Why LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a platform for anyone looking to start or advance their career. It is the largest professional network, and the vast majority of hiring managers use it to find new talent. LinkedIn enables you to build your network, research career options, exchange ideas, post content, and find employment opportunities.
Employers will be looking at your social media, so it’s important that your profiles show a positive image that reflects your career values. Ensure that your profiles are accurate and posts are appropriate for the workplace.
Whether you are a first year student exploring career paths, or a senior gearing up for a job search, LinkedIn has features that can aid you throughout your career development journey.
Create your profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Write a strong about section: Showcase your expertise by highlighting your skills and experience in a way that aligns with your career goals.
- Choose a professional profile picture: Use our Headshot Studio to take a free, high-quality photo at any time.
- Add an eye-catching banner: Select an image that reflects something about you (related to Mizzou or your field).
- Write a compelling headline: Draft a brief tagline about your career interests, skills, and goals.
- Customize your URL: Use your full name to make it easy for people to find you.
Engage with LinkedIn
- Research companies: View employees, available jobs and internships, and content they post which highlights their culture, values, and personality.
- Explore career paths: Discover what Mizzou alumni are doing with their degrees and arrange informational interviews.
- Make connections: Grow your network by reaching out to family, friends, co-workers, and professionals in your field of study.
- Refresh your profile: Add new skills, experiences, and projects and keep details current.
- Post on your feed: Share academic and professional content and announce your achievements.
- Be responsive: Reply to messages, react to comments, and answer invitations promptly.
For guidance on completing your profile and making the most of LinkedIn, utilize our resources and staff for helpful tips and advice.
Headshots
The MU Career Center offers a Headshot Studio where students, faculty, and staff can take a professional-quality headshot for their LinkedIn profile and social media accounts.
Users can easily adjust the lighting levels, take as many photos as they wish, edit their chosen portrait, and wirelessly send it to themselves from the studio. There are printed instructions indicating how to take the best photo and send it to yourself.
The Headshot Studio is located within the MU Career Center, on the lower level of the Student Success Center on Lowry Mall. It is available on a drop-in basis when the Career Center is open, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There may be a brief wait, but it won’t take more than 5 minutes to complete your photo.
What should I wear?
Your LinkedIn photo should look professional. Wear business attire or bring a change of clothes to make sure you look good from the waist up! There is a restroom nearby if you need to change. If you are not sure what to wear, check out:
