How to create a LinkedIn profile

Why a LinkedIn profile matters

In Zimbabwe and beyond, recruiters increasingly look you up on LinkedIn before they call. A complete, professional profile builds trust, helps the right opportunities find you, and works around the clock even when you're not applying. The good news: it's the same story as your CV, told in a slightly more personal voice — so once your CV is done, most of the work is too.

Step 1: Set up your basic information

Profile photo

Your photo is your professional first impression. Use a clear, recent head-and-shoulders picture where you're smiling and dressed as you would for an interview (business or smart-casual). A plain background works best. Use the same photo across your professional accounts so people recognise you.

Background image

Replace the default banner with something that reflects your field — a clean, simple image (roughly 1584×396px displays well). Avoid busy or low-resolution pictures.

Contact information

Add a professional email address you actually check, and a phone number if you're comfortable sharing one. Keep it consistent with your CV.

Your headline

Your headline sits under your name and appears everywhere you show up on LinkedIn. In one line, say who you are and what you're strong at — not just your job title. Lead with a role, add a strength or focus.

Your About summary

The About section is your professional story in your own voice. Write it in the first person (“I…”), keep it to two short paragraphs, and let some personality through. Open with who you are and what you do, mention a highlight or two from your experience, and close on where you're heading.

Think of it as a warmer version of your CV summary. Only include what's true — the same honesty rule as your CV.

Step 2: Convey your experience & education

Experience

List your roles with employer, dates and location — matching your CV exactly so the two never contradict each other. Add a short description and a few achievement bullets for each role. LinkedIn gives you more room than a CV, so anything strong you had to trim for space can go here.

Education

Add your qualifications in reverse-chronological order (most recent first), including certificates. For a short course, put “Certificate” as the qualification and the programme name as the field of study. Again, keep it consistent with your CV.

Step 3: Add skills, recommendations & more

Skills (aim for 20+)

Employers search LinkedIn by skill, so list plenty — a mix of technical skills (e.g. Pastel, Excel, SEO) and transferable ones (communication, time management, problem-solving). Aim for at least 20, and keep them relevant to the work you want. CV263's LinkedIn optimiser generates 20+ for you from your CV.

Recommendations

A few genuine recommendations from managers, colleagues or lecturers carry real weight. Ask 2–4 people — the polite way is to visit their profile, choose More → Request a recommendation, and add a short personal note about what you'd value them mentioning.

Additional sections

Round out your profile with volunteer experience, projects, publications, and honours or awards — most recent first. For projects, add a short description, the tools or methods used, and a link to the result where you can.

Interests

Follow companies, industry groups and people in your field. A varied interests list helps LinkedIn connect you with relevant opportunities and shows you're engaged with your industry.

Step 4: Proofread & polish

• Check spelling, grammar and consistent punctuation throughout.
• Keep the tone consistent — professional but human.
• Test that every link works.
• Ask a friend or family member to read it over.
• Customise your URL: on your profile, choose Edit public profile & URL and set a clean address (e.g. linkedin.com/in/your-name) — it's tidier to share and easier to find.

Frequently asked questions