Step 2: Build a LinkedIn Profile That Stands Out

Build Your LinkedIn Profile in 5 Easy Steps

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  Step 1: Upload Your Latest Résumé

  

  Before you start editing anything, upload your most recent résumé to LinkedIn. This helps you update your Experience, Skills, and Education sections all at once—and ensures your story is consistent.

  • Go to your LinkedIn profile
  • Click “Add profile section” → “Add résumé” or “Import from résumé”
  • Choose your most recent version (doc or PDF)

  💡 Pro Tip: Just updated your résumé in Quinncia? Upload that version here so everything matches.
  

  LinkedIn
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  Step 2: Add a Profile Photo

  Your photo is the first thing people see. But don’t overthink it. You don’t need a professional headshot—just a clear, confident photo where you look approachable and job-ready.

  • Use good lighting and a clean background
  • Dress like you would for a class presentation or first day on the job

  

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  Step 3: Add a Banner Image

  Your LinkedIn banner is like your profile’s “background music”—it sets the mood and tells people something about your goals or interests before they even read your profile.

  It doesn’t need to be fancy, just intentional.

  Banner Ideas:

  • BYU-themed: Y Mountain, the Tanner Building, or campus landmarks.
  • Career-themed: Code snippets, dashboards, UX mockups, or tech tools.
  • Values-themed: Inspiring quote, scripture, or mission statement (on-brand and minimal).
  • Personal touch: You can use landscapes, cityscapes, or abstract designs if they’re paired with a simple overlay—like a quote, your intended job title, or personal mission statement. Be creative.

  Here are some examples that work:
  

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  Step 4: Write Your Headline

  Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most important parts of your profile. It shows up everywhere—your profile, recruiter searches, connection requests, and every post or comment you make.

  Use This Simple Formula:
  Current Role or Aspiration | Key Skills | (Optional: Industry Focus) | Degree Program | School + Grad Date

  Here are some examples that work:

  • Investment Banking Analyst | Financial Modeling, Valuation & Excel | M&A & Capital Markets | Finance Major | BYU Apr ’26
  • Corporate Finance Analyst | FP&A, Budgeting & Forecasting | Financial Analysis & Strategy | BS Finance | BYU Apr ’27
  • Private Equity / Investment Analyst | Due Diligence, Valuation & Market Research | Portfolio Analysis | Finance Major | BYU Apr ’28

  💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using words like “aspiring” and just name the role you’re working toward.

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  Step 5: Write Your About Section

  The About section is your chance to tell your story—briefly. It helps recruiters, alumni, and potential connections get a sense of who you are, what you're good at, and where you're going.

  Use This Simple Formula:
  

  1. Hook: What drives you or excites you about your field?
  2. Highlights: 2–3 key strengths, experiences, or accomplishments.
  3. Value: What you bring to a team or company.
  4. Call to Action: Invite others to connect, collaborate, or reach out.

  Here is an example:

  

  💡 Pro Tip: Use line breaks and bullet points so it’s easy to skim. You can search for “LinkedIn formatting tools” if you want help making it clean.