Career Development Program · Week 7
LinkedIn Profiles
You have a resume and a cover letter. Now let's make sure employers can find you, even before you apply.
Download the workbook (PDF)LinkedIn is a free professional networking site. Think of it as an online resume that recruiters can search. Many employers look on LinkedIn before they post a job, and recruiters reach out to people whose profiles match what they need.
This week you'll set up or improve your LinkedIn profile using the LinkedIn Example Profile as a guide. This is part of Outcome 2.
This week you’ll learn
- What a strong LinkedIn profile includes
- How to write a headline and About section
- How to turn on Open to Work
This week’s lessons
Read each short lesson, then answer the questions in the worksheet below.
Build a strong LinkedIn profile
You don't need years of experience to have a great profile. Copy the structure below, not someone else's job.
Set up your account
- Go to linkedin.com or download the app and click Join now.
- Use the same professional email as your resume.
- Add your current city. Open to DC jobs too? Choose Washington DC–Baltimore Area.
- Follow the prompts to add your most recent job.
Top of your profile
- Photo: recent and smiling, face fills the circle. A phone photo against a plain wall works.
- Banner: add a custom banner. A simple image or free Canva template beats the blank default.
- Name: first and last name. No ALL CAPS.
- Contact info: a professional email and a phone number you answer.
Headline
The job you want plus 2–3 skills or certifications employers search for.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Unemployed | Reliable Prep Cook | ServSafe Food Handler | Ready to Join a Kitchen Team |
| Looking for opportunities | Warehouse Associate | OSHA-10 | Inventory & Shipping |
| Student at local college | Customer Service | Cash Handling | CPR Certified |
About section: 2–3 sentences
Line 1: the job you're looking for. Line 2: what you bring.
"Reliable food service worker looking for a full-time kitchen or warehouse role. ServSafe certified, quick to learn, and known for showing up on time."
Experience, education and certifications
- List your most recent job first, using common job titles.
- Add 2–3 skills to each job.
- High school, GED or trade training all count.
- Pick companies and schools from the drop-down so logos show.
- Keep month and year for every job.
- Add certifications you earn here, with the date issued.
Turn on Open to Work
On your profile, click Open to → Finding a new job. Choose Recruiters only if you're currently employed.
Turn on job alerts
A job alert emails you new jobs that match your search, so you see openings early.
- Click Jobs and search one job title and your location.
- Switch the job alert toggle to On.
- Choose Daily, and email, app notification, or both.
To edit or delete: Jobs → Preferences → Job alerts. In Week 10 you will add alerts for more job titles.
Worksheet: My LinkedIn profile
These questions match the Week 7 worksheet in the workbook. You can type your answers into the PDF, write them by hand, or submit this form. Your coach sees what you submit online.
Download the workbook (PDF)* Required
Thank you!
Thank you. Your Week 7 LinkedIn work is in. Come back to the CDP page next week for Indeed Profile.