BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL BRAND

USE YOUR REAL FIRST AND LAST NAME. We recommend that you do not include any unnecessary characters (PhD, PHR, CPA, etc.). Members are most likely to search for you by first and last name and additional characters can make it more difficult to find you. List these credentials, instead, under the certifications section of your profile.

WRITE AN EXCITING HEADLINE. Use this space creatively to differentiate yourself from your peers.

INCLUDE A PHOTO. A photo brings your profile to life and visitors will be more likely to respond to your inquiries. A photo also helps literally “put a face to a name.” Your photo should be a professional photo, ideally a head shot. BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER ON THE NETWORK. Use the status updates feature to share news relevant to the industry you are interested in going into, interesting articles, and exciting information about the companies you’re interested in. This is a great way to give back to the network and establish yourself as a thought leader.

DISPLAY UP TO 3 WEBSITE HYPERLINKS ON YOUR LINKEDIN® PROFILE. Make it easy for members to learn more about you. You can do this by adding links to relevant blogs or causes you care about, etc.

CONTROL YOUR LINKEDIN® PUBLIC PROFILE. Your public profile is a streamlined version of your profile that shows up in search engine results. Your public profile is visible to people who are not signed in to LinkedIn®.

EXPERIENCE & RECOMMENDATIONSSHOWCASE YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. A complete profile will enhance your professional brand, make it easier for members to find you on the network, and establish your credibility as a professional. Add skills that are transferable from your current or past employment to the job you want.

GET RECOMMENDED. A recommendation from your professors, managers, peers, etc. will enhance your brand by providing members with valuable insights into your work and/or volunteer experience.

SUMMARYYour summary is your 30-second elevator pitch. Provide members with an overview of your professional experience. This is your first-person account of the passion and value you bring to the organizations you choose to be a part of.

Be a brand ambassador. Share interesting information about the industry you’re interested in joining.

Share something personal. If you’re passionate about sports, volunteering, networking, etc., include it. This information will bring your profile to life and let the real you shine through.

ADDITIONAL TIPS• Add Skills to your profile and get endorsed.

• Build a thoughtful network—add relevant connections for example, members that are in the industries you

want to join, or alumni that are in the industries you’re interested in joining, etc.

• Join and participate in Groups; for example, CTU Alumni Group.

• Follow the companies you’re interested in joining.

Your networking and job hunting strategy starts and ends with your LinkedIn® profile. Your profile represents your professional brand and is also the lens through which organizations and members view you. With LinkedIn® you can showcase your professional brand, build a network of trusted colleagues, connect with Alumni, search for jobs, and much more! Look below to find helpful tips on creating a dynamic, professional brand on LinkedIn®.

If you have questions along the way, we’re here to help. Call or visit us online to learn more.

Call: 855.230.0555Visit: coloradotech.edu

4435 N Chestnut Street | Colorado Springs, CO 80907 CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find employment rates, financial obligations and other disclosures at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures. 852-0991777 1039664 03/16