An updated LinkedIn profile is never a bad idea! 

Potential employers take to LinkedIn to view your previous job experience and determine whether or not you are qualified for the position. Your LinkedIn profile is essentially an expanded resume.  

Tips to follow to improve your LinkedIn and land your dream job:

-Include your desired position or type of work you're looking for in the headline, whether it is "Wind Turbine Technician" or "Medical Assistant" so that you will show up in searches! There's also an option to change your profile to say "open to new opportunities" or "actively searching for a new position." 

-Include contact information that you have easy access to, like your primary email.  

-Your profile photo should be professional and have a monotone background.  You should be in focus and there should be no one else in the photo. 

-Write a good summary about yourself.  Have your friends, teachers or colleagues check it over to make sure there aren't any typos.

-Emphasize your professional skills.  If you are a recent graduate, be sure to touch on the important skills and certifications you received in school.  You can even ask your peers to endorse the skills on your profile. 

-When adding someone to your network that you don't know personally, send them a message along with your invite to connect.  It adds more personalization and they will be more likely to want to connect with you. 

-Join groups! It's a group of likeminded people in your same industry or that share the same interests as you. There are groups related to every industry or niche, joining and participating can help build your network.  

-Be active! Many people check LinkedIn on a daily basis and update it frequently. 

-Proofread everything you post! You want to make sure to come off professional and respectful.  

Need other career advice or resume tips? Check out our career services page or follow us on LinkedIn.