LinkedIn Cheat Sheet for Beginners

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Profile Photo:
Get a professional headshot—dress like you’re ready for an interview and remember to smile. Need help? PortraitsForPatriots.org offers free photos.

Banner Photo:
Choose or create a banner that reflects your professional goals. Use tools like Canva to design a custom banner or Google “LinkedIn Banner images”.

Headline:
Highlight who you are and what you’re aiming for. Focus on your current and future career—not just your military background.

About Section:
Tell your story: who you are, what you’re passionate about, and your next steps. Keep it personal, clear, and avoid military jargon.

Activity:
Don’t just set up your profile—engage!
Share, comment, and connect regularly to increase your visibility.

Experience:
Translate your military roles into terms civilian employers understand. Be clear, specific, and include measurable achievements. Add media if relevant.

Education:
List your degrees, certifications, and training. If your GPA is 3.0+, be sure to include it.

Licenses & Certifications:
Showcase certifications like HRM, IT, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma to boost your marketability.

Skills:
Fill out all relevant skills and highlight key ones at the top. Recruiters use skills to search for candidates—don’t skip this!

Recommendations:
Give and ask for recommendations from your military peers and supervisors. These build your credibility with civilian employers.