“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 Jordan Doe’s LinkedIn profile, we can see that her profile picture is zoomed in on her face, that her header image shows art relevant to her field, and that her headline includes her 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.
Jordan Doe’s Sample Summary Statement
Mental Health Professional currently obtaining a Master of Counseling with Child and Adolescent Emphasis. Four years of experience working on behalf of children and adults. Experience using multiple evidence-based clinical modalities, including trauma-informed care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Experience with diverse populations, including trauma survivors, sexual abuse survivors, and children with DSM disorders. Recognized during clinical internship for training or volunteers on trauma-informed care and safety crisis procedures.
Education
Your education section should be listen in reverse chronological order.
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 progress in your career.
Jordan Doe’s Sample Experience
Clinical Counseling Intern
The Children’s Center
September 2020-Present
Salt Lake City, UT
- Utilize evidence-based practices for treatment of trauma
- Diagnose and treat DSM disorders impacting young children
- Conduct assessments for caseload of 7 children weekly
Clinical Counseling Intern
Huntsman Mental Health Institute
September 2019-May 2020
Salt Lake City, UT
- Utilize evidence-based interventions, including training in a variety of treatment modalities within adolescent-focused inpatient unit
- Partake in consultation and interdisciplinary communication and collaboration
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.
Jane Doe’s Sample Skills
Industry Knowledge
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Case Management
- Mental Health
- Individual Counseling
- Treatment Planning
Tools and Technologies
- Doxy.me
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Google Sheets
Interpersonal Skills
- Adaptable
- Innovative
- Client-Centered
- Solution-Focused
Other Skills
- DSM-5 Disorders
- Sexual Abuse Survivors
Relevant Trainings and Recommendations
Include any relevant trainings listed in reverse chronological order. Also include at least 2-4 recommendations that attest to your skills and work ethic.
Jordan Doe’s Sample Relevant Trainings and Recommendations
Jordan has included licenses and certifications, relevant trainings in reverse chronological order, and two recommendations.
Former Instructor
If you were to ask any of the other members of Jordan’s cohort who has helped them the most, the would all unanimously say Jordan. She is always first in line to put her knowledge to the test and solve problems. Jordan is also a natural leader, yet humble enough to join the ranks, pulling her fair share of heavy duties.
Former Fellow Program Student
Jordan is highly organized, a strong communicator, and a truly wonderful counselor. I got to work with her in a clinically supervised group, and I loved hearing her solution focused perspective on ways to manage client crises.
