Preparing Your New LinkedIn Profile

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In today’s technology driven world, most high school students are well versed on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. But what about LinkedIn? Do you even need one while you’re in high school?

More and more that answer is becoming a strong yes! Billed as a social networking site for professionals, a LinkedIn profile is a formal area to present information on your experience, accomplishments, skills, and professional interests. Even if you have limited work experience, just having a LinkedIn profile is a great way to show that you are seriously preparing for your future.

Why do you need a profile?

As more aspects of daily life become digital, finding job opportunities is no different. Having a LinkedIn profile allows students to curate a professional online identity, find and apply to jobs easier, and connect directly with potential employers. Developing a professional contact base also gives young people a head start acquiring invaluable networking skills and collateral.

Who should you connect with?

High school students usually have several people they could connect with through a professional profile. Family and friends with LinkedIn accounts are a great starting point. Connecting with people you know well allows you to grow your network, thus opening up their networks to potential second and third level connections. Consider your teachers, coaches, counselors, and supervisors also - not only are they great network connections, but can also be excellent resources for recommendations and skills endorsements.

What information should you list?

The first thing you should do is complete your profile, being sure to be accurate and truthful. Then add professional experience, including summer jobs, volunteering activities, and internships.

High school students, if you don’t have any work experience, don’t panic! There is still plenty of information you can add. Start with any awards or honors you’ve earned – these are a great way to show how you stand out from the crowd. Follow that up by taking a look at the extensive list of skills that LinkedIn allows you to select and add to your profile. The sooner you identify your skills, the sooner you can start gaining skill endorsements from teachers, supervisors and other members of your network. Endorsements accumulate over time so it’s great to start early.

A few final tips! Be sure to review your LinkedIn account settings when you first start out - there may be hidden options that alert your contacts of activity without your knowing. Remember that future employers will likely be accessing your profile when considering you for job openings so avoid oversharing and highlight your professional interests often. Spamming people with connection requests is not good practice. If you want to connect with someone you don’t know, add a personal note to inform them of why you you’re making the request.

Happy connecting!