Lesson preparations chapter one- chapter 5.docx

Chapter One: Build your brand into your LinkedIn Profile
Lesson 1. Elevate Your Presence: Use Your Profile to Build Your
Brand
"A personal brand is not just a logo or a name. It’s the story you tell the world."
What Is Your Personal Brand?
 It’s your unique mix of skills, experiences, values, and personality.
 Every interaction shapes how others perceive you.
 Your profile is your stage—set yourself apart from others in your field.
Where to Start?
1. Identify Your Top 3–5 Brand Characteristics
o Examples: Trustworthy, Innovative, Creative, Collaborative, Inspirational
2. Ask Your Network
o What words describe your work?
o What stands out after conversations with you?
o What can people count on you for?
Bring Your Brand to Life
 Share real stories and examples: Add videos, photos, and presentations to showcase your
unique vision.
 Highlight collaboration: Request recommendations from teammates or managers.
 Stay Authentic: Your brand should reflect your true self.
Action Step: List your 3–5 top brand characteristics and keep them visible as you enhance your
LinkedIn profile.
Lesson 2 Transform Your Profile into a Story That Stands Out

Connection. Impact. Authenticity. Strengths.
These are the key ingredients for a memorable story—and a standout LinkedIn profile.
From Resume to Digital Story
 Traditional resumes: Bullet points, static lists, separate references, multiple versions.
 LinkedIn Profile:
o A living, digital portfolio—dynamic and always up-to-date
o Showcases your experience, accomplishments, and key skills
o Features videos, photos, articles, and presentations to bring your work to life
Make Your Profile a Story
 Share videos, website projects, and how-to content
 Add behind-the-scenes photos, event snapshots, or industry highlights
 Include slide decks, PDFs, or visuals from your presentations and workshops
 Let your profile reflect who you are and the impact you make
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never
forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Action Step:
Focus on making your audience feel your journey—showcase not just your work, but its impact.
Chapter TWO: Craft your LinkedIn profile introduction

Lesson 1 Add a Photo to Stand Out
Why Does a Photo Matter?
 Profiles with a photo get up to 3x more connection requests.
 Profiles with a photo receive up to 2x more views.
 People are more comfortable connecting with someone they can recognize.
How to Choose a Great Profile Photo
 No need for a professional headshot—a high-quality photo with your phone is enough.
 Key guidelines:
o Use great lighting and a neutral background.
o The photo should be clear and feature you alone (no pets, kids, or family).
o Add some personality: color backgrounds (like blue), clean professional looks, or
an artistic blur—all work if they fit your style.
o Avoid casual group photos or anything distracting.
Quick Steps to Upload & Edit
1. Click your profile photo, then the pencil icon to edit.
2. Use LinkedIn tools to crop, adjust brightness/contrast, add filters, and set privacy
preferences.
3. Save and publish your photo.
A photo makes your profile more memorable and inviting.
Action Step:
Add a profile photo that represents the professional you are—stand out and increase your
opportunities.
Your photo is your first impression. Make it count
Lesson 2 Get Recognized with Name Pronunciation
Why Does Name Pronunciation Matter?

 Correctly pronouncing names shows respect and helps create an inclusive environment.
 First impressions improve when people say your name correctly.
 LinkedIn’s name pronunciation feature allows you to add an audio recording of your
name to your profile.
How to Add Name Pronunciation
 Available only on LinkedIn mobile app.
 Go to your profile and tap the pencil icon.
 Select “+ Add Name Pronunciation.”
 Record your name (keep it under 10 seconds, clear, with no background noise).
 Set who can listen: first-degree connections or all LinkedIn members.
 Apply and save.
Tips for a Great Recording
 Hold your phone ~4 inches from your mouth.
 Speak slowly and clearly, pronouncing each syllable.
 Keep background noise minimal.
Action Step:
Record and add your name pronunciation to help others address you correctly—and build a more
welcoming professional space.
Your name is your identity. Make it easy for others to get it right.
Lesson 3 Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline
What is a LinkedIn Headline?
 A catchy one-liner right under your name on your profile.
 It’s your personal branding moment—make it memorable, unique, and a true reflection
of you.

