Tips for a Winning LinkedIn Profile

Updated: Jul 29, 2019

University of North Texas Health Science Center's Career Service organized and directed an informative LinkedIn Expert Panel/Advising Session: Power up your Network

on April 17, 2019. The panel members included 3 professionals:

1. Kevin M. Kiley, Professional Certified Coach and Founder/Owner of Career Road Map

2. John McKenzie, Instructional Technology Specialist at UNT Health Science Center

3. Gita Pathak, PhD Candidate in Genetics at UNT Health Science Center's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The host of the session was James C. Renfro, Director of Student Services-Career Center at UNT Health Science Center.

Each panel member gave helpful advice on how to create a winning LinkedIn Profile.

Key points from Kevin M. Kiley:

1. Ensure your linkedIn profile photo is a professional-looking headshot without distracting background and dress appropriately

2. Your headline and summary should be complete and include your experiences, career interest that has no grammatical or spelling errors

3. Expand your network as much as you can and build professional relationships

4. Ensure that ALL of your social media content (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) are professional because recruiters and hiring managers will checkout your social media with and without "private settings"

Key points from John McKenzie, MA,MS:

1. Having a professional LinkedIn profile is important for your career

2. Cybervetting can become problematic and may present as a red flag for potential employers (Cybervetting is the absence of online information)

3. Certify that you have the skills needed for the job you desire by listing your degrees and digital micro-credentials

4. Connect with your network once every 6 months

5. Regularly comment, share, and like appropriate posts

Key points from Gita Pathak:

1. Update your network about your professional accomplishments and progress

2. Get recommendations and endorsements for your skills

3. Find and join professional groups

4. Follow companies, influencers, and industries