How to create a LinkedIn profile for your job search

“Do you have LinkedIn?”

You’ve probably heard this question asked before, and it’s for a good reason.

Since launching in 2002, LinkedIn now has over 690 million users cross 200 countries. Think of it like a professional Facebook, where the focus is on careers and business (not cat videos). Technically, yes, it’s a social media site; but it ’s more focused on job searching, education, research and networking.


One of the biggest advantages of having a LinkedIn profile, is that it’s a great tool for your job search. On LinkedIn you can:

  • Apply for jobs on the site
  • Let potential employers view your profile (and vice-versa)
  • Be contacted by recruiters
  • Research the company you are applying for (and its employees)
  • Connect with colleagues past and present

Setting yourself up on LinkedIn can really help you find work or get ahead in your career. It’s easy to set up and even easier to maintain. How much or often you choose to use it is up to you and your preferences. So grab your resume (if you have one) and let’s get started.

1: Set up your profile

Head to LinkedIn to create your profile. Follow the prompts by LinkedIn, filling in the information as requested. The more information you can provide now the better, it will mean less updates later on.

Use a suitable photo (no selfies from the pub) for your profile picture, then you can start adding your location, industry, add a personal summary, skills, languages, qualifications and so on. You can fit much more information which you wouldn’t be able to share on your resume.

This is the summary of your LinkedIn page, so make it count! Add in your relevant information, you can even add your skills or if you are open to work!

Take some time to think about what it is you want to highlight, are you a great leader? Highlight your management skills. Are you looking to change industries? Highlight the transferable skills that will make you a good employee anywhere.

2: Connect your network

LinkedIn is pretty clever, once you have added your email address, your school and education it will automatically suggest who you should connect with. Connect with old colleagues, classmates, or even people you may know through your network – you never know who may be hiring!

You can also personalise your request with a message to say hello to your potential connection.

TIP: genuine over generic, don’t just copy and paste the same message. Share why you’re looking to connect with them e.g. “Hi Simon, I see we have a few mutual connections through working/studying at XXX. Looking forward to connecting with you!

3: Request endorsements and recommendations

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have a great big billboard that said how fantastic you were? That you are a hard worker and awesome at any job? Well, LinkedIn offers endorsements and recommendations which is the next best thing! Recommendations are testimonials from people who know you, and endorsements are recommendations of your skills.

Add your skills by searching in the tool bar to add them to your profile.

TIP: the skills with the most amount of endorsements will sit highest on your profile, so think about which skills you want to highlight first. E.g. you may be a great public speaker, but it may be better to showcase your customer service skills for your next role.

4: Share your LinkedIn page

You can add your LinkedIn profile to resume, cover letters or in emails. It’s an added tool in your job search, and it may just put you ahead of other candidates. Simply copy the URL from your profile and share it wherever you like. You can also let Recruiters and Hiring Managers know that you’re looking or open to work via your profile settings, because why not work smarter not harder? Let them come to you!

Update your settings (under privacy) to show that you’re open to work & new opportunities

5: Get job searching!

LinkedIn also comes with its own job search function – and it’s popular with Recruiters – so it’s great to add this to your job search.

Let the recruiters come to you!

You can also research companies before you apply, which gives you an idea of what the company is like to work for, and make sure it’s the right fit for you.

TIP: you can reach out directly to the Hiring Manager of the role from the job posting, and it helps you stand out as proactive candidate who takes initiative!

If you’re looking for your next job, or want to take your job search to the next level, Campbell Page can help.

Whether you’re ready to start work now, or need some extra support with training or confidence building to help you prepare your for work, we’ve got your back through every step of the job search process!

Send us a message and we’ll will be in touch shortly, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

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Image credit: LinkedIn, jobscan, Turbo Future, makeameme.org, LinkedIn Makeover