Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 6
    Apps & Services
    Beginner
    4 min read 6 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    LinkedIn Basics: Set Up a Profile and Find Job Leads

    LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network. Here is how to create a profile, connect with people, and browse job postings.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Apps & Services
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    4 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    linkedin
    job search
    professional network
    profile
    career

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Create your account
    2. 2.Add a profile photo
    3. 3.Fill in your experience and education
    4. 4.Write a headline and summary
    5. 5.Connect with people you know
    6. 6.Browse job postings
    1

    Create your account

    ~21s
    Go to linkedin.com in your browser or download the LinkedIn app from the App Store or Google Play. Click "Join now." Enter your first name, last name, email address, and a password. LinkedIn will ask about your current work situation — choose the option that fits best (employed, looking for work, student, or not looking). Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your email address.
    2

    Add a profile photo

    ~27s
    A profile photo makes your profile much more trustworthy and gets more attention. Click on your profile picture circle and upload a clear, friendly photo of your face — ideally taken in good lighting with a plain background. It does not need to be a professional headshot, but avoid using vacation photos, group photos, or images where your face is hard to see.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Profiles with photos receive up to 21 times more views than profiles without one, according to LinkedIn.

    3

    Fill in your experience and education

    ~21s
    Scroll down your profile and click "Add experience" to list your jobs. For each position, add the company name, your job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of what you did. Then click "Add education" to list your highest level of schooling. You do not need to fill in every single field — start with the basics and add more later.
    4

    Write a headline and summary

    ~24s
    Your headline is the text that appears directly below your name. By default it shows your current job title, but you can change it to something more descriptive — for example, "Retired Nurse | Passionate About Senior Health" or "Small Business Owner | 20 Years in Retail." Your "About" section (found by scrolling down your profile) lets you write a few sentences introducing yourself in your own words. Keep it friendly and honest.
    5

    Connect with people you know

    ~22s
    LinkedIn will suggest people you may know based on your email contacts and employers. Click "Connect" next to people you recognize. When you send a connection request, LinkedIn may ask if you want to add a note — a short personal message like "Great working with you at ABC Company!" is always a nice touch. Your connections can see your profile and you can see theirs.
    6

    Browse job postings

    ~31s
    Click the "Jobs" icon (briefcase) at the top of the LinkedIn page or app. Type a job title or keyword and your location into the search boxes. LinkedIn will show a list of open positions. Click any job to read the full description. If you want to apply, click "Easy Apply" (if available) to submit your LinkedIn profile as your application, or click "Apply" to go to the company's own website.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Use the "Job Alerts" feature to receive an email whenever a new job matching your search is posted. Look for the "Set alert" option after searching.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: LinkedIn Basics: Set Up a Profile and Find Job Leads

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    LinkedIn is a free website and app where professionals share their work experience, connect with colleagues, and look for job opportunities. Think of it as a combination of a resume, a business card directory, and a job board — all in one place.

    You do not need to be actively looking for work to benefit from LinkedIn. Many people use it to stay in touch with former coworkers, learn about their industry, or maintain an online presence when a potential employer searches for their name. Recruiters and hiring managers regularly search LinkedIn to find candidates, so having a profile can open doors even when you are not job hunting.

    LinkedIn is free to use. There is a paid tier called "LinkedIn Premium" that offers extra features like seeing who viewed your profile and access to online courses. However, the free version is more than enough for most people — especially when getting started.

    Setting up a good LinkedIn profile takes about 30 minutes. The most important parts are a clear photo, a summary of your professional experience, and a brief description of what you do or what you are looking for. You do not need to list every job you have ever had — focus on the most relevant and recent experience.

    LinkedIn has over 900 million members worldwide and is used in virtually every industry. Even if you are retired, having a profile can help you stay connected to former colleagues and professional communities you care about.

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    linkedin
    job search
    professional network
    profile
    career

    Official Resources

    Apple App Store SupportGoogle Play HelpGCFGlobal — Apps

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    TikTok for Beginners: How to Watch and Enjoy Videos

    Next →

    Facebook Reels: How to Watch and Share Short Videos

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How to Use Instagram: A Complete Beginner's Guide

    Learn to set up Instagram, post photos, follow friends, and browse safely — no experience needed.

    3 min read

    How to Use WhatsApp: Setup, Messaging & Video Calls

    Get started with WhatsApp — the world's most popular messaging app for free texts, calls, and video chats.

    2 min read

    How to Use Facebook: Connecting with Friends & Family

    A gentle guide to setting up Facebook, finding friends, posting updates, and using Marketplace safely.

    2 min read

    LinkedIn Basics: Set Up a Profile and Find Job Leads — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure