STAGE 1 - CREATE A BEGINNER PROFILE
This page sets out the steps involved to create a basic LinkedIn profile. Once you've completed these steps, check out the intermediate and advanced profile options.
1A - Create an account
- Click here to registerAs you complete the registration process, LinkedIn will ask you a series of questions e.g. Most recent job title. Click on the skip button if there are any questions you don't want to answer.
- Forgot your password?If you already have an account but can’t remember your password, click on the Forgot password? link below the Sign in button.
1B - Add a second email address to your account
- Update your email addressLinkedIn recommends that you add at least one personal and one work email address. This will ensure that you can always access your account even if you change roles, internet service providers, etc.
1C - Check your privacy and security settings
1D - Do you want to anonymously view other profiles?
If you don’t want people to know when you’ve visited their LinkedIn profile:
- Click on Privacy settings
- Scroll to Profile viewing options.
- Click on Change to the right of this section.
- Select the Private mode - Anonymous LinkedIn Member option.
If you turn on this option, you won’t be able to see who has viewed your profile.
- How to view a LinkedIn profile anonymouslyYouTube video (2 mins).
- How to stop LinkedIn from telling someone you viewed their profileAccess step-by-step instructions.
1E - Turn off notifications for your profile edits
If you don’t want people in your network to be notified when you make changes to your profile:
- Click on Privacy settings
- Scroll to Share job changes, education changes, and work anniversaries from your profile
- Click on Change to the right of this section. Slide the Yes toggle menu across to No to stop sharing your profile edits.
- Share profile changes with your networkAccess step-by-step instructions.
1F - Add your profile photo
Locate a recent photo where you look professional and approachable.
Try to avoid using a selfie or including other people in your photo.
Your photo should have a neutral (not distracting) background and be either JPG or PNG format.
How to add your profile photo
- Click on the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select View profile.
- Click on the camera icon at the top left of your profile page. If you’ve previously added a photo, you just need to click on your photo/image.
- Upload your photo.
- Use the zoom and crop options until your face fills about 60% of the available space.
- Professional academic headshotsProfessional photoshoots are offered several times a year for academic staff. Upcoming sessions are advertised in Staff News and via faculty communications channels.
1G - Add your background banner photo
Above your profile photo, there's a default image of a blue rectangle with dots and lines.
You can change this image to one that reflects your research interests; location (e.g. Sydney skyline); or workplace.
How to add a background photo:
- Click on the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select View profile.
- Click on the camera icon at the top right corner of the banner image.
Where to find a suitable image
Avoid using Google Images as most of the images will be protected by copyright.
If none of your own photos are suitable, try the following free stock photo websites:
Quick links
- Ask for helpContact the Librarian who supports your area.