trends, etc., but avoid controversial topics. This a professional, not social, networking tool.
• Post your accomplishments, both personal and professional, as well as write positive comments for colleagues and classmates; they might return the favor.
• Join networking groups and create custom job alerts. 

How to Network

• Join various LinkedIn groups; whether those be high school alumni, a sports team group, a specific desired field, there are many groups on LinkedIn where people are actively looking to help jobseekers!
• STAY ACTIVE (like, comment, share) posts you are interested in. This will make your profile stand out and you will reach others due to the LinkedIn algorithm.
• CONNECT with people in your desired field (specifically alumni) and shoot them a message. You’d be surprised how many people are open to a conversation to teach you or give advice.