Table of contents
- What is LinkedIn and how it works
- How to create a LinkedIn account
- Building your network
- Creating an online résumé
- Finding a job on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn Premium: is it worth it?
- Company pages on LinkedIn
- Why LinkedIn can make the difference
If you’re exploring new career opportunities, chances are you’ve already heard of LinkedIn. Many describe it as “the Facebook of work,” but that comparison hardly does it justice. So what exactly is LinkedIn?
It’s a professional social network designed to connect people, companies, and job seekers a platform that allows you to showcase your résumé online and access thousands of job openings worldwide.
Today, having a simple PDF résumé is no longer enough. You need a well-optimized LinkedIn profile that’s current, detailed, and strategically built because recruiters now use LinkedIn as a search engine to find the right candidates.
In this guide, you’ll learn what LinkedIn is and how it works, how to create an account, expand your professional network, use the platform to find a job, and take advantage of advanced tools like LinkedIn Premium, Learning, Pulse, and Recruiter.
What is LinkedIn and how it works
Let’s start with the basics: what is LinkedIn? Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2016, LinkedIn is a social media platform entirely focused on professional growth and career development. Unlike Instagram or TikTok designed mainly for entertainment LinkedIn fosters the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas among professionals.
Its functionality revolves around two core elements:
- Your personal profile, which acts as the online version of your résumé.
- Your network, which connects you with professionals, companies, and recruiters.
The heart of LinkedIn is the feed, where you can see posts, articles, updates, and job ads. Each user can share content, comment, or “recommend” posts (LinkedIn’s equivalent of “likes”), creating interactions that enhance visibility.
In short, LinkedIn can be the difference between a forgotten résumé in someone’s inbox and a profile that catches a recruiter’s eye.
How to create a LinkedIn account
Getting started on LinkedIn is simple. You can sign up directly on the official website or download the app for Android or iOS.
To register, just:
- Enter a valid email address or phone number.
- Create a password.
- Fill in your first and last name.
- Add your location and most recent job title.
- Confirm your registration using the code sent to your email.
Once your account is created, LinkedIn will guide you through setting up your profile adding a photo, listing your work experience, and highlighting your skills.
From there, you’re ready to explore, connect, and start building your online résumé accessible anytime.
Building your network
One of LinkedIn’s greatest strengths is its ability to help you grow your professional network. Unlike other social platforms, where connections are often casual or entertainment-based, LinkedIn connections serve a clear professional purpose.
First-degree connections are people you’re directly connected with former colleagues, friends, clients, or professionals you’ve met. Second-degree connections are the people linked to your direct contacts, while third-degree connections are even further removed but still within your reach on the platform.
The larger and more relevant your network, the more visible your profile becomes to recruiters and potential collaborators. It’s not about collecting hundreds of random contacts; relevance and quality matter most.
Pro tip: Always personalize your connection requests. A short, friendly note explaining who you are and why you’d like to connect can make a big difference.
Creating an online résumé
Your LinkedIn profile is the foundation of your presence on the platform an interactive, multimedia version of your résumé. Unlike a traditional CV, it allows you to add photos, videos, links, presentations, and certifications.
Key sections to complete include:
- Profile photo and cover image
- Professional headline and “About” summary
- Current and past work experience
- Education and courses
- Skills (with endorsements from other users)
- Languages
- Projects, publications, or awards
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile conveys professionalism and credibility. Make sure to include keywords relevant to your field recruiters use LinkedIn’s internal search engine, and the right terminology can greatly boost your visibility.
Finding a job on LinkedIn
Beyond networking, LinkedIn is a powerful job-hunting tool. In the Jobs section, you’ll find thousands of listings from companies worldwide.
You can filter jobs by:
- Location
- Role or keyword
- Type of contract (full-time, part-time, internship)
- Experience level
Many postings allow you to apply instantly using Easy Apply, which sends your profile directly to the employer. Others redirect you to the company’s website for a full application.
The Job Alerts feature lets you set up personalized notifications, ensuring you never miss an opportunity that matches your skills.
LinkedIn Premium: is it worth it?
In addition to its free version, LinkedIn offers paid subscriptions with extra features. LinkedIn Premium is designed for users who want to get the most out of the platform.
The main plans include:
- Premium Career
For job seekers; lets you see who viewed your profile, compare your application to others, and message recruiters directly. - Premium Business
Ideal for professionals or companies wanting greater visibility. - Sales Navigator
Tailored for sales professionals to identify and reach potential clients. - Recruiter Lite
An advanced hiring tool for HR professionals.
