“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 Ryan Greene’s 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.
Ryan Greene’s Sample Summary Statement
Financial analyst with a certificate in FinTech from the University of Denver and 5+ years of experience in financial services. Proven technical and leadership aptitude in data analysis and financial modeling and forecasting. Qualifications encompass collaborating across teams to define needs, evaluate risks and issues, and implement solutions in compliance with federal regulations. Well versed in presenting to executive staff and driving cross-functional collaboration across varied organizational subcultures, and global teams. Skilled in Python, Pandas, and Solidity with a strong interest in machine learning and cryptocurrency. I find great satisfaction in extracting insights from data that enhance decision-making and drive competitive growth.
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.
Ryan Greene’s Sample Experience
Technical Analyst
Microsoft
Jun 2019 – Present
- Recognized for the development of the well-normalized database
- Client appreciation for new indexes and fine tuning of top expensive queries keeping the servers running smoothly at all times
- Contributed proactively to team solutions by the development of faster running reports
- Exemplified leadership skills with management for coaching the team with SQL
Budget Specialist
IT Company
Oct 2018 – Jan 2019
- Create budget reports using BW Analysis. Perform monthly budget audits. Prepare annual budget projections for upcoming FY. Daily management of funds to stay within projections.
- Perform all financial transactions such as check requests, purchase orders, journal transfers, hiring independent contractors, vendor adds, deposits, fellowship payments, and travel reimbursements for 100+ staff members.
Education
Like the Experience section, this should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include your boot camp listed as a certificate.
Ryan Greene’s 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.
Ryan Greene’s Sample Skills
Industry Knowledge
- Data Analytics
- Python (Programming Language)
- SQL
- Project Management
- Machine Learning
- Blockchain
- Algorithms
- Data Manipulation
Interpersonal Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Problem Solving
Tools and Technologies
- AWS
- NoSQL
- GitHub
- R
- Solidity
- Pandas
- Jupyter Notebook
- Flask
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.
Ryan Greene’s Sample Projects and Recommendations
Ryan has included two working projects, as well as a recommendation from a former teacher and a former supervisor.
Former Supervisor
Ryan was a huge asset for the team. Always eager to take on projects and additionally, always a pleasure to work with. The great thing about Ryan is that he is a team player, with no ego and a great personality. Additionally, his willingness to learn new processes and his ability to adapt was crucial.
Former Teacher
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan as part of a comprehensive in-person Bootcamp at the University of Denver. I experienced first-hand and sharp focus to differentiate himself and stand out.
