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 three 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 approximately 10-to-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.