A key to being a professional in the current job market is creating a marketable LinkedIn profile. This will help those of you who are still in professional school and looking forward to the future career you will have, those interviewing for residencies, and those just entering the job market. Follow these 10 simple steps to making your profile stand out.
- Update your profile picture and header, preferably with a high quality professional headshot.
- Change your URL (simply your first and last name and/or profession, for example “savannah-cunningham-pharmacy,” is appropriate)
- Write your headline, describing what you do in less than 120 characters. Include industry keywords so people can easily find you.
- Write your summary and make it interesting. Add relevant links or images that show publications you’ve accomplished in your field. For those currently in professional school, include a glimpse at your future career aspirations. Keep it 3-5 paragraphs long, and include passions, qualifications, and history.
- Include all relevant work history and information about current positions, preferably with specific accomplishments.
- Choose relevant skills and select only the most important to display in your “skills” section.
- Add certificates and licenses (for example from any elective courses or programs you have participated in).
- If you have people who wouldn’t mind writing you a recommendation, request it!
- Build your connections, add professors, employers, and peers, but only add people you know.
- Add media: pictures, posters, videos, or blog post links. This makes your profile stand out in the midst of a bunch of words.
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