LinkedIn is no longer optional
In order to be competitive in the 21st century job market, you need to create a LinkedIn profile that truly stands out and that works for you.
To get started:
1. Go to LinkedIn.com and create an account
2. Login to your account
3. Press “Me” tab and go to “View Profile”
Step-by-step tips to help you create your profile:
These three items appear when you are searched on LinkedIn:
1. NAME
Use your first name & last name only – no degrees or icons.
You can add a maiden name.
2. PHOTO
Insert your headshot photo.
When taking your headshot, dress as if you are going to a professional networking event in
your industry. Best if the background is white or gray, not busy.
3. HEADLINE
Treat this as your LinkedIn “Elevator Pitch.”
Articulate what you’re doing now, what you’re passionate about and what you’re interested in
doing in the future.
BANNER IMAGE
Add a horizontal background image that helps promote your personal brand.
Never use the default background provided by LinkedIn.
ABOUT ME
Include information about you (such as the “summary” from your resume).
Upload “Rich Media Content” to tell your story including videos, presentations, links to blog posts or articles you’ve written.
You can even upload your resume as “Rich Media Content.”
Include your email address here.
CAREER INTEREST
Let recruiters know you are open to opportunities even if you currently have a job.
Change your job seeking preferences under “Settings.”
Update your location (i.e. Metropolitan area).
EXPERIENCE
Be sure to tag the official page for your company or organization.
Use info from resume.
EDUCATION
Add your college and expected graduation.
Include major accomplishments, extracurricular involvement and leadership experience.
SKILLS
This list is searchable. You can add your relevant skills right to your profile.
Pin your top 3.
Enter up to 50 skills.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Obtain at least 3 recommendations.
These can be from professors, co-workers or people who supervised you in an internship or work-related experience.
VANITY URL
i.e. www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Use this as the signature line in your resume.
*Some content shared from Touro College