The “Big Three” Formula
1. Industry Keywords:
Use terms that help you get discovered by your professional community (e.g., software
development, employee engagement, B2B sales).
2. What You Do:
Clearly state your current role or core expertise (e.g., Pediatric ICU Nurse, AI Engineer,
Data Center Technician).
3. Unique Skills & Passions:
Highlight what sets you apart and what drives you (e.g., connecting talent, leadership,
side hustles like photography or DJ-ing).
Headline Examples
 “Chief of Staff Champion | Queen Chaos Organizer | Dynamic Dot Connector”
 “Data Center Technician by Day, Photographer by Night”
 “Connecting Little Hearts to Big Futures as a Pediatric ICU Nurse”
 “Dream Maker: Connecting Top Talent to Healthcare Careers”
How to Craft Yours
 Edit your profile and update the Headline section.
 Brainstorm your big three:
o Keywords
o What you do
o Unique skill or passion
 Combine them into a compelling one-liner.
Action Step:
Review industry leaders’ profiles for inspiration, then draft your headline that truly showcases who you
are.
Lesson 4 Signal That You're Open to Work
Why Use #OpenToWork?
 Members with the #OpenToWork photo frame are 40% more likely to get messages
from recruiters.
 You’re 20% more likely to receive messages from the LinkedIn community.

 Over 46 million people worldwide have used #OpenToWork to boost their job search.
What Does #OpenToWork Do?
 Clearly signals to employers and your network that you’re seeking new opportunities.
 Lets you specify job types, locations, start date, and employment type.
 Increases your visibility to recruiters and your professional community.
How to Set Up #OpenToWork
1. Go to your profile and click the Open to work button.
2. Select Finding a new job and enter:
o Job titles (e.g., Web Designer)
o Work types (Onsite, Remote, Hybrid)
o Locations (city, region, or remote areas)
o Start date (e.g., Immediately)
o Employment type (Full-time, Contract)
3. Choose who can see you’re open to work:
o Recruiters only (private—no green frame)
o All LinkedIn members (adds the green #OpenToWork frame)
4. Save your preferences—your profile will now reflect your openness to new
opportunities.
A small step like #OpenToWork can unlock big possibilities for your career.
Action Step:
Update your profile with #OpenToWork and let your community—and recruiters—know you’re
ready for your next opportunity.
Be seen. Get connected. Open the door to your next big role.
Lesson 5: Add Your Pronouns to Your LinkedIn Profile
Why Add Pronouns?
 Promotes a sense of belonging, acceptance, and inclusion in your professional
community.

 Lets you show up as your authentic self and helps others refer to you correctly.
 Demonstrates respect for individual identity and encourages a welcoming environment.
How to Add Pronouns
1. Go to your profile and click the pencil icon in the introduction section.
2. In the Edit intro card, scroll to Pronouns and select yours from the dropdown menu.
3. Set your preferred visibility:
o Only your connections
o All LinkedIn members
4. Click Save—your pronouns are now visible on your profile.
Key Notes:
 The pronoun feature is gradually rolling out to all regions.
 Adding pronouns is completely optional—choose what feels right for you.
 You can always update your settings and visibility at any time.
“Your LinkedIn profile is your professional story—make it truly yours.”
Action Step:
If it aligns with your identity, add your pronouns to foster inclusion and help others address you
respectfully.
Show up authentically. Help create a culture of belonging on LinkedIn.
Chapter 3 Craft Your profile summary and Feature content on
linked in
Lesson 1 Introduce Yourself with a Profile Summary

Think of your profile summary as your virtual elevator pitch.
You have 30 seconds to make a powerful impression—make it count!
What is a Profile Summary?
 Appears in the “About” section of your LinkedIn profile
 Your chance to introduce yourself, showcase your expertise, and highlight your impact
 Should be concise, engaging, and packed with your mission, skills, and achievements
How to Structure Your Profile Summary
1. Who are you?
o Start with a clear, memorable introduction (e.g., “I’m an inspiring leader
advancing equality in tech…”)
2. What do you do?
o Briefly explain your role and responsibilities (“I lead a team of engineers to
ensure uptime and innovation…”)
3. Why does your work matter?
o Explain the significance and impact of your work (“I help businesses grow by
designing efficient systems…”)
4. What impact do you want to make?
o Share your aspirations and the contribution you aim for (“My goal is to empower
future leaders through education…”)
Tips for an Effective Summary
 Use industry keywords to stand out in searches
 Highlight your unique wins and aspirations
 Make it authentic—let your passion and personality shine
Action Step:
Draft your profile summary using the structure above, and add it to your LinkedIn About section
Everyone has a story. Make yours memorable and centered on your contributions and impact.
Lesson 2 Craft a Summary That Reflects Who You Are
Why is Your Profile Summary Important?
 It’s the first thing recruiters notice—your opportunity to introduce yourself and make a
strong impression.
 Showcases your unique skills, motivations, and experience in your own voice.

