From student to standout: Build a strong LinkedIn profile

First impressions matter, both in person and online, and a strong LinkedIn profile can get you one step closer to that face-to-face interview. A profile is not built on career experience alone. You can construct your profile to emphasise your skills, passions, ambitions, and potential rather than job titles or years of experience.

Recruiters and managers spend no more than 30 seconds reviewing a profile, which means you need to positively stand out quickly.

Build your profile early, update it often, and let LinkedIn work for you as your career unfolds. These tips will help you construct a recruiter-ready profile.

First impressions matter: Your photo and headline

The photo and headline of your LinkedIn profile do heavy lifting — they offer a snapshot of who you are and what you bring.

Having a photo makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed. Pick a recent, high-resolution photo that is professional and looks like you. The photo gives the viewer a clear idea of who they’d expect if they met you tomorrow. Best tips:

Be the only one in the photo
Wear what you’d wear to work
Avoid distracting backgrounds

After uploading the photo, writing a headline comes next. And with a 220-character limit, you want to use those words wisely.

Searchable keywords you enter in your headline pop up in recruiters’ searches. Include your technical skills and profession-specific terms found in job postings, but avoid vague words like “driven” or “enthusiastic”. For students and recent graduates, highlight your field of study, relevant skills, and career goals.

The story of you

The “About” section is a short career snapshot, and the goal is to hook the reader’s attention. Your profile should be compelling, written in first person, and focus on the value you offer.

The first 90–150 characters on mobile are visible before the “See more” button — make those words count.

The section should include:

What you’re studying
Why finance or accounting interests you
The skills you currently have and the skills you’re currently building

You can also add a video cover story instead of a profile photo. The LinkedIn cover story is a 30-second video that allows you to introduce yourself directly to viewers. The video showcases your personality in a unique way for recruiters and future employers to get to know you better.

Remember, the “About” section is the story of you; make it shine and really bring to life the skills you’ve learned.

Experience comes in many forms

This early in your career, you may not have a lot of paid experience — and that’s okay. As you input your experience and write corresponding blurbs, focus on the skills gained and outcomes achieved, not just on job titles.

Experience can look like:

Part-time work
Internships
Group projects
Volunteer efforts
Student societies
Extracurricular activities

Even sports skills shape careers. If you joined a sports league, like England Touch, while at university, list what your experience taught you. Public speaking, leadership, problem-solving in fast-paced environments, and teamwork are just a few skills honed by sports.

Let your education do the talking

The bulk of your experience right now is likely linked to your education and professional qualifications. You’ll want to write this section of your profile diligently.

Not only can you add your university and degree programme, but you can also get detailed with your relevant coursework, modules, skills, awards, clubs, activities, and societies. Attaching documents, work samples, presentations, or other media showcases your talents.

The more you add, the more you boost searchability and credibility.

Responsible AI use on LinkedIn

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can also support writing your LinkedIn profile. These tools can assist with:

Generating unique headline ideas
Drafting and refining profile content
Identifying searchable keywords that you can add into your headline
Translating your experience into skills
Adjusting language to sound more professional
Drafting connection messages or responses to recruiters

LinkedIn also has its own AI-powered features that are available both free and for a subscription fee.

The “Job Match” feature is a free tool that analyses whether a job is the right fit for your skills. Premium subscribers have access to AI-powered tools that write cover letters or draft posts.

If you use these tools, don’t just copy and paste the results into your profile and move on. Review results for any errors and polish the text to make it genuinely sound like you.

A career tool that grows with you

LinkedIn is a great tool as you build your career and professional brand.

Don’t underestimate the value of building a virtual professional network; it’s just as meaningful as in-person connections. Keep in touch with business contacts, peers, and recruiters you meet along this journey. You can invite these individuals to write recommendations to illustrate what working with you is like.

Follow relevant influencers in your profession or industry. As you peruse profiles, many will offer snapshots of the dynamic possibilities available in your chosen industry or profession — opportunities, roles, credentials, and more.

LinkedIn posts and articles make it easy to read expert-written insights, stay up to date on profession trends, learn industry news, and so much more.

Be sure to also follow professional organisations, their leaders, and your university’s official page. These are easy ways to gain knowledge and updates.

Your LinkedIn profile doesn’t have to be perfect; it just must be current. Your profile will naturally evolve as you do, reflecting each new skill, interest, and opportunity along the way.

From student to standout: Build a strong LinkedIn profile

Tagged in:

First impressions matter: Your photo and headline

The story of you

Experience comes in many forms

Let your education do the talking

Responsible AI use on LinkedIn

A career tool that grows with you

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