LinkedIn for Millennials

Joining LinkedIn is an important social media milestone in every young millennial’s social media life. It’s the first sign that you’re ready to become a young professional and begin looking for a “real job”. But like anything, when you do something for the first time, you tend to make a lot of mistakes. When you make these all-too-common mistakes on LinkedIn, instead of getting new opportunities it could cause doors to slam in your face. Following this sound advice, could make all the difference in starting your career.

1.       Have a Professional Profile Picture

I can’t stress how important it is to have a professional profile picture on LinkedIn. If your picture is: a selfie, has another person cropped out, is from a wedding, bad quality, or the wrong size, you need to re-think your profile picture. This is your first impression to thousands of potential employers. Before you even interview for a job, your future employer is likely to check you LinkedIn page to see your experience and skills. If your profile picture includes half of your best friend in it, they may decide not to move forward with your application.

You don’t have to hire a photographer to get an acceptable picture. I’ll tell you a little secret about how I got my picture. It’s actually from my engagement photo shoot where I was sitting on top of my fiancé’s shoulders. You just have to get creative. The next time you’re wearing something that isn't too revealing and work-appropriate, ask a friend to grab a picture of you. The background is also crucial. Be sure you have a neutral background like a blank wall or an outdoor scene.

2.       Fill out your LinkedIn Profile all the Way

Think of your LinkedIn profile like a job application. You wouldn’t leave some of the questions on an application blank, would you? Your LinkedIn profile is the same thing. Make sure you add all of you experience and add at least a few bullet points about what you did at all of your past positions. While you’re logged in, be sure to add all of your contacts. LinkedIn has a section called people you may know, so go there and add everyone you know. Your peers are great to add, but your older contacts like your professors and older friends. Then, endorse them for the skills they have to encourage them to do the same for you.

There is such a thing as too much information, though. You should only include experience that’s relevant to your field. Unfortunately, that waitressing job isn’t going to get you further in the PR industry. If you don’t have experience in your field, include internship or volunteering experience. You can also elaborate on specific courses you’ve taken that will prepare you for a new career.

3.       Sweep your other Social Networks for Inappropriate Pictures

If a potential employer is checking out your LinkedIn profile, they’re going to look at your other networks as well. Even if you have them set on private, employers have their ways of accessing profiles. While you don’t have to look like a perfect angel, you want to be on the look-out for some big red flags. For example, a picture with a drink in your hand would be acceptable for most employers, but doing a keg stand or taking shots would be a little much. You also should look for controversial posts that include a lot of cursing, putting complaining about former employers, or posts that could be interpreted as racist or derogatory.

I hope this advice moves your application from the maybe pile to the yes pile. Happy job hunting, fellow millennials and remember it’s the extra effort that sets you apart from the other candidates.