Tips to Write a Standout Summary
 Aim for 40+ words for better visibility in searches.
 Use the first-person narrative for authenticity and connection.
 Spotlight your top skills and what makes you unique.
 Add media (photos, videos, links, presentations) to bring your story and work to life.
What to Include
1. Open with purpose or inspiration (start with a quote, mission, or personal story).
2. Describe what you do and how you do it (highlight your approach, skills, and unique
contributions).
3. Share your impact and aspirations (what difference do you make? What are your
goals?).
4. Show your personal side (hobbies, passions, or what drives you outside of work).
Example:
“Amelia Earhart once said, ‘A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the
roots spring up and make new trees.’
As the owner of The Fresh Press & Stitch, this guides everything I do. My mission: deliver
exceptional service while contributing to a more sustainable future. Whether I’m cleaning a
favorite outfit or altering a wedding gown, I’m passionate about delighting customers and
promoting eco-friendly practices. Outside of work, I love exploring the world with my family.”
Action Step:
Draft your summary using this structure, add top skills, and consider including media to make
your profile summary truly stand out.
Let your profile summary tell your unique story and highlight the value you bring.
Lesson 3 Highlight Key Achievements with Featured Content
Why Use the Featured Section?
 The Featured section is your stage to showcase your proudest work and
accomplishments.
 It sits right below your About section and allows you to visually spotlight your expertise.

 Share posts, articles, images, documents, videos, or links that demonstrate your impact
and skills.
How to Use the Featured Section
1. Add Content:
o Click the plus (+) icon in the Featured section.
o Choose to feature media, posts, articles, links, or documents.
o Upload or select the content you want to highlight.
2. Customize Your Highlights:
o Add a clear, compelling title and description to each featured item.
o Arrange the order to keep your most important work front and center.
3. Keep Your Section Fresh:
o Update and reorder content as you achieve new milestones or create standout
work.
o Edit or remove items anytime to reflect your evolving journey.
Examples of What to Feature:
 A successful project presentation or case study
 Articles or thought leadership pieces you’ve written
 Award announcements or certificates
 Videos showcasing your expertise
 Portfolio work or external links (websites, press coverage, etc.)
Action Step:
Pin your best work in the Featured section and arrange it to tell the story of your achievements—
let your impact speak for itself.
Your accomplishments deserve the spotlight. Use Featured to leave a lasting impression on your
network.
Chapter 4 Outline your career Journey
Lesson 1 Use Your Work Experience to Tell a Story
Why Keep Work Experience Updated?

 2x more profile views when you add at least one position.
 4x more messages by listing work experience.
 2x more connections by simply sharing your career journey.
 More visibility equals more opportunities.
How to Turn Work Experience Into a Story
1. Start with Context:
o Briefly introduce the company, team, or role. (Use the company’s mission or
vision statement if it’s less known.)
o Example: “I’m a captain at JetBlue, an airline dedicated to inspiring humanity
both in the air and on the ground.”
2. Lead with Impact:
o Begin with your results and the difference you made.
o Example: “Achieved a 99.9% on-time departure rate, ensuring smooth and
efficient flight operations across domestic and international routes.”
3. Showcase Achievements:
o Highlight your metrics, key wins, and projects using concise bullet points where
appropriate.
o Example:
 Accumulated 1,500+ flight hours annually
 Implemented a new safety protocol, reducing incidents by 30%
4. Tell Your Unique Journey:
o Use short, story-like paragraphs rather than dry resume bullets.
o Reflect on challenges faced, skills gained, and impact created.
Tips for Effective Storytelling:
 Update your profile when you land a new job, get promoted, or achieve a big milestone.
 Make your experience section a dynamic narrative—not just a static list.
 Let your voice, values, and achievements shine through

 Action Step:
Review your work experience section and update it with compelling stories, clear
context, and measurable impact.
Your career is a story—tell it with clarity, context, and pride to attract the right opportunities.
Lesson 2 Add Your Work Experience to Showcase What You Do Best
Why Share Your Work Experience Clearly?
 Profiles with at least one position get 2x more profile views and connection requests,
and 4x more messages.
 A clear, compelling story helps anyone understand what you do—and why it matters.

