Most students will have been told to set up a LinkedIn account by their lecturers. Why? Because it is a great site to showcase your academic and professional achievements.

In this day and age, more and more employers are turning to LinkedIn to look at your achievements and experience when you apply for a job.

With that said, you can see why it is so important to set up an account.

But did you know that your profile could be turning potential employers away?

Yep. It’s true. Potential employers can take one look at your LinkedIn profile and make a snap decision based on what they see.

Here’s 5 things you are getting wrong with your LinkedIn profile.

  1. Profile Photo
    You’ve got to remember that LinkedIn isn’t Facebook. Employers are looking for a professional profile picture. We don’t mean you have to go out an have a professional photo shoot done. It just means is that you have to look the part. Dress smart, face forward and smile. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy.
  2. Treating it like social networks
    Okay, so LinkedIn is technically a social network, but that doesn’t mean you go posting photos from your night out last weekend. Nor do you want to be posting crude comments to your pals. When it comes to LinkedIn you’ve got to think smart. Think professional. What do you want your boss to see? Keep in mind that LinkedIn is all about connecting with professionals in your field.
  3. Not enough information
    Your LinkedIn profile is essentially an online CV. So you should treat it as such. But it’s also so much more than that. Put down every little achievement, every work placement you do. Include any volunteer work you’ve done. Don’t be afraid to brag about what you’ve done, and don’t forget to be as descriptive as possible.
  4. Typos
    Remember, this site is to help you connect with professionals and potential employers. It’s got to look the part. Make sure there are no typos on your profile. There’s nothing more unprofessional looking than a profile that is filled with spelling mistakes and bad grammar.
  5. Not adding rich media
    Links, documents, photos, videos. LinkedIn lets you add them all, so you can showcase your work. Make the most of it. This feature allows you to create a portfolio of your work that employers can find easily.The thing with LinkedIn is that it allows you to connect with other people in your field of study, whether those people are lecturers, other students, or potential employers. You need to be careful what you are posting on it. But most of all, show off. Show everyone what you’re capable of, and be proud of it.