20 Point Check List for an Awesome Profile
1. HEADLINE
Your headline is the first thing people see. Make it memorable. Help others understand the role you play or
seek and include key words that describe the skills or qualities employers reflect in job postings and/or are
important to your career field.
2. PHOTO
Upload a professional, high quality headshot. It’s important to establish rapport with those reviewing your
profile.
3. EMAIL
Be sure to include an email address in your profile so that people who are not in your network can easily get
in touch with you.
4. VANITY URL
Your profile has a URL assigned to it. Edit the URL to include your name (www.linkedin.com/in/yourname).
Reflect your LinkedIn URL on your resume, business cards and email signature.
5. OTHER WEB REFERENCES
If you have a personal website, professional Twitter account or other important links add them to your profile
in the Contact Information section of your profile. Change the label from “other” to short descriptive title.
6. SUMMARY
This section highlights who you are. Keep the reader’s attention by using short paragraphs. Write it in the
first person (I, my or me).
7. WORK EXPERIENCE
List relevant work experience, using key word rich descriptions and important accomplishments in each
position.
8. EMBED MEDIA
If you can provide examples of your work, embed these links in your summary, work experience and/or
education sections.
9. SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
List your skills and areas of expertise that are important to your career field.
10. EDUCATION
It’s a good idea to list all the institutions you attended, along with any degrees and honors received. If you
are a recent graduate, include clubs, committees and groups you were active in along with your GPA.
11. CERTIFICATIONS, TEST SCORES AND COURSES
These sections are particularly helpful for new graduates. List the most relevant for the position you seek.
12. PROJECTS
Reference class projects, special work assignments and other activities to showcase your skills and
experience.
13. RECOMMENDATIONS
Complete profiles have at least 3 references from colleagues, managers or even clients who are familiar
with your work.
14. HONORS, AWARDS, PUBLICATIONS, PATENTS
Complete these sections if they have relevance to your career field.
15. ORGANIZATIONS, VOLUNTEERING AND CAUSES
Provide details about your involvement in professional associations, including the committees you serve(d)
on. List the volunteer causes you support. Avoid reflecting religious or political affiliations.
16. PERSONAL DETAILS
Your birth date and marital status are best left off your LinkedIn profile.
17. STATUS UPDATES
Regularly update your status so your network can see what you are up to.
18. GROUPS
Join alumni groups, professional associations and industry groups. Reflect their URL’s in your profile and
participate in discussions by answering questions, sharing articles, and engaging in conversations with other
like-minded professionals.
19. CREATE A COMPLETE PROFILE
Failure to do so will make you appear to be unmotivated or serious about your career.
20. MAKE IT PUBLIC
By default, LinkedIn sets your profile to be viewable to the public. For active job seekers, this is the best
option.
Information gathered from Career Sherpa (www.careersherpa.net)