LinkedIn Profiles

LinkedIn has become an essential job search component; start with an effective LinkedIn profile. Where resumes have a particular format and structure, LinkedIn Profiles let your personality shine through.

Keep these profile factors in mind:

• Introduce yourself with a professional but energizing headline. 
  • Focus on the type of role you see yourself in and/or what you bring to the table, rather than job titles and companies.
  • Be concise, engaging, and accurate.
• Broaden your appeal.
  • Keep as wide of a location region as you are willing to accept – not just the ideal location.
  • Include relevant industries. This enables employers to find you more easily.
• Personalize your profile.
  • Add a professional photo – if you don’t have a head shot, use a photo of you in professional dress without visual distractions (crop if needed to put the focus on you).
  • Add a background photo and customize your LinkedIn URL.
  • Tailor the “About” summary to your targeted audience. Think of it as the answer to "Tell me a little bit about yourself?" from an interview, or your elevator pitch at a job fair. Keep it short (no more than 3 short paragraphs)
  • Focus on relevant experiences, skills, projects, or volunteer work, whether obtained through work, school, or outside activities. Use keywords for your field.
  • Summarize each experience as it relates to your current goal(s) or copy and paste from the resume.
  • Add a current job even when unemployed – If unemployed use your desired job title with “Seeking Opportunities,” or “In Transition” in the company name box.
  • Incorporate skills and focus on those that are most relevant. You should list about 10-20 skills to start.
  • Include professional interests.
• Leverage LinkedIn by:
  • Use the Thomas Edison State University page to identify alumni for networking purposes (or employer pages to find employees to connect with).
  • Joining relevant groups.
  • Networking within your desired industry.
  • When proposing a connection, sending a message to the person introducing yourself.
  • Searching job postings.

Request to have your LinkedIn Profile reviewed by emailing careerdevelopment@tesu.edu with the link to your profile. Our staff will provide feedback on what is effective and how you can improve your profile within three business days.