How to Make Your Experience Stand Out
1. Explain your role simply:
Imagine explaining your job to a curious 10-year-old—no jargon, just the heart of what
you do.
2. Show the impact:
How does your work make a difference for customers, the business, or your community?
3. Highlight achievements:
Mention awards, growth, or big milestones—what sets you apart from others in your
role?
4. Add key skills and media:
o Use the + Add skill button to showcase your strengths.
o Upload documents, images, videos, or links to bring your work to life.
Example:
“As Executive Chef & Owner, I create memorable dining experiences connecting people to
Midwest culture through food. In under four years, I’ve grown my restaurant by 40%, earned
two James Beard Awards, and mentored the next generation of chefs. I design sustainable menus
and love elevating the Midwest dining scene.”
Tips for Crafting Your Experience Section
 Always use first-person narrative for authenticity.
 Keep paragraphs short, specific, and engaging—let your passion and results shine.
 Ask colleagues or mentors for input to help identify your most powerful contributions.
Action Step:
Update your Work Experience section with a clear, story-driven summary, add your top skills,
and showcase your best work through visuals or documents.
Each role is a chapter in your story—own your journey and highlight the impact you make.
Lesson 3 incorporate Career Breaks into Your LinkedIn Profile
Why Add Career Breaks?
 Removes stigma around time away from traditional work.
 Lets you present your career journey honestly and confidently.
 Highlights valuable skills gained during your break.

How to Add a Career Break
1. Go to the Experience section and click the + Add Career Break button.
2. Choose the type of break:
(e.g., Full-time Parenting, Health & Well-being, Caregiving, Travel, Education)
3. Add details:
o Location
o Start date (and end date, if completed)
o Description: Share what you did, why it mattered, and key skills learned.
Example:
“I took a career break to focus on my most important role yet: being a full-time dad. This time
taught me time management, adaptability, patience, empathy, and problem-solving—skills I’m
excited to bring back to my professional life.”
4. Save—your career break now appears in your Experience section.
Tips for Showcasing Career Breaks
 Highlight transferable skills: Add these to your Experience and Skills sections.
 Connect the dots: Reference your break in your About section to show how it shaped
your journey.
 Add rich media: (Optional) Include images, articles, or links that reflect your growth or
activities during the break.
Action Step:
Embrace your career break as a valuable chapter—use it to demonstrate growth, perspective, and
readiness for what’s next.
Taking a break isn’t a setback. It’s part of your unique professional story—share it proudly.
Lesson 4 Highlight Social Impact with Volunteer Experience
Why Add Volunteer Experience?
 Showcases your skills, passions, and commitment to making a positive change.
 Gives others a complete picture of who you are—beyond your career.
 Demonstrates your values, leadership, and real-world impact.

How to Add Volunteer Experience
1. Go to Add profile section > Additional > Add Volunteer Experience.
2. Enter details:
o Organization: Name of the nonprofit or group (e.g., Pets As Therapy)
o Role: Your volunteer title (e.g., Therapy Animal Volunteer)
o Cause: Select the focus area (e.g., Social Services)
o Dates: Start date and (if applicable) end date; check “currently volunteering” if
ongoing
o Description:
 1–2 sentences describing your impact
 Example:
“As a Pets as Therapy volunteer, I visit hospitals, care homes, and schools
with my pet to provide emotional support and promote wellbeing through
animal-assisted therapy.”
o (Optional) Add media: Share photos, certificates, or links to highlight your work
Pro Tips
 Volunteer experience doesn’t need to be extensive—even small contributions matter.
 Use this section to fill career gaps by highlighting meaningful community work done
during breaks.
 Clearly describe how you made an impact and the skills you developed.
Action Step:
Add your volunteer roles, describe your contributions, and let your values and impact shine
through your profile.
Your volunteer story reveals your character and commitment—make it part of your professional
brand
.

