LinkedIn Profile Checklist

Curated LinkedIn checklist for Haub School students.

LinkedIn is more than a digital resume. It is a professional networking platform, used to expand one’s knowledge in their fields of interests. As a student, you can start the networking journey before searching for a job and connect with recruiters and top experts in the field.

Upload a professional profile picture

  • The picture should be recent
  • No long-distance shots
  • Wear what you would like to wear to work

Add a background photo

  • It grabs people’s attention, sets the context and shows a little more about what matters to you.

Customize your public profile URL + Add it to your resume

Customize your professional headline

  • Include the industry and location you are interested in
  • Use the headline field to say a bit more about how you see your role, why you do what you do, and what makes you tick instead of simply stating your job title.
  • Avoid using the word “I.”

Create a summary section

  • Establish your personal brand and highlight your knowledge, skills, and interests
  • Your summary is your chance to tell your own story – so don’t just use it to list your skills or the job titles you’ve had. Try to bring to life why those skills matter – and the difference they can make to the people you work with.
  • This section should be first. Don’t overuse “buzz” words (hard-working, responsible, creative).

List your education

  • Exclude high school
  • Be specific in your degree information (AA, BA, BS, MA, MS, PhD, etc.)
  • Ex: B.S. Environmental Systems Science with a concurrent major in Environment and Natural Resources

Add work experience

  • Describe what you do, what you have accomplished, your skills, and the value you bring.

Generate a list of at least 5 skills

  • Scroll through the list of skills and identify those that are relevant to you.

Add additional sections as you grow in your education and professional life

  • Under “Add profile section,” read through the Core, Recommended, and Additional options.
  • Core: About, education, position, career break, skills
  • Recommended: Projects, relevant courses, licenses & certifications, featured
  • Additional: Volunteer experience, publications, patents, honors & awards

Make at least 40 first level connections

  • Add the Haub School and the University of Wyoming
  • Request connections from classmates, instructors, advisors, employers

Request recommendations

  • From coworkers, employers, and organization leaders
  • They are personal testimonials written to illustrate the experience of working with you. Take the time to think about who you would most value a recommendation from – and personalize your request

Join 3 groups relevant to your dream career field

  • Ex: University of Wyoming Alumni, National Association of Environmental Professionals

Exclude details like your marital status and birthday

Share relevant content from your LinkedIn feed.

  • It’s far better to have an active role in your network, appearing in your connections’ LinkedIn feeds in a way that adds value for them.
  • Sharing relevant content with your network is one of the most accessible ways of doing this.

Make comments on others’ posts

Follow relevant influencers in your industry

Check out more LinkedIn products

  • Endorsements, Recommendations, LinkedIn Learning, LinkedIn Salary, Groups, Talent Insights