Your profile photo is the first thing people see when they visit your profile. Make it count with these tips:

• Use a high-quality, well-lit photo with a clean, neutral background.

• Dress in a way that reflects your industry or career goals.

• Choose a friendly and approachable expression.

• Avoid filters or distracting elements that can take away from your professional image.

Why it matters: Profiles with professional photos get up to 21x more views and 36x more messages.

Your headline is more than just your job title—it should showcase your skills and ambitions.

• Highlight your field of study, career goals, or key skills.

• Include keywords that recruiters in your industry might search for.

• Keep it clear, concise, and compelling.

Example: "Aspiring Marketing Professional | Digital Content Creation | Community Engagement"

Pro Tip: Update your headline as you gain new experiences and skills.

The "About" section is your chance to tell your professional story.

• Start with a strong opening that communicates your passion and career goals.

• Highlight key accomplishments, skills, and experiences.

• Use a first-person voice to sound authentic and approachable.

• End with a call to action, such as "I'm excited to connect with others in the field!"

Example: "As a first-generation college student at PCC, I discovered a passion for helping others navigate their own educational journeys. Through internships and volunteer work, I’ve developed strong communication and event-planning skills. I’m eager to continue learning and contributing to student success."

Employers want to see how you've applied your skills in real-world situations.

• List work experience, internships, volunteer roles, and campus involvement.

• Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

• Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased event attendance by 40%").

• Focus on transferable skills if you have limited work experience.

Example: "Provided personalized academic advising to 100+ first-year students, resulting in a 15% increase in retention."

Showcase your top skills and encourage your network to endorse you.

• Add both hard and soft skills relevant to your career goals.

• Reorder skills to prioritize your strongest areas.

• Endorse others, and they may endorse you in return.

Pro Tip: Include skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—top qualities employers seek.

LinkedIn is all about building connections that support your professional growth.

• Start by connecting with classmates, professors, and colleagues.

• Personalize your connection requests with a short, friendly message.

• Join groups related to your industry or areas of interest.

• Engage with posts and share insights to stay active and visible.

Pro Tip: Follow companies you're interested in to stay informed about job opportunities and industry trend.