LinkedIn Profiles

LinkedIn can be a great resource for college students and recent graduates alike. Creating a profile on LinkedIn can give you access to knowledgeable professionals to informationally interview as well as current job openings in your field. Making an outstanding profile is important because your LinkedIn profile may create the first impression that potential employers have of you.

10 Steps to Making a Great LinkedIn Profile

1. Fill out all sections of your profile. Include unpaid experience such as volunteer work and extracurriculars. Be detailed and keep your purpose and your audience in mind.

2. Utilize white space and bullet points similarly to how you would on a resume. Incorporate keywords and verbs throughout. Proofread carefully.

3. Tailor your headline for your purpose. It will create a first impression by appearing below your name in profile searches.

4. Upload a photo of yourself that is professional, yet friendly looking. You should be the only person in the photo.

5. Use the “Summary” section to write a short blurb about who you are and what you do and/or hope to do. Note any professional interests or values that you have. Use the “Specialties” section to briefly state keywords that illustrate specific and relevant skills or experience that will make you stand out.

6. Add relevant website links to your profile, such as your online portfolio, current employer’s website or your professionally orientated blog or Twitter account. Do not add personal websites or blogs.

7. Earn great job references and ask them to “Recommend” you on your LinkedIn profile. Professors can also give recommendations based on your performance as a student. Your references must also have a LinkedIn profile to do this. Profiles with more recommendations will appear at the top of search results.

8. Update your status about once a week sharing any professionally relevant information. This may include what you are working on at your internship, a conference that you attended, or passing a certification exam. Occasional updates will help you stay on your network’s radar and can initiate communication.

9. Join LinkedIn groups and post good questions in the discussion forums. There are groups for university alumni, honor societies, organizations, industries, etc…

10. Arrange the sections of your profile so that the most relevant and impressive components are toward the top.

For more information on how college students can utilize LinkedIn visit http://grads.linkedin.com/

Renee Mallo
Career Specialist