- As a jobseeker, the social media site is key for researching a company, putting your name out there and meeting people with similar career goals
- Make sure to list your experience, have a professional-looking photo and let your personality shine
If you’re looking for a job or internship, a good LinkedIn profile will really help you out. Photo: ShutterstockLooking to bag your dream job this summer, but not sure what to include in your LinkedIn profile?
Fret not! Young Post speaks to Ellen Lai, regional director at recruitment agency Michael Page Hong Kong, about the essentials of crafting the perfect profile and how to make a stellar portfolio that will wow potential employers.
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What do companies look for when hiring interns?
Companies typically look for someone with a relevant degree. For students, having prior experience in the field you are applying for helps. But don’t worry if this is the first time you are applying for an internship.
Personality and attitude also play a major part in internship selection – most organisations look for candidates who are responsible and willing to learn. Having a good GPA and a good track record of taking part in extracurricular activities is also a plus.
Why is it important to have a LinkedIn presence?
LinkedIn is the largest business-oriented networking website geared specifically towards professionals. LinkedIn research has shown that 93 per cent of recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to research and search for candidates.
As a jobseeker, it is also a great way to research a company. In addition, as users expand their networks on LinkedIn, they can learn from and be inspired by other users on the platform.
How can students use LinkedIn to make their CVs stand out?
As a student, the best way to showcase your profile is to list all your qualifications in detail. Include your school name, location, and field of study. It is always recommended to include your GPA if it is in the second upper tier or above.
Use keywords related to the job you are applying for, e.g. “marketing”, or “engineering,” to increase the chances of your profile being seen by recruiters.
You should also showcase your skills under the “featured skills” section of your profile. Remember to include all the languages you are proficient in, as well as certifications and awards you have received.
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I don’t have work experience. What should I include in the “About” section of my profile?
It’s perfectly fine and employers will understand that this is the first time searching for a job for some interns. Instead, you can include your qualifications and goals. Most importantly, describe yourself, your skills, and what makes you unique.
You can take this opportunity to introduce yourself to potential hiring managers and future colleagues by listing your current education status and share what you are excited to work on in the future. An example of this would be “Year 2 psychology student seeking a role in research”.
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to including your hobbies. However, it is crucial to be smart about which hobbies you include, as it can affect how you come across to potential employers. One way to do that is to include hobbies that could be beneficial or relevant to the job, or group activities that demonstrate teamwork or resilience.
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Is it a must to include a photo?
Having a profile photo makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others. The ideal profile photo would be a recent professional headshot – a high-resolution image (400 x 400 pixels) with your face taking up at least 60 per cent of the frame.
Remember to choose the right facial expression, as studies have shown that people view you as more likeable, competent, and influential if you smile in your picture. As for your outfit, a rule of thumb would be to wear what you would wear to work; this means no plunging necklines, neon colours or busy prints.
If you are taking a photo against a white background, it is recommended to wear dark-coloured attire for better contrast.
Should the “Summary” be written in first or third person, and what is the recommended word count?
A summary should be in first person, as LinkedIn is a social media platform and writing in the third person can come across as less personal.
There is a 2,000 word limit for this section, and according to LinkedIn data, a longer summary has a better chance of capturing recruiters’ attention. However, it is important to ensure that you include only essential and interesting information about yourself, and completely capture the essence of who you are and your professional experience.
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What should I put in the “Experience” section?
Include all relevant work experiences and link them to the respective companies. Start with a short overview of two to three sentences to describe what your job entailed, along with some facts and figures, and follow up with no more than three to five bullet points stating your achievements. Use action verbs such as “in charge of”, “organised”, “delivered”, and “revamped” to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.
It is always helpful to include volunteer experience and causes. 41 per cent of LinkedIn recruiters say they consider these to be on par with full-time paid work. You can also list organisations that you’ve been involved with or that you support.
Don’t forget the “Licences and Certifications” section
Last but not least, don’t forget to fill in the “Licenses and Certifications” section in your profile. You can list both online and offline courses or certifications that you’ve earned to showcase the skills that you’ve acquired.