Building a LinkedIn page

A good first step to start your path towards a non academic carreer is to create a LinkedIn page.

There are many tutorials and documents to help you build a compelling LinkedIn page. Like this tutorial.

Shortly, follow these bullet point advice to make a compelling LinkedIn page:

Use the Header section to add keywords that appear in recruiters searches. The preference is to make short first person statements.

Use the Summary section to highlight your experience. A tip is to add a personal story that explains why you do what you do to show why you are passionate, and that shows your personality.

Add profile section About to highlight concrete examples of work you've done. If you can use numbers to demonstrate your experience that is always better.

Add section to profile Skills to highlight your abilities. Particularly highlight skills that are relevant to the position you want to apply to. For example R programming skills if you are applying to a data analysis position.

In the Add section to profile reccommended tab, it is a good idea to add information to Featured. This section will allow you to upload media such as videos you've made, pictures of you presenting at conferences, infographics you've made or any other resource that helps you demonstrate your experience and skills.

In the same add section recommended tab you can add licences and certifications any time you take a certified course, for example in data camp. Be careful to add only the certifications that are relevant to the positions you want to attract. You don't want to write down everything you have ever done.

In the add to profile Additional information section, you can add relevant volunteer experience, publications, and projects you've wored on. If you have pictures of you working on those projects you can add them too if they are relevant.

Instead of sharing blog post or articles you've published elsewhere, consider bloggin directly on LinkedIn as this is favoured by the algorythm. Even just summarizing your publication and then link it would give the post much more visibility.

Follow companies and organizations you like or would like to work with. Importantly, become part of LinkedIn groups. For example the roostervane group is for people with advanced degrees that look for carreers. Being part of such groups will allow you to become aware of relevant opportunities and to network.

Make sure to add a downloadable CV to your LinkedIn page. But double check all the information that you've put on your CV matches what you have on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is useful to expand on the information on your CV, but you should be careful that all of the names and dates match.

Finally, use LinkedIn to network. If you find a professional on LinkedIn working your dream job, or working on a field that interest you, connect with them. Follow them, send them a message, or even ask if they be willing to meet with you to have an informational interview.