Ahh LinkedIn, what a great way to network… if you have it correctly set up and ready to go that is! Let’s break this awesome networking platform down so you can get the most out of it. Now, how do you set up LinkedIn for success?
Profile and Background Picture
The first step in creating a successful LinkedIn account is your profile picture. Your profile picture should be professional, almost as if you’re getting ready to go to an interview and took this picture just beforehand. This is the first thing anyone is going to see when they click on your profile, so you might as well make it look good.
Your background picture is also important. It should be a picture that means something to you that is also professional looking. Maybe a picture of the nursing school you graduated from. Or maybe you were interested in landscape photography like I was in high school. This should not be a group picture but rather something that represents what you like to do outside of work. It could even be your favorite travel destination or a place you hope to visit one day.
Do not leave your background or your profile picture blank!
About
This is a section I know I struggled with for some time. The best way to go about this is the same way you would answer the famous “Tell me about yourself” question. State what you do, where you graduated from and with what degree, what you’re skilled in, what clinical setting you hope to work in, and anything else that might be important to a potential employer. This section should be short and to the point but also something that sets you apart from the crowd.
For Example:
Recently graduated from California Baptist University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in psychology. Skilled in teamwork, leadership, and communication. Currently seeking a New Graduate position in a local hospital or outpatient clinic.
Still in nursing school? Visit Top 10 Best jobs for Students in Nursing School.
Also be sure to visit 12 Popular Skills for New Graduate Nurses to Have on Their Resume to help with this section.
Job Preferences
Be sure to turn on and edit your job preferences. This shows employers what type of job you are seeking. For “Job Title” select “Registered Nurse” then select your ideal job locations.
You can then select an immediate start date and “full-time” or “part-time” job. I would also recommend selecting “internship” for all my newly graduated nurses out there. Remember, you can change any of this information at any time if your preferences were to change.
Experience
Now for your experience section. You should already have this information if your resume is complete and up to date. I recommend printing out a copy of your resume and having it handy to help with this section.
Check out my post on Resume Tips and Tricks if you haven’t already completed your resume.
Education
Enter the name of the school you graduated from, with what degree you earned and the years you attended.
Licenses and Certifications
Here you can add your BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications if you have them. If not, leave this section blank until you complete the course.
Volunteer Experience
If you don’t have any volunteer experience leave this section blank but if you do (i.e. volunteering at church, at a food bank, on a committee), input the dates and a brief explanation of the position here.
Skills and Endorsements
In this section, former co-workers/peers can endorse you for a skill. Often times, as a new grad nurse, this section is worked on by peers. For example, in your senior leadership project, if you were the one to plan group meetings or coordinate projects, then you could have your group members endorse you for leadership and communication. In return you could endorse them for another skill like teamwork.
Accomplishments
If you earned Honor Awards or any other type of award in college you can put it here.
Interests
In this section you can follow certain companies that are of interest to you. This is a good way to see what a specific company is looking for or liking if you are thinking of applying with them. Go ahead and follow all your local hospitals, any nursing organizations you might belong to, possibly the CDC or the WHO and any company that you have worked for in the past that you enjoyed. Once you follow these companies, you will be able to see what they are posting in your feed.
Connections
Some people on LinkedIn accept all connection requests, which isn’t a true reflection of the connections you’ve made in real life. Only connect with people who you know would have something positive to say about you to potential employers. After all, this isn’t Instagram.
All Set for LinkedIn Success!
Check your feed multiple times a week when actively searching for a job. Give a ‘like’ to what your dream company is posting about and when you get an interview with them, stand out by recalling something they stand for that maybe you’ve seen them post about on LinkedIn! And that’s it, LinkedIn success here you come!