LinkedIn Basics: Set Up Your Profile Step by Step

Create your account

1. Go to linkedin.com and click Join now.
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Follow the prompts to add your name, location, and most recent job.
4. Confirm your email address by entering the code LinkedIn sends you.

The exact screens can vary over time.

Fill in the key parts of your profile

Click Me (your small photo at the top), then View profile. Use the pencil icons or Add profile section button to edit.

1. Photo. A clear, recent head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background.
2. Headline. A short line naming the work you do or want, such as "Administrative Assistant | Scheduling and Office Management."
3. About. Three to five sentences in your own words about your strengths and what you are looking for.
4. Experience. Add your recent, relevant jobs with short descriptions. Consider whether very old roles are necessary for the work you want now.
5. Skills. Add skills that match the jobs you want.

You can start with just the headline and one or two jobs, and add more later.

Connect with people

1. Use the search bar at the top to look up former coworkers, managers, or classmates.
2. On their profile, click Connect.
3. When given the option, add a short note, such as "Hi Tom, we worked together at the county office. I would like to stay in touch."

Search for jobs

1. Click Jobs at the top of the page.
2. Type a job title and location, then press Enter.
3. Use filters to narrow results, such as remote or part-time options.
4. Click Save on listings you want to come back to.

Some listings let you apply directly on LinkedIn ("Easy Apply"). Others send you to the employer's website.

Stay safe

Be careful with messages from strangers offering jobs right away, especially if they ask for money or personal financial details. See recognizing job scams.

For more background, read what is LinkedIn and networking after 50.