How to Make LinkedIn Work for You

Rachel Huss
Jul 12
2 min read

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

During my time in graduate school, I took Gary Kayye’s Branding of Me class, which genuinely changed my life. In the Spring 2021 semester, it was one of just two courses that required us to start a blog—an assignment that sparked the creation of Husstling Around Town, a blog I’ve now maintained for over four years.

Gary Kayye in a blue shirt speaking on stage, holding a remote. Blue and red lighting set a serious tone. Background is a blurred deep blue. — Image courtesy of The Rave Agency.

For this article, I want to talk about the other lessons Kayye teaches: LinkedIn. When you use LinkedIn with purpose, it's a powerful tool to differentiate yourself from other job applicants. This past week, I helped one of the summer interns at my company with hers. I want to share with you some of the things I taught her.

Person using a social media marketing concept on mobile phone with notification icons of like, message, comment and star above smartphone sc..jpg — Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Now, I want to share with you some of the tips I gave her: simple, actionable ways to make your LinkedIn work for you.

3 LinkedIn Tips

1. Update Your Background Photo to Reflect Your School or Industry

Your background photo is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile. Yet, many people leave it blank or stick with the generic blue gradient. That's a missed opportunity.

If you're in school, use an image that connects you to your school (via a recognizable building or a banner with your university's name). Visitors to your page will know where you go to school, and it gives them an easy way to connect with your alumni network.

If you're working, consider updating your image from your school to one that reflects your current position. Sometimes companies create LinkedIn cover photos. Ask your Human Resources department if they could send you the company LinkedIn banner.

White gazebo with a teal dome in a landscaped garden. Surrounded by green trees, pink blossoms, and pathways on a sunny day. — Image courtesy of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2. Don't Be Afraid to Connect with People

LinkedIn's greatest strength is its democratization of networking. It doesn't matter if you have never met someone; if you want to learn from them, send them a note when you connect.

Don't hesitate to connect with individuals who attended the same school as you, whom you met at an event, who work at your company, or who are in your industry.

When you grow your network, you can open doors, provide valuable advice, and help you discover opportunities that you might not find otherwise.

3. Keep Your Connection Requests Short and Personal

When reaching out, remember LinkedIn limits you to 200 characters in connection messages. If you don't have LinkedIn Premium, you are limited to 5 connection messages per month. Use these messages sparingly. In 200 characters, you want to show the recipient that you value their time and express genuine interest in connecting.

This is the skeleton message I worked on with the intern.

Hi (insert first name),

I would love to connect with you. I would love to set up a virtual coffee to learn more about your career journey. Please let me know what days and times work best for you.

LinkedIn can initially feel intimidating or overwhelming. However, when used effectively, the platform transform you from allows you a name on a faceless resume into a real person with a unique story.