“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 Lindsey DesRochers’ LinkedIn profile, we can see that her profile picture is zoomed in on her face, that her background shows a relevant illustration, 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.
Sample Summary Statement
Ambitious problem solver and collaborative Product Manager with a background in project management and customer service. Certificate in Product Management from University. Leverage deep insight with an entire product experience from product roadmapping, market analysis, value proposition, sprint planning and execution, epic and user story creation, feature prioritization, product analytics, A/B testing, and data visualization with SQL.
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.
Sample Experience
Product Coordinator
Microsoft
Jun 2019 – Present
- Co-develop enhanced internal market solutions with 93% success rate overall.
- Act as liaison between internal product management stakeholders.
- Create personalized schedule matrix to boost daily production.
Client Experience Specialist
IT Company
Oct 2015 – Jan 2018
- Answered high volume of member requests.
- Responded to 500+ client inquiries and
resolved product concerns and questions. - Earned the highest satisfaction rating from a crucial long-term client.
Education
Like the Experience section, this should be listed in reverse chronological order. Include your completed program and list as a certificate.
Sample Education
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
- Agile Methodologies
- Cross-Functional Facilitation
- Value Proposition
- Key Performance Indicators KPIs
- Persona Development
- Feature Prioritization
- Roadmap Development
- Sprint Planning
Tools and Technologies
- Agile/Scrum
- Jira
- Microsoft Office
- SQL
- Slack
- Tableau
Interpersonal Skills
- Conflict Management
- Leadership
- Team Building
- Emotional Intelligence
- Time Management
Other Skills
- Microsoft Suites
- Solutions-Focused
- 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.
Sample Projects and Recommendations
Lindsey has included four projects in her Accomplishments section and a recommendation from a former fellow boot camp student, and a former coworker.
Former Fellow Program Student
Lindsey is a natural leader and has a keen sense of detail. She and I worked together on various projects, where she showcased excellent analytical and communication skills. She is thorough, organized, and very reliable.
Former Coworker
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.
