In honor of National Career Development Month, we’re diving into the importance of LinkedIn for alumni seeking new job opportunities, career growth, and professional networking. In this guide, we’ll break down actionable steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile and make the most of its features.
1. Craft a Headline That Tells Your Story
Your headline is the first thing many will notice on your LinkedIn profile, so make it count! Rather than listing a generic job title, consider using language that captures what makes you, you. Think about the unique skills, values, or aspirations you have—whether it’s “Education Advocate | Lifelong Learner | Proud Barton Grad” or “Data-Driven Marketing Strategist | Brand Builder | Creative Problem Solver.”
2. Choose a Friendly, Professional Profile Picture
LinkedIn is a professional space, but your photo can still feel warm and approachable. Take a high-quality headshot against a clean background, wearing attire that reflects your industry and personality. A smile can go a long way in making connections feel welcome and seeing the person behind the skills.
3. Write a Summary That Feels Like a Conversation
Your summary is your chance to showcase your unique story, passions, and professional vision. It’s an opportunity to go beyond a list of skills and job titles, giving your audience a sense of who you are, what drives you, and where you’re headed. Aim for a conversational, authentic tone, using the summary to highlight both your career highlights and your personal commitment to growth or your field’s mission.
4. Highlight Experience and Achievements
The experience section on LinkedIn is your chance to showcase your roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Rather than simply listing job duties, consider using bullet points to emphasize contributions and quantifiable accomplishments. Describe your roles with action verbs and detail how your contributions led to positive outcomes. Whenever possible, use metrics (like percentages or dollar amounts) to quantify achievements.
5. Showcase Skills and Endorsements
LinkedIn allows you to feature skills that are central to your career and ambitions. When selecting skills, be intentional about those you choose to display, ensuring they align with your current role or the type of opportunities you’re seeking. Skills also build credibility, as colleagues and mentors can endorse you for the abilities they have witnessed in action.
6. Ask for Recommendations
Recommendations serve as social proof, adding credibility to your profile. They add credibility to your profile and offer a human perspective that resonates with those viewing your profile. Reach out to former managers, colleagues, or mentors who can speak specifically to your professional qualities or accomplishments. Be sure to reciprocate when possible to help strengthen your professional relationships.
7. Engage with Content
One of LinkedIn’s most powerful features is the opportunity it offers to build your reputation as a thought leader. Engage with posts in your industry by liking, commenting, and sharing your perspectives. Consider posting articles or insights of your own, highlighting your expertise or sharing recent learnings. Active engagement signals to recruiters and colleagues that you’re tuned into the industry and willing to contribute.
8. Add Volunteer Experience, Certifications, and Courses
Showing volunteer work, certifications, and additional training highlights your commitment to personal and professional growth. Volunteer experiences can showcase skills like leadership and teamwork, while certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge or skills you’ve gained outside of formal job roles. Both sections can be valuable to prospective employers looking to understand the breadth of your experience and values.
9. Use Keywords Strategically to Appear in Recruiter Searches if Job Searching
Recruiters often use specific keywords to find candidates on LinkedIn, so incorporating the right terms in your headline, summary, and experience sections can significantly boost your visibility. Reflect on your industry, job title, and key skills, and include phrases like “project management,” “data analysis,” or “nonprofit leadership” if they align with your goals.
10. Personalize Your LinkedIn URL
A custom LinkedIn URL makes it easier for others to find your profile and adds a touch of professionalism. Ideally, it should reflect your full name or a variation that includes your profession if your full name isn’t available. A personalized URL is particularly useful for including on business cards, email signatures, or other professional materials.
Building a strong LinkedIn profile takes time and intentional effort, but it’s an investment that pays off by helping Barton alumni stand out in their fields and foster meaningful professional connections.
“LinkedIn is an essential tool for Barton students and alumni in their job search and professional development,” says Angie Walston, Assistant Vice President for Academic and Career Planning. “The platform allows you to network with fellow Barton alumni in your field, at organizations of interest, or in your city. By building and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence, you can extend the Barton community beyond campus, creating meaningful and lasting professional connections.”
Remember that your LinkedIn profile is a dynamic tool. Make it a habit to update it regularly with your latest accomplishments and goals, keeping it relevant to your evolving career. National Career Development Month is the perfect opportunity to start building or refreshing your profile and take a step toward advancing your career while staying connected to the Barton network.