“Instead of using LinkedIn as a passive billboard, you can use the platform to build connections with other professionals in your niche.”
A LinkedIn profile is an important professional material. All students should have a LinkedIn profile to be competitive in the job market. This profile can be used as a more complete record of skills and achievements than the resume; to network with other students; and for students to be visible to recruiters.
The Basics
As with all professional documents, ensure that your LinkedIn profile has:
- Accurate spelling and punctuation
- Consistent tone throughout
- Working links
Compelling Introductory Information
- Professional profile photo
- Customized background image
- Catchy headline that incorporates your target role.
In this screenshot of Alec Downs’ LinkedIn profile, we can see that his profile picture is zoomed in on his face, that his background shows a relevant illustration, and that his headline includes his industry and area of expertise.
Contact Information
Ensure that all of your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. In addition, ensure that you list your professional email.
Summary Statement
A compelling summary statement is written in clear language, speaks to your experience and background, and demonstrates your professional qualifications.
Alec Downs’ Sample Summary Statement
Passionate and solutions-driven full stack web developer with a Web Development Certificate from The University. Experience in 3D design utilizing a combination of strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Strong ability to design, build, and maintain websites from conception to production. Ability to work in a fast-paced and diverse team environment developing solutions and exceeding expectations.
Experience
This section should be listed in reverse chronological order.
Each entry should include the following:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Dates of employment
Your experience section should include your accomplishments, not just your job duties. Use results-driven bullets to highlight previous project management experience.
Alec Downs’ Sample Experience
Technology Analyst
Amazon
May 2020-Present
- Routinely maintain the health of virtual servers through monthly patching schedules and evaluating storage space. Review HIPPA audits and disaster recovery plans to keep them up to date. Monitor Cixtrix and interface connections for a seamless experience for the end-user.
- Planned and coordinated with several teams to successfully upgrade multiple workstations from Windows 7 to Windows 10. As well as 2008 server remediations to 2012 or higher.
- Created and maintained a living shared document that contained the daily information needed to provide support to customers used by multiple teammates.
Bartender
ABC Restaurant
October 2018-January 2019
Westchester Illinois, United States
- Managed customer deliveries and assisted with carrying out orders to promote maximum satisfaction.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks to over a hundred customers daily and drew in new clientele.
Education
Like the Experience section, this should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include your completed program and list as a certificate.
Sample Education Section
Skills
Your skills section should include at least 20 skills and interests. The skills should be a mixture of technical and transferable, and the interests should be a mixture of personal and professional.
Sample Skills
Industry Knowledge
- Web Development
- Web Design
- Programming
- SQL
- MERN
- MEAN
- MongoDB
- Quality Assurance
Tools and Technologies
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Heroku
- Bootstrap
- Git
Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Team Planning
Other Skills
- Programming Languages
- Metasploit
- Configuration
- Data Manipulation
- Linux Server
Projects and Recommendations
Include at least 2-3 projects or features with working links. Also include at least 2-4 recommendations that attest to your skills and work ethic.
Sample Projects and Recommendations
Alec has included three working projects, as well as a recommendation from a former teacher and a former fellow program student.
Former Teacher
I had the pleasure of teaching Alec for six months during the ECF Coding program. Every week he showed up to class with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Furthermore, Alec proved himself a hard worker with excellent problem solving and technical skills.
Former Fellow Program Student
If you were to ask any of the other members of our cohort who has helped them the most, they would all unanimously say Alec. He is always first in line to put his knowledge to the test and solve problems. Alec is also a natural leader, yet humble enough to join the ranks, pulling his fair share of heavy duties.
