1. Career Services:
Creating and Using a LinkedIn Profile
1. Create a LinkedIn Account
Go to www.linkedin.com to create your account.
2. Personalize your URL
Edit your public profile settings to personalize your URL. This will ideally be
www.linkedin.com/FirstnameLastname.
3. Edit your Headline
Do not use the default ‘Student at Capilano University’! Consider including: your area of study; the
industry you work/want to work in; skills that you have (especially if they differentiate you from others).
4. Select your Location & Industry
This should be Vancouver and the industry that you want to work in.
5. Upload a Professional Photo
Your photo should be a headshot (your head and shoulders) that presents you as a professional in the
industry that you want to work in. Smile, be dressed appropriately, be neatly groomed and do not include
anyone else in the photo. Before you upload your photo, look at it and consider “would I hire me based on
this photo?”
6. Write your Summary
Use this opportunity to tell your story and sell yourself to potential employers by writing about your skills
and experience. Initially create this in Word and proofread to ensure that there are no errors. Use short,
easy to read paragraphs, keywords from your preferred industry, and a list of skills at the end.
7. Enter your Education
Your most recent education (i.e. Capilano University) should appear at the top. Build up this section by
including some of the courses that you have studied and, if appropriate, links to projects that you have
worked on.
8. Enter your Experience
This can include paid employment (full-time & part-time), internships, practicums, placements, volunteer
work and international experience. Include information about the skills that you used in these jobs and
any achievements that you made. You can write in paragraph form or bullet points – but be consistent.

2. 9. Add Skills
You can add up to 50 skills which are relevant to the industry that you want to work in – add as many as
you can!
10. Follow Companies
Follow companies in your industry (especially those that you would like to work for) to keep up-to-date.
11. Join Groups
LinkedIn groups are great for connecting with like-minded professionals. Start with the Capilano University
group and then join groups that are relevant to your industry.
12. Connect with People
You are now ready to connect with people! Connect with people that you know (employers, other
students, faculty, volunteer coordinators, friends, family) and people that you meet at industry events.
Always ensure that you personalize the connection message to explain why you are connecting with
someone and connect via that person’s profile.
Your Headline
Personalize
your URL Here
Your
Professional
LinkedIn Photo
Your Location
& Industry