Used consistently, Premium can truly make a difference especially in a competitive job market.
LinkedIn Learning
One of the platform’s most popular features is LinkedIn Learning, an online education hub offering thousands of video courses on topics ranging from marketing to coding, project management, and communication.
Each course is created by industry experts and includes lessons, practical exercises, and completion certificates which you can display directly on your profile to enhance your résumé.
Most content is currently in English, though the number of courses available in other languages, including Italian, continues to grow.
LinkedIn Pulse
If you enjoy writing or want to share your professional expertise, LinkedIn Pulse lets you publish full-length articles directly on the platform.
Pulse is a great way to share insights, opinions, and reflections that reach not only your own network but also a wider professional audience.
Publishing on Pulse isn’t about posting for the sake of it it’s about building your professional voice and credibility. Thoughtful articles can help you stand out and attract attention from recruiters or collaborators.
LinkedIn Recruiter
For companies and HR professionals, LinkedIn Recruiter provides advanced tools for managing the hiring process. With powerful filters, alerts, and collaboration features, it allows teams to identify qualified candidates efficiently.
Thanks to advanced filters, alerts, and collaboration tools, LinkedIn Recruiter allows companies to quickly identify candidates who match open positions. There’s also a lighter version called Recruiter Lite, designed for small businesses or agencies with more limited hiring needs.
For job seekers, this means a higher chance of being discovered as long as your profile is complete and optimized.
Company pages on LinkedIn
In addition to personal profiles, LinkedIn offers a valuable tool for businesses: the Company Page. This feature allows an organization to create an official space to showcase its activities, share news, updates, and job opportunities. A well-managed Company Page is more than just a corporate showcase it’s a strategic channel for communicating with employees, partners, and potential clients.
Companies can use their page to share targeted content, express their values, and build a strong digital presence. Moreover, employees who list the company on their LinkedIn profiles are automatically connected to it, reinforcing the organization’s collective identity.
Investing time in maintaining a Company Page can make a real difference it not only increases brand visibility but also builds trust among job seekers and fosters lasting relationships within the professional community.
LinkedIn Ads
Another highly effective tool is LinkedIn Ads paid advertising campaigns that allow you to reach other professionals and companies with precision. Unlike other advertising platforms, the focus here isn’t on personal consumption but on business: you can target your ads by industry, job title, specific skills, or even by particular companies you want to reach.
Unlike other advertising platforms focused on consumer behavior, LinkedIn Ads are designed for B2B and professional outreach. You can target campaigns based on industry, job title, skills, or even specific companies. Ad formats include sponsored posts, direct InMail messages, carousels, and video ads.
When used strategically, LinkedIn Ads can significantly expand the reach of a B2B marketing campaign, boosting visibility and strengthening a company’s professional network.
Why LinkedIn can make the difference
In today’s competitive job market, traditional methods alone aren’t enough. A well-structured LinkedIn profile helps you showcase your expertise to a global audience, stay updated on industry trends, and be discovered directly by recruiters.
It’s not just an “online résumé” it’s a professional growth platform that can open doors otherwise closed.
What’s next?
Now that you know what LinkedIn is and how it works, it’s time to take action. Invest in your LinkedIn profile, connect with the right people, and start engaging with meaningful content. Remember: LinkedIn isn’t a magic tool but when used wisely, it can be the key to achieving your professional goals.
Questions and answers
- What exactly is LinkedIn?
It’s a professional social network where users can create a profile and connect with others in the world of work. - Is LinkedIn free?
Yes, but there are paid Premium plans with advanced features. - What is a LinkedIn profile for?
It allows you to present your experience and skills in a professional, visible way. - How can I find a job on LinkedIn?
Through the “Jobs” section, which works as a search engine for listings. - What is LinkedIn Learning?
It’s an online education platform offering professional development courses. - Do I need many connections?
Quality matters more than quantity focus on relevant, meaningful contacts. - Is LinkedIn only for job seekers?
No, it’s also for professionals who want to grow and expand their network. - What should I write in my “About” section?
A short, clear summary of your skills, values, and career goals. - What is LinkedIn Pulse?
A tool for publishing professional articles directly on LinkedIn. - Why do recruiters use LinkedIn?
Because it allows them to find candidates through specific keywords and filters.
