LinkedIn can play a huge part in your career development, from networking and making new connections, to staying in the loop with the latest industry news and trends, to finding your dream job posting or getting noticed by recruiters.
Now, you may be wondering:
How do I get my LinkedIn profile noticed?
This is a common question we get from job seekers, and for a good reason - you want to stand out from the crowd as a memorable candidate!
Put as much thought into your LinkedIn profile as you would put into your resume and cover letter. You want to make sure your experiences and achievements are on display, as well as your goals and values.
If you’re looking to land your next job, here are some tips on how to make your LinkedIn Profile stand out to potential employers!
How do I write a good LinkedIn headline?
Your LinkedIn headline is a small but mighty sentence that summarizes who you are to anyone who comes across your profile. It shows up with your name in search results, on newsfeed posts, on job applications.
LinkedIn sets your default headline as your current role, whether at a company or an educational institution. If you’re on the job hunt however, it’s a good idea to edit your headline yourself so that it’s optimized for those who want to learn more about you!
The key to writing a good LinkedIn headline is to make it specific and succinct, and with your target audience in mind. Think of the role you’re looking for, and some keywords and skill sets that a recruiter or hiring manager would look for. Work these into your headline as much as you can and feel free to get creative, too!
Here are some examples of different LinkedIn headlines:
- Digital Marketing Specialist | Copywriting, Design, SEO | Looking For Work
- Front-End Web Developer with a passion for accessibility - Open for work
- Event Coordinator | Creating Inclusive & Memorable Experiences | Open For New Opportunities
- HR Manager Available for Hire - People Person, Committed to Diversity & Inclusion
- Social Justice Activist, Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator | Open for Opportunities
How do I write a good LinkedIn summary?
LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform. It's a unique chance for you to tell your career story! The best place to share your story on your LinkedIn profile is the summary section rather than just listing the skills or jobs you've had.
We recommend the following "formula" for your summary:
- Who you are (e.g. "I'm a marketing professional turned front-end developer with experience building applications with React, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3, to name a few!")
- Your value proposition or "secret sauce” (e.g. "I value myself as someone who makes a positive impact with the people I work and interact with by being a great communicator, managing my time well, and providing mentorship where I can.")
- Your transferable skills, especially if you're a career changer: What skills are you bringing from your previous experience and why does that impact your current career path?
- Call to Action: What do you want people to do after they view your profile? (e.g. "Reach out to me if your company needs a team-oriented and passionate developer!")
Remember to proofread your summary, too!
Are LinkedIn endorsements useful? Are LinkedIn recommendations important?
Yes and yes!
LinkedIn endorsements and recommendations are a great way to catalogue your relevant skills, reinforce your strengths, and showcase positive feedback from your connections. Recommendations especially give a good idea to recruiters and hiring managers of what you’re like as an employee, a team player, and a collaborator.
If you need endorsements or recommendations on your profile, don’t hesitate to ask your trusted connections such as past co-workers or managers, clients, or classmates that you collaborated with on projects!
We highly recommend spreading the love and support in return by endorsing skills on a past co-worker or friend’s profiles, and taking the extra time to leave a thoughtful recommendation. It only takes a few clicks!
How do I talk about my previous work experience?
We know, it's hard to talk about yourself. But to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level, don't just add a previous experience without any context! Underneath your past roles, ensure you're including specific accomplishments or learnings from these positions. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Did you increase sales or engagement? Numbers can be helpful in effectively showcasing your success!
- Did you introduce new programming or initiatives? How did they positively impact the company?
- Did you take on additional mentorship opportunities?
Be proud of what you brought to the table and share it!
How do I make my LinkedIn profile stand out?
While LinkedIn profiles may not seem as visual as other social media platforms, there are still some key ways to visually enhance your profile and make it more eye-catching:
How to choose a Professional LinkedIn Photo
Select a recent photo that is high-resolution, well-lit, and professional. If you don’t have one, you can take one at home! We recommend getting someone to take it for you, or setting up a self-timer with your phone or a camera. Here are some quick tips on taking a great headshot:
- Make sure you’re the only one in the photo - no group photos, even if they’re cropped!
- Stand against a plain background
- Make sure you’re well-lit - have a window or lamp in front of you
- Place your camera at eye level or slightly higher
- Dress professionally, and avoid busy prints
- Smile!
Add LinkedIn Featured Content
Take advantage of this section, as it appears right under your Profile Summary at the top of your profile! You can showcase:
- Posts and articles you've made on LinkedIn
- Links to web content such as projects you've worked on
- Media such as presentations, documents, and photos
Add a LinkedIn Background Photo
This appears behind your headshot and is a subtle but effective way to make your profile pop and set you apart from the countless others who have the default plain background. Here are some ideas:
- You working or your workspace (e.g. writing, public speaking, or managing an event)
- An image related to your industry (e.g. an airplane for tourism, a computer for tech, a group photo for community work)
- A simple colour or texture (you can find some on free stock photo websites like Pexels or Unsplash)
Your LinkedIn Profile Is Ready!
We hope these tips helped you spruce up your LinkedIn profile! Remember, there is no one else like you - let your accomplishments and skills shine through!
Looking for more job hunting tips? Check out our downloadable Resume Checklist written by our Career Experts! This simple checklist will help ensure you’re hitting the mark and making your resume stand out from the rest: