Core Sections

Profile Picture

Use a clear, recent headshot with good lighting and a neutral or professional background. A smartphone photo works fine, just dress professionally and smile! Avoid distracting backgrounds or casual selfies. Visit the Office of Career Services photobooth to take a free professional headshot! For more information, call: (813) 253-6236. 

Headline

Use this space (220 characters max) to showcase what you do, what you’re passionate about, and/or your unique selling point. Include keywords related to your industry or goals to improve discoverability.

Example: “Marketing Student | Aspiring Digital Strategist | Passionate About Brand Storytelling | Seeking Marketing Internships” 

About (Summary)

Write a concise, engaging story about your professional journey, motivations, core skills and what you're aiming for next. Use first-person language and consider adding relevant bullet pointsto improve readability. Include keywords for your field.

Tip: Check out profiles of professionals in your field whom you admire. Mirror your profile to reflect these qualities. 

Experience/Positions Held

List all relevant jobs, internships and freelance work. Include clear, achievement-focused bullet points using action verbs and quantifiable results when possible. Add media (photos, videos, documents, presentations) to showcase your work.

Education

List your degrees, certifications and relevant coursework or programs (including summer or online courses). Include any honors or extracurriculars that add value.

Skills and Endorsements

Add 5-10 relevant skills tailored to your current or desired career path. Your connections can endorse you for these skills, but prioritize meaningful endorsements from professors, supervisors and colleagues who really know your skills. 

Recommended and Additional Sections

Featured Section

Use this to highlight your top posts, articles, projects, or media. This is prime real estate to visually showcase your best work, certificates, portfolio links, etc.

Volunteer Experience and Causes

Include volunteer roles and causes you support. LinkedIn highlights this as valuable for showing character and transferable skills.

Recommendations

Request written recommendations from supervisors, professors or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Personal, specific recommendations add credibility. 

Projects

Highlight key projects with a brief description, your role, tools/skills used and outcomes. Link to any relevant websites or portfolios, if possible.

Licenses and Certifications

Add industry-recognized certificates, licenses or badges. These boost credibility and show commitment to your profession.

Courses

List relevant courses, especially those that demonstrate up-to-date skills or specialized knowledge. Consider linking to platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning or University offerings.

Accomplishments

This includes sections such as honors and awards, publications, patents, languages or other achievements that differentiate you. 

General Tips

Contact Info and Custom URL

Add your professional email, portfolio or personal website and customize your LinkedIn URL for easy sharing (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname).

Open to Work/Open to Opportunities

If you’re job searching, use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature to privately or publicly signal recruiters. Tailor your preferences to the types of roles and locations you want. 

Activity and Engagement

Stay active by sharing posts, commenting thoughtfully, and engaging with your network. This increases your visibility and shows you’re engaged in your industry.

Remember, LinkedIn frequently updates its features and design. We recommend reviewing and updating your profile regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance.