LinkedIn Optimization Checklist:

General: 

✅ Have you claimed your custom URL? 

✅ Is contact info filled out with a website and other social sites connected?

✅ Name pronunciation tool activated?

Profile photo:

✅ Taken by a professional?

✅ Does the photo make you look approachable?

✅ Is the photo framed appropriately? (40-60% of the frame)

✅ Was the photo taken recently? *as a rule of thumb, I recommend having a new photo taken at least every two years, or whenever appearance changes dramatically. 

✅ Are you dressed appropriately for your position and industry?

✅ Do you have a profile video?

Cover image: 

✅ Is there a cover image?

✅ Does it clearly communicate what you do? 

✅ Is the cover photo high resolution?

✅ Is the cover photo cropped appropriately?

✅ Does the cover photo work on mobile?

Headline:

✅ Does the headline convey your experience?

✅ Is the headline grammatically correct?

Creator Mode (if relevant): 

✅ Is creator mode activated? 

✅ Have you chosen your profile topics? 

✅ Have you turned on your creator tools? 

About Description/Summary:

✅ Is about section filled out? 

✅ Is it formatted for busy professionals? 

✅ Does the summary include your career story? 

✅ Does your summary include a description of what you offer? 

✅ Does your summary include how people can get in touch? 

Featured Section and Activity:

✅ Do you have at least 2 pieces of media such as relevant videos, images, presentations, or articles in the experience section? 

✅ Have you chosen which activity to show first (only available in creator mode)? 

Experience:

✅ Do you have at least 2 pieces of media such as relevant videos, images, presentations, or articles in the experience section?

✅ Does experience include results, numbers, and accomplishments?

Education:

✅ Is the appropriate education listed with any relevant studies listed?

Accomplishments:

✅ Are publications listed?

✅ Are projects listed?

✅ Are honors and awards listed? 

✅ Are courses listed?

✅ Are languages listed? 

✅ Are organizations listed?

✅ Are certifications listed?

Skills and Social Proof:

✅ Have you optimized your top three skills? 

✅ Do you have at least 3 recommendations?

Networking:

✅ Do you post relevant articles and updates at least once a week? 

✅ Do you follow at least 5 companies that you are interested in (should be listed under interests)?

✅ Do you message at least one person you don’t know yet on LinkedIn each week?

✅ Do you introduce at least two new people in your network every month?

✅ Do you comment on at least one update or article once a week?