So, you’re ready to build a LinkedIn profile—great choice! A strong profile helps you stand out to employers, grow your professional network, and access new job opportunities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of creating a LinkedIn profile that works for you.
By the way, before we dive in, if you aren't sure about what LinkedIn is or it's benefits, check out our earlier blog on how to leverage linkedin for professional development.
Your profile photo is the first thing people see. Choose a clear, friendly headshot with good lighting. You don’t need professional photography—a smartphone works fine as long as the photo is:
Focused on your face (shoulders and up)
In front of a clean background
Friendly and confident
Tip: Wear something you’d wear to an interview in your industry.
Your headline appears under your name and gives people a quick idea of who you are. This can be your current job, your industry, or a career goal.
Examples:
"Aspiring Food Safety Manager | ServSafe Certified"
"Retail Associate with 3+ Years of Customer Service Experience"
"Warehouse and Logistics Specialist | Seeking New Opportunities"
This is your chance to tell your story. Think of it as your elevator pitch—short, friendly, and to the point. In 3–5 sentences, describe:
Who you are
What you’re passionate about
What you’re looking for
Example:
I’m a motivated team player with experience in retail and food service. I love working in fast-paced environments and helping customers have a great experience. I’m currently expanding my skills through Union Kitchen’s Career Development Program and am excited to grow my career in the food and hospitality industry.
This section is just like your resume. Add your work history, starting with the most recent:
Job title
Company name
Dates worked
A few bullet points about your responsibilities and achievements
Use action verbs like “led,” “supported,” “prepared,” or “organized.”
If you're just starting out, include volunteer experience, internships, or anything that shows responsibility and skill.
Include:
High school or GED
College or training programs
Certifications like ServSafe, food handler licenses, forklift training, or others
If you’re currently enrolled in a program, include that too.
LinkedIn lets you list up to 50 skills—focus on your strongest ones. These might include:
Customer service
Food prep
Inventory management
Microsoft Excel
Teamwork
Leadership
Your contacts can endorse these skills, which boosts your credibility.
A short recommendation from a former coworker, manager, or mentor can go a long way. It shows that other people value your work. Just ask someone you trust if they’d be willing to write a quick sentence or two.
Keep it updated – Add new jobs, skills, and training as you go.
Proofread – Make sure there are no typos or grammar errors.
Be active – Like posts, follow companies, or join industry groups to stay engaged.
Setting up your LinkedIn profile is one of the best ways to take control of your job search and long-term career. With a professional profile, employers can find you, learn about your skills, and see that you’re ready to grow.