A Competitive Communications LinkedIn Sample

“Instead of using LinkedIn as a passive billboard, you can use the platform to build connections with other professionals in your niche.”

– Forbes.com

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 Lindsey DesRochers’ LinkedIn profile, we can see that her profile picture is zoomed in on her face, that her header image shows abstract photography, and that her headline includes her industry and area of expertise.

A screenshot shows a completed LinkedIn heading.

Contact Information

Ensure that all of your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. In addition, ensure that you list your professional email.

LinkedIn contact settings example

Summary Statement

A compelling summary statement is written in clear language, speaks to your experience and background, and demonstrates your professional qualifications.

Sample Summary Statement

A dedicated and high-energy communications expert with a background in advertising, public relations, and technical writing. Certified by the AMA and the PRSA; I have deep insight into the communication experience. I am familiar with traditional communications and advertising strategies, as well as how to adapt them to best suit every 21st century organization’s needs.

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.

Sample Experience Section

Advertising Policy Manager

Social Media Platform

August 2016-Present

  • Develop advertising policies that align with global policy
  • Identify gaps and problem areas in policies and propose revisions
  • Support brand by delivering training and conducting quality analysis
  • Establish early warning, prevention, and control of advertising industry risks

Internal Communications Specialist

Medical Nonprofit

August 2014-August 2016

  • Writing and editing content and related material as required
  • Writing social media content
  • Building and testing blast emails in Active Campaign
  • Creating blog content in WordPress
  • Editing and formatting documents in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint
A screenshot shows what a finished Experience section might look like.

Education

Your Education section should be in reverse chronological order, including any boot camps as certificates.

A screenshot shows a completed 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

  • Social Media
  • Business Strategy
  • Project Management
  • Customer Service
  • Marketing
  • Market Analysis
  • Web Design
  • Adobe Captivate/Photoshop

Tools and Technologies

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Jira
  • Microsoft Office
  • Slack
  • Hootsuite
  • Print Production

Interpersonal Skills

  • Conflict Management
  • Leadership
  • Team Building
  • Problem Solving

Other Skills

  • G-Suites
  • Confluence
  • Tech-savvy

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.

Projects and Recommendations Sample Section

Lindsey has listed a project in her Featured section, and included recommendations from one coworker and one fellow student.

Former Coworker

Lindsey is a natural leader and has a keen sense of detail. She and I worked together on various project concepts, where she showcased excellent analytical and communication skills. She is thorough, organized, and very reliable.

Former Program Colleague

If you were to ask any of the other members of our cohort who has helped them the most, they would all unanimously say Lindsey. She is always first in line to put her knowledge to the test and solve problems. Lindsey is also a natural leader, yet humble enough to join the ranks, pulling her fair share of heavy duties.

A screenshot shows what a finished Recommendations section might look like.

Dear Graduate: You Have the Skills Employers Desperately Need

Systems-thinking is often heralded as a skill reserved for the sharpest and most seasoned leaders. But today’s youth understand how our laws, regulations, private sector decisions, and public policies have created reinforcing structures and norms that contribute to the persistence of racism as well as gender and wealth inequality. 

The Beginner’s Guide to FinTech

Even if you are not very familiar with fintech, it’s likely you’re already benefiting from it. Simply put, fintech enhances financial activities through the application of technology.

Related Industries: FinTech
Woman teaches lesson on a computer.

Help Us Improve