On March 24, 2021, Meranda Vieyra presented LinkedIn basics and ways to create an all-star profile to the University of Colorado Law School students. She provided the future lawyers’ reasons for maintaining a LinkedIn profile and tips on building a profile and using LinkedIn to find work as a lawyer.
LinkedIn Basics
LinkedIn is the leading social media platform for professionals. It is especially popular among lawyers, 90% of which are on LinkedIn. Of LinkedIn’s 740 million users, 90 million are senior-level influencers, and 63 million are in decision-making positions.
LinkedIn is an invaluable resource for networking and finding a job. To have an incomplete profile or to not have a profile at all is intentionally passing up opportunities.
Build Your LinkedIn Profile
Completely fill out your LinkedIn profile; this includes a professional photo. Profiles with pictures receive 14 times more views than profiles without photos.
Update your headline to include important information, such as keywords like “law student” or “new attorney.” Add your location or the location you are looking for work in. Include your preferred audience and your proof of authority, such as awards, in the headline as well. Be sure to include any previous employer or colleague recommendations and accomplishments on your profile.
Personalize your vanity URL so that it matches the name you have on your profile and the name you will be using to market yourself.
Do’s and Don’ts for the Summary Statement
Do use first-person point of view in the summary statement, but avoid talking about yourself too much. This is where you show your interest in the law. Use paragraph breaks with headings to make it easy to read or skim. Use a call to action such as “contact me” or “let’s talk,” and make sure to include your contact information.
Do not just simply copy and paste your resume in the summary statement. Write it out instead. Do not focus too much on yourself. Instead, focus on what you can do for others. Do not use a third-person point of view in the summary statement. Make sure that you are using keywords naturally, and do not overuse emojis or symbols.
LinkedIn Marketing and Brand Strategy
To market yourself on LinkedIn, follow firms and organizations you are interested in. You can follow up to 100 of the 1.8 million groups on LinkedIn. This will help you connect with people you do not know yet and build your network.
Make posts that are consistent with your brand and add to the conversation. Use the posts to be the go-to expert in something, and remember to be consistent in your messaging.
Use LinkedIn to Find a Job
To use LinkedIn to help you find a job, make sure you have an all-star profile. To get an all-star profile, make sure you have the following:
- Professional Profile Photo
- Headline
- Summary Statement
- Jobs (At least 2)
- Skills (At least 10)
- Connections (500+)
- Law area of interest with zip code
- Education area completed
Nurture your network by being active on LinkedIn. Keep your profile updated and build your network before you need it. Do not wait, and reach out to people you want to connect with today!
