LinkedIn might not feel as fun as Instagram or TikTok, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to get noticed in your career.

Recruiters, employers, and other designers check it constantly. Even if you don’t love social media, a LinkedIn profile is a professional must-have.

In this edition we’ll look at what you need to get started, and then how to push the limits to make your profile stand out. Much of the advice here is drawn from trusted resources: National Careers Service, LinkedIn’s own help guide, Hubspot’s profile cheat sheet, and Forbes’ insights from 100 hiring professionals.

The Basics

If you’re a student or graduate without a profile, don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on these essentials:

Profile photo – clear, professional, and approachable. No holiday snaps. A simple headshot with good lighting helps people trust that you’re genuine and makes a strong first impression.

You don't need to pay for professional headshots. You don't even need a professional camera. Watch some YouTube tutorials about how to get the most out of your phone's camera and how to set up for professional looking headshots at home.

Headline – more than “Student at X”. Try “Aspiring UX Designer | Skilled in Figma & User Research.” This short line is one of the first things people see, so use it to show ambition and highlight your skills.

About section – 2–3 sentences: who you are, what you’re looking for, and what drives you. This section lets you tell your story in your own words and show personality beyond your CV.

Education & experience – include uni, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Even roles outside design can highlight transferable skills like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.

Skills – pick a handful that match your future career goals. Prioritise quality over quantity so recruiters can quickly see your strengths without scrolling through an endless list.

Going Further

Once you’ve nailed the basics, here’s how to take your profile up a level:

Custom banner – use a simple design, or something tied to your portfolio/brand. This is the large header image on your profile, so treat it like a chance to show your personality or reinforce your design style.

Featured section – showcase projects, portfolios, or visuals. Think of it as your shop window where people can immediately see your best work without digging through your profile.

Keywords – use industry terms in your headline and about section. Recruiters search with these, so including the right terms boosts your chances of being found.

Recommendations – ask tutors, peers, or colleagues to write short endorsements. These provide social proof and show that others value your work and character.

Engagement – join groups, comment on posts, and connect with others in design. Activity shows you’re part of the conversation and helps you build visibility over time.

Push the Limits

LinkedIn can be more than just an online CV. Here’s how to really use it:
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​Share updates on projects, internships, or insights from your course. These don’t need to be long – even short posts show you’re active, engaged, and learning in real time.

Send connection requests with a tailored note (e.g. “I admire your work on X project…”). A personal touch makes people more likely to accept and can spark meaningful conversations.

Publish short articles or reflections to show your thinking. Writing posts demonstrates curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to share ideas with others.

Update your profile constantly and remember that your activity contributes to the professional story people see about you.

The Move

This week, do one of the following:

If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, set up the basics.

If you already do, add or update one new element (a banner, a featured project, or a thoughtful new connection).

Resources

Want to dig deeper? These guides expand on everything covered above:

• National Careers Service: How to create a LinkedIn profile – step-by-step basics.
• LinkedIn official help article – direct from LinkedIn’s support team.
• Hubspot LinkedIn profile perfection cheat sheet – quick wins to polish your profile.
• Forbes: Advice from 100 hiring professionals – what recruiters really want to see.
• Example profile: Liam Martin – a living example of good practice.

See you next week!

Tom​
​Hired in Design

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