Setting Up Your LinkedIn Profile

Step 1: Create An Account

Start by going to linkedin.com and clicking “Join now.” As you register, consider the following:

• Use your full name to demonstrate professionalism and make it easy for colleagues to find you.
• Register with a personal but professional-looking email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
• Choose a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for account security.
• Specify your current location and industry—this helps recruiters and professionals in your area find you.

Step 2: Add a Professional Profile Photo and Cover Image

Your profile photo is the first impression people get—it builds trust and credibility. In fact, LinkedIn reports that users with profile pictures receive 21x more views and 36x more messages. Check out our Iris Air Professional Photobooth in the Lied Library or contact Career Services to inquire about free professional photo opportunities.

Photo Guidelines

• Use a high-resolution headshot with your face centered and clearly visible.
• Wear business-appropriate clothing based on your industry.
• Choose a neutral or tidy background.
• Smile or use a neutral expression to appear approachable.

Cover Image Guidelines

• Should be related to your profession or your personal brand
• Something that can show your personality, skills, values, and/or achievements.
• Potential ideas include: quotes, your workspace, city landscape, yourself in action, a cause or mission, and more.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline appears right under your name and is visible in searches, comments, and connection invites. Consider the following:

• Don’t just list your job title — explain what you do or what you bring to the table.
• Include keywords relevant to your field.
• Keep it under 220 characters.

Examples

• Aspiring Data Analyst | SQL • Excel • Python | Passionate about turning data into actionable insights
• Marketing Student @UNLV | Social Media Enthusiast | Future Brand Manager

Step 4: Craft a Strong “About Me” Section

The “About” section is your chance to tell your professional story and show your personality. It should include:

• A short intro: Who you are and what you do.
• Career highlights or milestones.
• Skills or industries you specialize in.
• A line about what you’re seeking (jobs, collaborations, etc.).
• End with a call to action—invite readers to connect or message you.

Note: Put the most important information you want people to know in the first three lines. When someone views your LinkedIn page, only the first three lines of your about me is visible without clicking on see more.

Example

I am an English major with a passion for editing, content creation, and SEO. I enjoy crafting clear, engaging content, refining writing for impact, and supporting other creators in bringing their ideas to life. I am open to internships or entry-level opportunities in publishing, media, or digital marketing.

Let’s connect!

Step 5: Add Work and Professional Experience

Your work history should go beyond job descriptions—focus on achievements and outcomes. Best practices include:

• Using reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
• Including the following for each role:
  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Dates of employment
  • Location (city/state)
  • 3–5 bullet points highlighting your impact
• Using strong action verbs and quantifying results when possible.
• Listing professional experiences such as internships, volunteer work, and relevant projects to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

Example

Customer Support Specialist – Zappos (Las Vegas, NV) | Jan 2025 – Present

• Resolved 100+ customer inquiries weekly while maintaining a 97% satisfaction rating
• Implemented new knowledge base article system, reducing ticket volume by 20%
• Trained and mentored 3 new team members, improving onboarding efficiency

Step 6: Add Education

List your educational background, even if it’s not directly related to your current career path. Include the following:

• Degree or certification earned (formatted in bold font)
• Dates attended (particularly the month/year of the graduation date or anticipated graduation date; optional if you’re not a recent grad)
• School name
• School location (city/state)
• GPA (optional; may want to include if 3.0 or above, or if it is required for an application)
• Honors, clubs, or activities

Example

Bachelor of Science in Psychology | May 2023

University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | GPA: 3.7

Activities: Psi Chi Honor Society, Peer Mentor Program

Step 7: List Your Skills

Your skills section affects how you show up in recruiter searches. Consider the following:

• Add at least 10–15 relevant skills (LinkedIn allows up to 50).
• Prioritize industry keywords (e.g., “JavaScript,” “User Research,” “Grant Writing”).
• Rearrange your top 3 most important skills — these are shown first.
• Get endorsements from coworkers, peers, or classmates.

Step 8: Request Recommendations

Recommendations add credibility and provide social proof of your work ethic. A good recommendation will:

• Provide specific details about how you worked together
• Offer a brief summary of your skills, attitude, and impact
• Be authentic and have a professional tone

How to Request a Recommendation

• Contact people you’ve worked with closely (supervisors, teammates, professors).
• Personalize your request and suggest what you’d like them to mention.
• You might like to try writing them a recommendation first, as they may return the favor.

Example Request

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working together on [project] at [company]. If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate it if you wouldn’t mind writing a short LinkedIn recommendation highlighting our collaboration. If you’re comfortable with that, I’d be more than happy to return the favor!

Step 9: Customize Your LinkedIn URL

Make your profile easier to share by editing your URL:

• Select “Edit public profile & URL” on the top right of your profile page.
• Choose a clear, consistent version of your name (e.g., linkedin.com/in/janedoe).
• Avoid numbers, random strings, or nicknames.
• Use this link in email signatures, resumes, business cards, and portfolios.