Chapter 5 Build credibility with skills Endorsements and
Recommendations
Lesson 1 Showcase Your Expertise with Skills and Endorsements
Why Add Skills to Your Profile?
 Your skills are your superpowers—they highlight what sets you apart.
 Profiles with 5+ skills are up to 2.9x more likely to get views and 4.7x more likely to
receive messages.
 Skills build credibility and trust—especially when others endorse you.
How to Maximize Skills & Endorsements
1. Add a Mix of Skills:
o Include both technical and interpersonal skills (e.g., Graphic Design, Figma,
Leadership, Communication).
o Add up to 100 skills; focus on your top strengths.
o Use categories:
 Industry Knowledge
 Tools & Technologies
 Interpersonal Skills
2. Get Endorsed:
o First-degree connections can endorse your skills.
o Endorsements validate your expertise and increase your visibility for relevant
opportunities.
o Update or reorder your top skills to keep your profile current and relevant.
3. Manage Your Skills Section:
o Add new skills as you learn them.
o Reorder skills to feature your strongest abilities at the top.
o Hide endorsements that don’t align with your current career focus.
4. Show Where Skills Were Used:
o Link skills to specific roles or projects.
o Add media, certificates, or samples to give your skills real-world context.
Action Step:
List at least 5–10 key skills, get endorsements from your network, and keep your skills section
up to date to showcase your evolving expertise.
Your skills are your professional story—make them visible, credible, and endorsed by others.

Lesson 2 Get Recommendations to Build Credibility
Why Are Recommendations Important?
 Recommendations are powerful endorsements of your skills, expertise, and impact.
 They elevate your credibility—trusted, respected, and valued by peers, managers, and
partners.
 Real examples from others provide social proof and set you apart in your field.
How to Request Meaningful Recommendations
1. Choose the Right People:
o Reach out to colleagues, mentors, managers, or industry partners who have seen
your work and impact firsthand.
2. Personalize Your Request:
o Skip LinkedIn’s generic template.
o Mention the specific project, role, or achievement you’d like highlighted.
o Be clear, direct, and appreciative.
Example request:
“Hi [Name], I truly appreciated your mentorship on [project/team]. Would you be willing
to write a recommendation highlighting my [specific skill/impact]? Your insights would
mean a lot to me!”
3. Make It Easy for Busy Leaders:
o For senior executives, draft a sample recommendation for them to edit and
personalize—this increases your chance of receiving a strong endorsement.
Pro Tips
 Request recommendations after a successful project or collaboration.
 Provide guidance: Be specific about what you’d like them to mention (skills, results,
unique qualities).
 Reciprocate: Offer to write a recommendation in return.
Action Step:
Identify 2–3 people to request recommendations from this month. Provide direction, be
authentic, and let your reputation shine.
Recommendations are the cornerstone of career credibility—collect them and let your story
speak through others.

Lesson 3 Build Trust with Verifications
Why Are Verifications Important?
 Trust and credibility are essential—verified members get 60% more profile views.
 A verification badge signals authenticity, reliability, and real-world connection.
 Verifications make it easier for others to connect, collaborate, and do business with you.
Two Key Ways to Verify Your LinkedIn Profile
1. Identity Verification
o Confirms your identity with a government-issued ID via LinkedIn’s verification
partners (available in select regions).
2. Workplace Verification
o Confirms your association with your company using:
 Work email address
 Microsoft Entra Verified ID
 Active LinkedIn Recruiter license
 Other methods as options expand
How to Get Verified
1. Go to your profile and click Resources (top right).
2. Select About this profile.
3. Click Verify now and follow the prompts.
Key Notes:
 Verifications are optional—think of them as a free “power-up” for your profile.
 You’re always in control—badges can be removed at any time.
 The badge’s location may change as LinkedIn updates the feature.
Action Step:
Initiate identity or workplace verification to enhance your profile’s trustworthiness and visibility.
In a world where trust is everything, verifications set you apart as authentic and reliable.

Conclusions
Next Steps for LinkedIn Success
Congratulations! You’ve completed your LinkedIn profile learning journey.
What to Do Next
 Visit LinkedIn Help Center
Get guidance, tips, and answers to all your LinkedIn questions.
 Follow LinkedIn’s Company Page
Stay updated on new features, platform tips, and expert advice.
 Explore Work Change Reports
Discover how jobs are evolving and which skills are most in-demand for the future of
work.
 Use Your Community & AI Tools
Lean on your network for support, inspiration, and recommendations.
Leverage AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to fine-tune your profile and
spark new ideas.
 Take Action—One Step at a Time
Don’t be overwhelmed.
Schedule short, focused sessions each week to update one section at a time.
Start today—add time blocks to your calendar for steady progress.
Final Motivation
Your story is unique and powerful. Your LinkedIn profile is your stage—use it to show the world
what you’re capable of.
Every journey is different, but every story deserves to be seen.
Action Step:
Set your first calendar block now and start sharing your professional magic with the world.

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