Written by Beth Cameron, Marketing and Social Media Assistant
In today’s digital job market, LinkedIn has become a crucial platform for job seekers. At First Choice Recruitment, we understand how important it is for professionals to present themselves in the best possible light to potential employers. Whether you're actively job hunting or keeping an eye out for opportunities, optimising your LinkedIn profile can significantly boost your chances of landing that dream role.
Here are our top tips on how to create a LinkedIn profile that stands out:
1. Craft a Strong Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things people see, so it needs to make an impact. While many users stick to job titles, try to include keywords that highlight your skills or the type of role you’re seeking. For example, instead of simply stating “Marketing Manager,” you could opt for “Experienced Marketing Manager | Digital Strategist | Content Creator.” The additional detail makes you more discoverable to recruiters using LinkedIn’s search functions.
2. Perfect Your Profile Picture
A professional, approachable profile picture can set the tone for how you’re perceived. Research shows that LinkedIn profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than those without. Choose a high-quality image where you’re dressed appropriately for your industry and looking friendly and confident.
3. Make the Most of the Summary Section
The summary (or "About" section) is your chance to tell your story. Avoid simply repeating what’s already in your work experience. Instead, focus on what makes you unique: your career aspirations, achievements, and the value you can bring to a future employer. Make it personal, engaging, and tailored to your industry. Keep it clear, concise, and keyword-rich so recruiters searching for specific skills will easily find you.
4. Tailor Your Work Experience
LinkedIn isn’t just your CV; it’s a tool that showcases your career journey in a compelling way. Instead of listing job responsibilities, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities. Quantify where possible. For example, “Increased sales by 30% over six months” is more powerful than “Responsible for sales.”
Make sure each entry is relevant to the kind of role you're seeking, and don’t hesitate to leave out jobs that no longer reflect the direction you want to take.
5. Leverage Keywords
LinkedIn’s algorithm is driven by keywords, much like any search engine. Recruiters often search for candidates using specific terms related to the role they’re filling. To optimise your profile, think about the key skills, certifications, or industry-specific jargon used in your field. Scatter these keywords naturally throughout your headline, summary, and job descriptions to increase your chances of appearing in search results.
6. Get Active with Recommendations
Recommendations add credibility to your profile. They act as testimonials, showcasing that others have recognised your skills and work ethic. Reach out to colleagues, managers, or clients and politely ask for a recommendation, particularly for those roles or skills you want to highlight. In return, offer to write recommendations for others—this can also help expand your network.
7. Showcase Skills & Endorsements
LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, and these act as important keywords for recruiters. Choose skills that align with the jobs you want and the roles you’ve had. Endorsements from colleagues or connections in your field will help validate those skills. But don’t just stop there—engage with your network by endorsing their skills, as this often leads to them reciprocating.
8. Utilise LinkedIn’s Open to Work Feature
LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature lets recruiters know you’re actively looking for new opportunities. You can either publicly display the green “Open to Work” banner on your profile picture or, if you prefer a more discreet approach, limit visibility to recruiters only. You can also specify job titles, locations, and types of work you’re open to, making it easier for recruiters to match you with the right roles.
9. Join Relevant Groups and Follow Companies
LinkedIn is not just about your personal profile; it’s also a networking platform. Joining industry-relevant groups or following companies you’re interested in can keep you updated on the latest news and job openings. Engaging in group discussions or commenting on company updates shows your knowledge and involvement in your industry, making you more visible to potential employers.
10. Be Active and Engage with Content
One of the easiest ways to stay visible on LinkedIn is by actively engaging with your network. Share relevant articles, comment on posts, and create your own content around your industry expertise. Regular activity signals to your network and potential employers that you’re knowledgeable and engaged in your field, boosting your chances of being noticed.
11. Keep Your Profile Updated
Finally, make sure your LinkedIn profile is always up-to-date. Regularly review your skills, work experience, and summary to ensure everything is current. Keep an eye out for new LinkedIn features that may give your profile an edge and help you stand out even more.
If you're actively looking for your next career move, we’re here to help. Contact us at First Choice Recruitment, and let’s make your job search a success!
