Building a LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is the primary platform for professional networking online.  It allows you to showcase your professional profile, archive your academic and professional accomplishments, and connect with other professionals across industries.  Most employers looks at your LinkedIn profile during the job application process, so it needs to match your resume and serve as an accurate reflection of who you are professionally.  Use the video link below to learn more about maximizing your LinkedIn experience.  To get started building your LinkedIn profile, go to LinkedIn.com to create a free account and follow their prompts to build your profile.

Maximize the Profile Headline

  • “Slogan” for your professional brand that is concise but memorable.
  • Examples: “Recent honors graduate seeking marketing position” or “Biology student, Gardner-Webb University”.

Use a Professional Photograph

  • This isn’t Facebook. Use a quality and professional image of a headshot only.

Use your Education to your advantage

  • Add details such as your major/minor.
  • Highlight activities including study abroad, internships, etc.
  • Provide a short paragraph with additional details (can list more info here than in a resume).

Create a Summary Statement

  • Provide a few paragraphs about your goals and qualifications. Bullet points or block paragraphs make for easy reading. Information can be less formal than a resume and in first person.

Keywords are Helpful

  • Phrases or key words can be used to help hiring managers find your profile.
  • Use keywords in the “specialties” section and use job postings and other resources to find keywords that apply to you and appeal to your potential job.

Keep your status up-to-date

  • Add information weekly about events, projects, or other news you share on “pulse.” It keeps you on the radar of other professionals.

Connect with Professionals and Groups

  • Joining groups (and having those groups indicated on your profile) is attractive to employers. Check out professional organizations in your area of study.

Collect Recommendations

  • LinkedIn allows you to display recommendations from professionals. Find a diverse range of individuals willing to share a reference.

Claim your URL

  • Set your LinkedIn profile to “public” and claim your unique URL. This makes it easier to search for you and means you can add your URL to resumes and electronic signatures, etc.

Share Your Work

  • Connect a professional blog, website, or other social network through LinkedIn.
  • Share a downloadable version of your resume or other information like PowerPoint.