Do these sentences resonate? 👇
- "LinkedIn is for older generations and job seekers, not for me."
- "I only use LinkedIn when I absolutely have to."
- "My profile is fine, it has my resume on it, what else do I need?"
If you've thought any of these, don't stress. We've all been there. But here's the tea: LinkedIn isn't just a digital resume, it's your personal brand's home base and your chance to shine in the professional world.
Ready to make yours stand out? Let's get started.
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why is LinkedIn so important?
LinkedIn is where we show off our skills, connect with people who can help us level up, and even discover opportunities we didn't know existed. After all, 87% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn to find candidates, and the world's largest professional network with over 900 million users, so we don't want to miss out on opportunities that come from the platform.
We're not just climbing the corporate ladder; we're forging our own paths. Having a great LinkedIn profile is not just about getting a job, it's about showcasing our unique talents and connecting with people who get us. We're the generation of side hustles, passion projects, and career pivots, and our LinkedIn profiles should reflect that.
LinkedIn reports that young professionals are 4x more likely to get hired through their network. 40% of Gen Zers are already on LinkedIn - let's make the most of it!
What makes a good LinkedIn profile for Gen Z?
Authenticity is key. Show off your personality, your passions, and your side hustles. Highlight your skills and experiences, but don't be afraid to let your unique voice shine through. Use visuals, videos, and multimedia to make your profile pop. And don't forget to engage with your network by sharing relevant content and joining conversations.
What's the impact of a strong profile?
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can significantly increase your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers. It can also help you build relationships with industry leaders, learn about new opportunities, and even land your dream job. Plus, it's a great way to showcase your personal brand and attract potential collaborators or clients.
What goes into a strong profile?
- Your profile picture is the first thing recruiters notice. A professional, high-resolution photo can make your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed.
- A background photo adds context and personality to your profile. Choose one that reflects your professional interests or showcases your work.
- Your headline is your elevator pitch. Make it more than just your job title. Highlight your expertise and what makes you unique.
- Your summary is your story. Use it to explain your career journey, highlight key achievements, and share your goals.
- Endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and mentors add credibility to your profile. They showcase your skills and work ethic through the eyes of others.
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." - Maya Angelou
How do YOU want to show up on LinkedIn?
Here are some questions to help us reflect on structuring the profile:
- What are the unique skills you bring to your industry?
- How can your profile picture and background photo better reflect your professional persona?
- What achievements and experiences can you highlight in your summary?
- Who in your network can provide strong endorsements and recommendations?
- What keywords are relevant to your industry that you can incorporate into your profile?
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Click on the dropdowns below to see the easy action items:
Do one of these things TODAY 👇
- Update Your Profile Picture: Ensure it is professional and reflects your current look.
- Revamp Your Headline: Make it engaging and descriptive of your professional role and goals.
- Enhance Your Summary: Tell your professional story, highlighting your skills and achievements.
- Request Endorsements: Reach out to colleagues for endorsements and recommendations.
- Add Media: Showcase your work by adding relevant media like presentations, articles, or projects.
Say one (or all) of these affirmations out loud 👇
- "I have unique skills and experiences to offer."
- "I am confident in showcasing my skills and achievements."
- "I am confident in my abilities and potential."
- "I am worthy of success and recognition."
- "I am continuously improving my personal brand."
Channel that feeling 👇
Feeling overwhelmed? Break it down. Focus on one section of your profile at a time.
Feeling inspired? Start writing! Update your profile and share your thoughts with your network. Share an article, comment on a post, or start a conversation.
Feeling motivated? Read more from our about our All-Around Adulthood series happening all August. We cover many subjects from the top so we can get a headstart on thriving.
Some vibes to close us out
Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a resume, it's your digital handshake with the professional world. Make it count!
Show off your personality, passions, and potential.
Connect with like-minded people, learn from industry leaders, and open doors to new opportunities.
Remember, you're not just building a profile, you're building a future.
YOU got this. ðŸ’✨
Sources
- "5 tips from LinkedIn to help Gen Z get a job successfully." LinkedIn (2023).
- "20 steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2024." LinkedIn (2024).
- "28 LinkedIn Profile Tips to Supercharge Your Job Opportunities." Jobscan (2023).
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