LinkedIn is a great professional networking platform that allows you to connect with colleagues, find job opportunities, join industry groups, and more. Downloading and installing LinkedIn on your laptop is simple and only takes a few minutes.
What You’ll Need
Before you download and install LinkedIn, you’ll need:
- A laptop running Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS X 10.10 or later
- An internet connection
- A LinkedIn account (you can create one during installation if you don’t already have one)
Downloading LinkedIn
There are two ways to download LinkedIn onto your laptop:
Method 1: Download from the LinkedIn Website
Here is how to download LinkedIn from the LinkedIn website:
- Open any web browser on your laptop and go to linkedin.com.
- Click on the profile icon at the top right corner of the page.
- From the drop down menu, click “Download LinkedIn.”
- This will take you to the LinkedIn download page.
- Click the blue “Download” button.
- The LinkedIn app download will begin. It may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Method 2: Download from Your App Store
You can also download LinkedIn from your laptop’s app store:
- On Windows: Open the Microsoft Store app and search for “LinkedIn.” Click “Get” to download it.
- On Mac: Open the App Store app and search for “LinkedIn.” Click “Get” to download it.
Installing LinkedIn
Once the LinkedIn app download completes, you can install it:
On Windows
- Open File Explorer and go to the “Downloads” folder.
- Double click the “LinkedInSetup” file.
- The LinkedIn setup wizard will open. Click “Next” to proceed.
- Accept the License Agreement and click “Next.”
- Select the installation location on your laptop and click “Next.”
- Click “Install” to begin the installation.
- Once complete, click “Finish” to launch LinkedIn.
On Mac
- Open Finder and go to the “Downloads” folder.
- Double click the “LinkedIn” app file.
- Drag and drop the LinkedIn icon into your “Applications” folder to install it.
- Once complete, click “Close.”
- To launch LinkedIn, open your “Applications” folder and double click the LinkedIn app icon.
Creating Your LinkedIn Account
When you open LinkedIn for the first time, you’ll be prompted to either log in with an existing account or join LinkedIn by creating a new account.
Here are the steps to create a new LinkedIn account:
- Enter your first and last name.
- Enter your email address.
- Create a password following the rules on screen.
- Enter your location and job title.
- Agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
- Click “Join now.”
You will then be sent a verification email to confirm your address. Click the link in the email to verify your email and complete your LinkedIn signup.
Setting Up Your LinkedIn Profile
Once you’ve created your account, it’s time to set up your LinkedIn profile. Your profile allows others to find and connect with you on LinkedIn. It’s important to complete your profile fully.
Follow these tips for setting up a great LinkedIn profile:
- Add a profile photo: Use a professional headshot of yourself for your profile image.
- Write an informative headline: Summarize your professional identity, expertise, and interests.
- Share your work experience: List all your jobs, including company names, titles, dates, and descriptions of responsibilities.
- Provide your education: List all degrees, schools, majors/minors, and dates attended.
- Add skills: Include keywords and phrases that describe your best skills.
- Customize your LinkedIn URL: Change your profile link to something simple and memorable.
- Craft a summary: Share highlights of your background, accomplishments, goals, etc.
Take the time to build out as robust of a LinkedIn profile as possible. This will maximize your reach and visibility on LinkedIn.
Customizing LinkedIn Settings
Once you’re set up on LinkedIn, customize your settings for the best experience:
- Notifications: Choose which notifications you want to receive to stay updated but minimize distractions.
- Privacy: Adjust your privacy settings for how much of your profile is visible to others.
- Ads: Opt out of personalized ads if you don’t want targeted advertising.
You can access your settings on LinkedIn by clicking your profile image > Settings & Privacy from the top toolbar. Explore all the options to customize LinkedIn to your preferences.
Key Features to Use
Here are some of the best features to take advantage of on LinkedIn:
Feed
The Feed shows updates, articles, and content posted by people and pages you follow. It’s a great way to discover relevant professional news and insights.
Groups
Join Groups focused on topics you’re interested in or industries you work in. Groups allow you to connect with like-minded professionals.
Messaging
Use LinkedIn Messaging to communicate one-on-one or in groups with your connections.
Jobs
Search millions of job postings, get alerts when new jobs are posted, and apply for opportunities through LinkedIn.
Learning
Take LinkedIn Learning courses and acquire new skills – great for professional development.
Notifications
Stay on top of new connections, messages, profile views, and other updates through timely notifications.
Growing Your Network
The key to getting the most out of LinkedIn is growing your professional network. Here are some tips for expanding your connections:
- Import contacts from your email – LinkedIn can search your email contacts to see who is already on LinkedIn.
- Follow companies you’re interested in to get their updates.
- Join alumni and industry groups related to your background.
- Connect with colleagues at companies you’ve worked for.
- Reach out for introductions through mutual connections.
- Search for professionals with common interests, education, or skills.
- Connect with recruiters in your industry.
Aim to continue growing your LinkedIn network over time. The more connections you build, the more opportunities will open up.
Do’s and Don’ts on LinkedIn
Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you use LinkedIn:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep your profile updated | Exaggerate or misrepresent yourself |
| Engage professionally and respectfully | Spam people with connection requests |
| Join relevant groups | Post irrelevant or inappropriate content |
| Share thoughtful insights and articles | Violate LinkedIn’s user agreement |
| Follow companies you like | Use LinkedIn to sell products or services |
| Keep your profile consistent with your resume | Spend too much time on LinkedIn |
Following LinkedIn etiquette will ensure you have the best experience and make positive professional connections.
Conclusion
Installing LinkedIn on your laptop and setting up your profile is simple and quick. With a robust profile, thoughtful engagement, and consistent networking, LinkedIn can take your career to the next level through new connections, opportunities, and growth.
Refer to this guide anytime you need a refresher on how to download, install, and use LinkedIn on a laptop. Follow the tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence and become an active participant in the world’s largest professional network.
