LinkedIn Profile Summary for a Recent Grad Who Needs a Job
Right now, a fundraising associate from your alma mater may be stalking your LinkedIn profile. Creepy? A little.
The New York Times reports a new app called EverTrue scans social profiles to understand our personality and skills. The app can “distinguish…people likely to give to a capital campaign.”
So don’t be too freaked out the next time a fundraiser catches you on the phone and says “So how’s your hot yoga class going?”
Know what? If fundraisers spy on our profiles, let’s give ’em the best view possible.
I already provided a template for a LinkedIn profile summary for people who have a job. It’s become the most popular blog post on my site.
Now, I want to offer another profile summary — this time for recent graduates who need a job.
For the template, I use a fictional college grad named “Lamar” who hopes to work in IT/information security.
Lamar’s profile summary has three steps. Let’s go through them one at a time.
Step 1: Who are you?
I’m a recent computer science graduate from Big State University who wants to help a company grow through the use of new technology.
Notes: It’s OK for Lamar to explain he’s a recent grad. There’s no need to inflate his credentials like he’s been in the workforce for several years. Speak from where you stand.
Lamar also explains how he wants to be dedicated to the company — and won’t use the job as a stepping stone to move somewhere else.
Step 2: What do you do?
You might say I’m a “tech geek” because in college I was vice president of the Campus Computer Club (CCC) and spent a lot of time in the school’s computer lab. I love to pick apart a motherboard and see how all the pieces fit together.
Notes: In the second section, Lamar tells the reader about his interests as they relate to IT/information security. He uses specifics and writes how he loves “to pick apart a motherboard.”
What’s your “thing”? Give people a quick look at your life and what you’re all about. Skip the empty buzzwords like “extremely successful.” Everyone says that stuff. Lamar proves his determination through the “motherboard” example.
Step 3: Bring ‘em home
Hackers, cyberattacks and other security issues are a reality today for company’s big and small. I want to ensure a business not only stays protected but grows and remains on the cutting edge.
Notes: At the end, Lamar puts his skillset in context. He explains how “cyberattacks” are a “reality today.” That’s why companies need people with his ability so they stay “protected” and “on the cutting edge.”
What’s your value? How can you help a company succeed?
As a recent grad, (most) bosses will understand you’re short on experience. In your profile summary, they only need to know you’re excited about the field, ready to bust your hump in the job and committed to a team’s success.
What other LinkedIn templates would you like to see?
Share below!
Featured photo: Texas A&M University (Flickr)
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