LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking tool. It's a valuable platform for connecting with St Andrews alumni and potential employers and organisations.

Getting started

  1. Sign up with your name and email, and choose a password.
  2. Follow the prompts to complete your profile.

Book an appointment with a CV Adviser for support with your profile.

Creating an effective profile

Add a profile picture

Use a high-quality, professional headshot. Profiles with photos attract more views and connection requests. You can also use the open to work feature to let recruiters know you are open to new opportunities.  For more advice, read LinkedIn’s top ten tips for picking the right profile picture.

Include a cover image

Add a background image to make your profile stand out. Choose something personal like a St Andrews scene, or an image related to your degree or hobbies.

Write a strong headline

This appears under your name. Use up to 120 characters to highlight your focus, skills, and goals. Include keywords relevant to your field.

Custom URL

Create a personalised URL (for example, linkedin.com/in/YourName) and set your profile to public for better visibility.

About section

Write one to two paragraphs summarising your personality, strengths, and career goals. Use industry keywords. End by clearly stating what you're currently looking for or hoping to achieve next in your career (for example, seeking internships or entry-level roles). LinkedIn's example profile summaries.

Experience and education

List relevant roles, internships, or voluntary work with brief descriptions and achievements. Highlight transferable skills. For education, mention key courses and skills. Add media or links to projects and certificates.

Skills endorsements

Add up to 100 relevant skills. Ask connections to endorse them to validate your strengths.

Recommendations

Request written recommendations from 1st-degree connections to highlight your work and character.

Using LinkedIn effectively

Once your profile is complete, you can:

  • Expand your network – Connect with friends, alumni, colleagues, and industry contacts.
  • Join sector-specific groups and the St Andrews University Alumni group to stay engaged.
  • Explore careers – Research companies, follow employers, and stay updated on industry trends.
  • Search for jobs – Use filters to find relevant vacancies, set job alerts, and track new opportunities.
  • Apply speculatively – Reach out to employers or hiring managers directly on LinkedIn, even if no roles are advertised.
  • Build your brand – Share, comment on, or create content that reflects your professional interests.

Additional resources