It is no secret that maintaining a LinkedIn profile can be incredibly helpful in advancing one’s career. Not only is LinkedIn a great platform for professional networking, but it can also be used to find potential jobs and internships. For this reason, it is important to keep your profile up to date and congruent. Structuring a captivating profile can be tricky, but with a little work, anyone’s profile can be professional!
Profile Picture
Make sure that your profile has a picture that is professional and current. I know that Scripps and some of the other Claremont schools actually provide workshops where they will take these photos for you, free of charge. Don’t fret if you can’t make it to one of their workshops. We happen to be on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Grab a friend, a camera, and your favorite professional attire. It is best when this photo is a headshot; a medium close-up that focuses on your face.
Summary
Your summary should provide a brief overview of your skills and special interests. As a student, it is helpful to mention your intended areas of study and use numbers whenever possible. Be personal and authentic, but not long-winded. It is important to get to the point in this section. Add the details of your accolades in the sections below the summary.
Censors
If you would not say it in an interview, then do not write it on your LinkedIn profile. Make sure that your writing style is formal, academic, and not overusing jaded buzzwords.
Customized URL
Maintain congruency and professionalism by customizing the URL to your LinkedIn. You can do this in the “Edit Profile” section of your LinkedIn. Placing your name at the URL is the simplest and easiest way to customize. Now when you put your LinkedIn URL on your resume it will have a little more pizazz, so to speak.
Get Endorsed
While it is good to have an array of “Featured Skills and Endorsements,” they are only given meaning when endorsed by others. Do not be afraid to ask your friends to bolster your credentials by endorsing you in skills that they agree with. You can help them out by endorsing them back! Bonus points if you can get them to write you a recommendation!
Update Your Contact Information
It is important to have contact information on your page that you check regularly. Only add websites that show your professional identity in the best light.
Banner
Something that almost always grabs my attention on a LinkedIn profile is a customized banner. Most people keep that dull, generic header behind their profile picture. However, even a simple pattern can make your profile stand out among the others. I personally love using websites that allow you to customize and create your own banner. As long as you keep it appropriate and professional, this can be an awesome way to visually highlight your profile.
If you have any helpful LinkedIn tips and tricks, feel free to comment below!