LinkedIn is an effective tool to virtually network with others. In order to allow employers, recruiters, and others to find you, you need to create a profile that stands out and will entice professionals to contact you once they view your profile. Use this checklist as a guide to optimize your visibility and showcase your best work.

Why LinkedIn is Important
     94% of employers use social networks and social media to support their recruitment efforts.
     93% research candidates before or after an interview.
     Supports your traditional job search documents; shares professional information beyond your resume.
     Expands your network beyond first degree connections and personal contacts.

100% Complete Profile
According to LinkedIn, you are 40 times more likely to turn up in a search if your profile is complete (All Star level). Include the following in your profile to reach this level.

Privacy
Unlike Facebook, you want your profile to be as open as possible so that potential employers and other professionals can find and reach out to you about opportunities. You can control how people view your information and status updates in Settings.

CHECKLIST

Photo
     Wear a professional outfit and make your photo a headshot with simple background.

Headline
     The default is your most recent job title. Edit the headline to reflect a professional brand statement.

Recommendations
     Ideally, you’ll have 1-2 recommendations for each of your most recent work/project experiences.
     Customize your recommendation requests to include what you would like the recommend-er to highlight.

Connections
     In general, connections should be made with people you have a personal or professional relationship with.
     Customize connection requests to remind the person who you are and how you met.
     Maintain your LinkedIn connections and add new ones as you meet new people at events and jobs.

Websites
     Located under Personal & Contact Info, this is a great place to link to your blog or portfolio.

Public Profile URL
      Customize your profile URL to your name and add it to your resume, business cards, and email signature.

Summary
     Create a professional summary written in the first person, focusing on answering three main questions:
Who are you professionally? What do you do or want to do? What are your skills and specialties?
     Include your email address which makes it easier for people to get in touch with you.
     You may add any presentations, documents, projects, or videos to this section.

Experience
     Post your current position as well as at least two past jobs, internships, and/or volunteer opportunities.
     Under each position, list the bullet points from your resume.
     You may add any presentations, documents, projects, or videos to this section.

Education
     Include all education as well as honors, awards, activities, significant projects, and relevant courses.
     Note that you can receive recommendations from professors, which would be connected to this section
     You can include videos, images, documents, or presentations to showcase school related work or projects

Skills & Expertise
     Use this tool to identify pertinent skills, professionals, groups, and companies in your industry.
     Add up to 50 skills to your profile to boost your SEO. You need at least five to complete your profile.
     As your network endorses your skills, be sure to return the favor (if appropriate),

Groups & Associations
     Join up to 50 groups to highlight your interests and help you to expand your network.

Interests
     Include your interests, both professional and personal. This will also help boost your profile’s SEO.

Additional Sections
Courses, Test Scores, Honors & Awards, Languages, Projects, Organizations, Publications, Certifications, Volunteering & Causes, Patents.

To learn more, sign up for LinkedIn 101: Profile Development workshop at Starr. Find available days on Starr Search.