Build a LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is your chance to make a strong first impression with networking contacts online. Your LinkedIn profile provides a snapshot of your qualifications to potential employers and networking contacts. Your profile is also often one of the first things that appears in a Google search for your name.

Overview

Before you can begin to contact others on LinkedIn, you must create your own profile.

• Professional Heading
  Underneath your name will be a short headline. Your headline is the first thing other LinkedIn users will see, so make sure it is simple and engaging. Create a meaningful statement that speaks to your goals, interests, or professional skills. A few examples: Graduating Economics major seeking financial analyst position; Writer, digital editor, photographer; Junior in English seeking a summer internship.
• Photo
  It’s a very good idea to post a headshot of yourself in professional attire. The photo should be of you alone and not a cropped photo of you with a group of people. If you don’t already have one, stop by the Career Center’s LinkedIn photo booth at the Fall and Spring Career Fairs.
• Summary

  Your summary is a short version of what you do and why, or what you would like to do and why. Connect with your reader by writing in the first person and always keep it professional.

  Sample Summary: I have a strong background in writing and editing, including experience as a reporter for The Tufts Daily and an intern for the Boston Globe. I’m a capable writer and producer, effective at developing content for print, audio, video, and social media. I am a demonstrated leader and collaborator, active in Tufts marketing and advertising club, and aiming to pursue a career in marketing or public relations.

• Skills and Expertise
  You can include up to 50 keywords that you feel represent the skills that you possess and have demonstrated in your experience.
• Education
  Include Tufts, the degree you are seeking or have earned, and your declared major(s) and minor(s). If you are a current student, include your expected graduation year. Highlight academic honors, majors, and academic projects, such as a thesis or other course projects.
• Experience

  Include employment, internships, and involvement with clubs or activities, regardless of whether they were paid experiences or not. LinkedIn provides headlines to help you categorize your experiences into smaller groups.

  • Organizations
  • Volunteer Experience & Causes
  • Projects
  • Test Scores
  • Patents
  • Certifications
  • Courses
  • Honors and Awards
  • Languages
  • Creative Portfolio Display

Profile Settings

LinkedIn gives you the ability to control the information your connections and non-connections can see. Carefully consider which information you want to make public.

Customized URL

LinkedIn gives you the option to edit the URL that directs other LinkedIn users to your profile. You can include your URL in your email signature or on your resume. URLs are created on a first-come-first-take basis.