Did you know that 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates? For college students and young professionals, especially those in commercial real estate (CRE), building a strong LinkedIn profile early is one of the smartest moves you can make. CRE is a relationship-driven industry, and LinkedIn is the ultimate platform to connect with professionals, find internships, and kick-start your career.
Think of LinkedIn as your professional launchpad. It’s not Instagram or TikTok—it’s where you showcase your skills, highlight your achievements, and grow your network. Starting early allows you to build credibility over time and position yourself as a standout candidate. Whether you’re targeting internships, entry-level roles, or connections with industry leaders, your LinkedIn presence makes a difference.
As you transition from college to the workforce, your profile should reflect your career goals. Let go of irrelevant experiences (yes, your high school job at the coffee shop can go now) and focus on what’s most relevant. Highlight your current role, internships, or coursework, and use your profile to tell your professional story. This guide includes practical tips to help you create a polished LinkedIn profile.
- Professional Profile Photo
Choose a high-quality, professional photo—profiles with photos are far more likely to get views and connection requests. Dress as you would for an interview in CRE, and opt for a clean, uncluttered background. Avoid graduation pictures or overly casual photos. - Custom LinkedIn URL
Customize your LinkedIn URL to include your name for a cleaner, more professional look on resumes and email signatures. To do this, go to your profile settings and edit your public profile URL. - Include an Up-to-Date Resume
If you’re actively looking for a job, upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile—it makes it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to match you with relevant opportunities.Under 35? Aim for a one-page resume.Over 35? Two pages are acceptable. Be sure to remove any personal information that you wouldn’t want publicly accessible. - Compelling Headline
Use more than just your job title; highlight your specialty or unique skills. Try something like, “Real Estate Analyst | CRE Investment | Financial Modeling Expert.” - Include keywords relevant to your role and industry to improve searchability. For Real Estate Analyst or Associate roles, commonly searched keywords include “Excel,” “real estate financial modeling,” and “ARGUS.” Review job descriptions for roles you’re targeting and incorporate frequently used keywords into your profile to increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and appearing in their searches.
- Engaging Summary
Your summary should be a brief elevator pitch that highlights your background, skills, and career goals. Aim for 3-5 short paragraphs outlining your experience, key skills, and what excites you about the industry. - Detailed Experience Section
List quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Managed a portfolio of 15 properties valued at $300M”) and specify the asset types you focus on, like office, industrial, or multifamily properties. Highlighting the property types and projects you’ve handled helps recruiters understand your expertise. Use bullet points to outline responsibilities and key contributions, focusing on skills that align with your career path. - Highlight Skills and Endorsements
Add up to 50 skills relevant to CRE, prioritizing those most applicable to your current role and future goals. Encourage colleagues and mentors to endorse your skills to boost credibility. - Request Recommendations
Request meaningful recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, and clients. Aim for feedback that reflects your professional strengths and demonstrates your value. - Add Certifications and Courses
Industry-specific certifications (like ARGUS or advanced Excel modeling) set you apart. Include relevant coursework or continuing education to show your commitment to growth. - Showcase Projects and Media
Add links to presentations, articles, or projects you’ve contributed to. For example, if you’ve worked on a significant development project, include images or links to showcase your role. - Keep Contact Information Updated
Ensure your contact details are current and accessible to make networking easier. Include an up-to-date email address and your zip code to help hiring managers and recruiters identify the regions you are targeting. If you’re comfortable, consider adding a phone number for direct communication. This small step can make a big difference in connecting with opportunities! - Connect with others & Engage with Content
Stay active on LinkedIn by connecting with quality contacts—colleagues, classmates, and industry professionals. Engage with content by sharing industry articles, commenting on posts, and interacting with CRE thought leaders. Join relevant LinkedIn Groups to increase visibility and personalize connection requests to make a lasting impression.
By following these tips, you’ll create a polished LinkedIn profile that positions you for success. Start today, and take one step closer to unlocking exciting CRE opportunities!
