In today’s job market, your LinkedIn profile is just as important—if not more so—than your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers regularly use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates, often before ever reaching out. If your profile isn’t optimized, you could be missing out on career opportunities without even realizing it. The good news? With a few strategic updates, you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool that helps you stand out and get noticed.
Start With a Strong Profile Photo
Your profile photo is the first thing people notice—and it plays a big role in making a positive impression. You don’t need a professional headshot, but your photo should be clear, well-lit, and appropriate for your industry.
Choose a photo where you’re dressed professionally and smiling.
Make sure your face is centered and takes up about 60% of the frame.
Avoid busy backgrounds or casual selfies.
A good photo builds trust and makes you seem approachable and professional.
Write a Headline That Goes Beyond Your Job Title
LinkedIn automatically fills your headline with your current job title—but you can (and should) change it to something more impactful. Your headline appears everywhere on LinkedIn, including search results, so it needs to grab attention.
Include keywords that reflect your skills or the industry you want to be in.
Highlight your value proposition—what do you help companies or clients achieve?
For example: “Marketing Specialist | Driving Brand Growth Through Strategic Campaigns” or “Customer Success Manager | SaaS | Retention & Client Satisfaction Expert”
Your headline should communicate what you do and how you add value, not just where you work.
Craft a Compelling About Section
Your “About” section is your personal elevator pitch. It’s your chance to tell your story in a way that connects with recruiters and hiring managers.
Open with a strong first sentence to hook the reader.
Highlight your experience, core skills, and career goals.
Use a conversational but professional tone—this is your chance to show some personality.
End with a call to action, such as inviting people to connect or reach out for collaborations.
Make sure to include keywords that align with the types of jobs you’re pursuing—this helps with search visibility.
Showcase Your Work Experience with Results
Your experience section should be more than just a list of job duties. Focus on achievements, results, and impact to show how you added value in each role.
Use bullet points for easy reading.
Start each point with a strong action verb.
Include numbers or metrics where possible (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 75% in six months” or “Managed a $250K annual marketing budget”).
Focus on what sets you apart in each position.
Also, keep this section up to date. If you’ve taken on new responsibilities or completed major projects, make sure your profile reflects that.
Add Skills That Are Relevant and Searchable
LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills—use this to your advantage. Choose a mix of hard and soft skills that are relevant to your field.
Prioritize skills that show up in job descriptions for roles you’re targeting.
Make sure your top 3 skills (which appear first) align with your career goals.
Don’t list generic or outdated skills—focus on what’s in demand right now.
The more relevant your skills, the more likely you are to appear in recruiter searches.
Request (and Give) Recommendations
Recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients can boost your credibility and give potential employers insight into your work style and character.
Reach out to former coworkers or supervisors and ask for a short, specific recommendation.
Offer to write one for them in return—it’s a great way to maintain professional relationships.
Aim for at least two to three solid recommendations that reinforce your strengths and skills.
These endorsements provide social proof that you’re a reliable, effective professional.
Use the Featured Section to Highlight Key Work
LinkedIn’s “Featured” section lets you showcase standout projects, media, or content. This is a great way to bring your experience to life.
Add links to articles you’ve written, projects you’ve worked on, or websites you’ve helped develop.
Upload presentation decks, videos, or portfolio samples.
Feature a resume or cover letter if you’re actively job hunting.
This section is especially useful if you work in a creative or results-driven field and want to show (not just tell) what you can do.
Turn On the “Open to Work” Setting
If you’re actively job hunting, you can quietly let recruiters know you’re open to new opportunities by using LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature.
Choose the types of roles, locations, and job types you’re targeting.
Decide whether only recruiters can see this, or if it’s visible to everyone (a green banner will appear on your profile photo).
This feature helps match you with recruiters looking for candidates like you—and it only takes a minute to set up.
Engage Regularly to Stay Visible
An active profile is more likely to get attention. LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards engagement, so make a habit of interacting with content on the platform.
Like, comment on, or share posts from people in your industry.
Publish your own updates, such as professional achievements, lessons learned, or industry insights.
Join and participate in LinkedIn groups related to your field.
This keeps your profile visible in your network’s feeds and shows you’re actively involved in your industry.
Keep Your Profile Consistent With Your Resume
Before you apply for any jobs, double-check that your LinkedIn profile matches your resume. Inconsistencies in job titles, dates, or qualifications can raise red flags for employers.
Make sure your education, certifications, and job history are accurate and aligned.
Use similar language to describe your experience, even if the format differs.
If you’ve recently updated your resume, take a moment to reflect those changes on LinkedIn.
Consistency builds trust—and it shows you’re intentional about your personal brand.
Final Thoughts
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make in today’s digital job market. By optimizing every section—from your photo and headline to your experience and engagement—you can attract more opportunities, connect with the right people, and stand out in a sea of candidates. Think of it as your personal marketing page—and make it work for you.
