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Student-Friendly Profile Options on LinkedIn

Everyday LinkedIn gets more into the game with new and improved features that make the tool easier to use and more functional when applying or searching  for jobs. They’ve also started to make a concerted effort toward more student-friendly features with some new additions to the profile section are another step in that direction.

Here’s a quick run down of them from the LinkedIn Blog:

  • Projects: Participating in projects shows that you can apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and work effectively in a team. Add compelling research or class projects to your profile – especially those that demonstrate experience relevant to your professional goals.
  • Honors & Awards: Did you make the Dean’s List or earn a merit-based scholarship? Add it to your profile. While much of your profile is a subjective characterization of your abilities, Honors & Awards provide objective validation for your accomplishments.
  • Organizations: Participation in on-campus or external organizations shows your contributions outside the classroom. Leadership abilities, and making a positive impact within an organization, are talents widely sought by employers and recruiters.
  • Test Scores: Employers often view strong test scores as indicators of good  problem solving skills. If you have excelled at standardized tests, or have a stellar G.P.A., include these scores on your profile.
  • Courses: Do you consistently push the envelope by enrolling in rigorous coursework?  List select courses on your profile – especially those that qualify you for positions you are seeking, or demonstrate your commitment to expanding your academic horizons. Many employers know your school’s course catalogs as well as you do, so include the strongest courses of your college experience.

With these additions, you can more easily include some of the valuable experiences you have had both inside and outside the classroom. In particular, the ‘project’ and ‘organization’ sections offer the chance to discuss practical, transferable skills that you have developed, that can serve you well as an intern or entry-level employee. If you haven’t gotten started on LinkedIn yet you can watch this quick (and fun) prezi on how to get started as a student.

In addition to these new features this week marks even more, including an “optimize your profile” button that will give you hints for how to improve it, as well as a PDF button for employers to easily print your profile like a resume!

And one last piece of advice – if you plan on asking people to connect with you on LinkedIn I highly recommend a personalized note…it takes a minute but leaves a lasting impression.

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Hopefully you are getting the message about LinkedIn by now! 🙂

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