Building a LinkedIn Profile

All students should create a personal (and free!!) LinkedIn profile and begin to build a network

PHOTO: Get a professional headshot in Kean University’s photo booth located in the 1st floor lobby of CAS. Dress professionally and don’t forget to smile!

HEADLINE: Tell people what you’re excited about now and the interesting things you want to accomplish in the future.

SUMMARY: Describe what motivates you, what you’re skilled at, and what’s next.

EXPERIENCE: List the jobs you have held, including part-time or campus jobs, along with what you accomplished at each experience.

ORGANIZATIONS: Have you joined any clubs at school or outside? Be sure to describe what you did with each organization.

EDUCATION: Starting with college, list all the educational experiences you’ve had – including summer programs.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE & CAUSES: Even if you weren’t paid for a job, be sure to list it. Admissions officers and employers often see volunteer experience as just as
valuable as paid work.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE: Add at least 5 key skills – and then your connections can endorse you for the things you’re best at.

HONORS & AWARDS: If you earned a prize in or out of school, don’t be shy. Let the world know about it!

PROJECTS: Whether you led a team assignment in school or built an app on your own, talk about what you did and how you did it.

You can check out a more detailed checklist on our Resource Guide.

How To Network

Networking happens everyday, whether you know it or not. On campus there are many way to begin building your network:

  • Participating in on-campus clubs or organizations
  • Volunteer work
  • Class projects
  • Connecting with Faculty and Staff
  • Family and friends!!

As you begin to make connections at school or at home, add these individuals to your LinkedIn Network.

Note: It is acceptable to connect with individuals that you do not know personally. When reaching out, it is important to state why you want to connect. Some reasons may be:

  • Alumni from high school or Kean University in an industry you are interested in
  • Recruiter or Hiring Manager who has posted a role or opportunity you are interested in
  • Connections working at companies or industries that you want to be a part of and are seeking advice

**It is not recommended that individuals seek out connection to ask for a job! Ask for advice, referrals and engagement!**