Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

A professional web presence is critical for job searching. This lesson will focus on LinkedIn because it is the largest professional networking site. I routinely look for people to hire or share opportunities with, and their LinkedIn profile is the first place I go.

Why Does LinkedIn Matter?

With over 740 million members in over 200 countries, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to build your professional network, and connect to potential employers and industry professionals. A LinkedIn profile helps you showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments. According to LinkedIn:

  • Job seekers who are "open to new opportunities" on the platform are 40% more likely to receive messages from recruiters
  • 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find potential candidates

LinkedIn profile examples

Below are some examples of LinkedIn profiles from Kibo staff and mentors:

  • Akin, a Kibo mentor and Software Engineer
  • Bidemi, Data Analyst at Kibo
  • Cami, Kibo mentor and Engineering Manager at Meta
  • Robb, Kibo co-founder and Head of Curriculum
  • Ope, Kibo co-founder and CEO

🤔 Do you notice any common features of the LinkedIn profiles of the Kibo staff and mentors listed above?

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

This section walks you through updating your LinkedIn profile. If the content in a particular section does not apply to you, i.e., if that section of your profile does not need to be updated, then you can skip it.

To begin, if you don't already have a LinkedIn account, sign up for one here: https://www.linkedin.com/signup

1. Update your name

Your display name should be listed as First Name, Last Name. In many African countries, it is customary to write your surname first. But, since the most common global pattern is first then last, please update your profile to match this pattern and prevent confusion with potential employers.

2. Update your profile photo

Add a profile photo. The photo should be professional, clearly show your face and be high resolution.

Professional doesn't mean formal. You don't need to wear a suit (unless you want to!) and it's perfectly fine to show your personality! But you should make sure that

  • Your face is visible (it helps for interviewers to recognize you!)
  • The photo is of high quality
  • There are no inappropriate or distracting images or logos

3. Update your URL

Your LinkedIn profile URL appears in the navigation bar when someone is looking at your profile.

Linked

The url for Ope's profile is linkedin.com/in/opebukola

You should customize this URL so that it's easier to deduce your first and last name. To do so, follow the steps on this page to find and customize your profile URL.

4. Write a professional headline

Your LinkedIn headline is a brief description that is shown at the top of your profile page. It also appears next to your name in the search results. Your professional headline can be:

  • Your current position or title, e.g., "Software Engineer Intern" or "Aspiring automation assistant and computer science student", similar to Tofunmi or Ebun
  • A description of your skills and interests, e.g., Samuel has: "Software Engineering Fellow at Headstarter AI | AI & Automation Specialist | Software Developer | Cybersecurity Enthusiast | Low-Code & No-Code Developer | Python | React |"

5. Update your experience and education Update this section to include jobs, volunteer, and work experience you've had recently. Use similar language to your resume.