Let’s face it – LinkedIn is your digital first impression. As a recruiter, I’ve scrolled through thousands of profiles, and let me tell you, the difference between a stellar LinkedIn profile and a half-baked one is like night and day. Your LinkedIn is more than just a digital résumé; it’s a personal branding tool that, when used right, can help you get noticed and hired. So, if you want to stay at the top of the recruitment food chain, here are a few insider tips from someone who spends way too much time on LinkedIn. 

1. Picture Perfect: Your Profile Photo Matters

First things first, let’s talk about that profile picture. The default grey avatar just doesn’t cut it anymore. Think of it this way: would you walk into an interview with a paper bag over your head? Probably not. A professional, approachable headshot (yes, I said headshot, not a selfie from your last beach holiday) goes a long way in humanizing your profile. Recruiters want to see who they’re dealing with. It builds trust. 

But don’t overthink it – it doesn’t need to be a studio shot. Just make sure it’s clear, well-lit, and reflects the professional you. Oh, and smile. Nobody wants to hire someone who looks like they’re miserable about landing the job. 

2. Nail Your Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate. Yet, I’m still seeing headlines that just state a job title and nothing else. Let’s switch it up! Instead of “Project Manager,” how about “Project Manager | Delivering high-impact IT solutions with a focus on innovation & efficiency”? Suddenly, you’re not just a Project Manager, you’re a Project Manager who stands out. 

Think of your headline as your elevator pitch. What makes you unique? What value do you bring? Give recruiters a reason to stop scrolling and click on your profile. 

3. Summary: Your Personal Billboard

Here’s the truth: most people skimp on the summary section, and that’s a missed opportunity. Your summary is where you get to showcase your story – not just the dry details of your career. If your work experience is the “what,” then your summary is the “why.” Why do you do what you do? What drives you? What’s your superpower in the workplace? 

Keep it conversational and personal. Talk about your passions, your key achievements, and what you’re looking for next. But don’t ramble – keep it short, punchy, and focused on what recruiters need to know. 

4. Experience: The Golden Details

This one is simple: don’t treat your LinkedIn like a carbon copy of your résumé. Sure, list your job titles and companies, but add some meat to those bones. Go beyond the generic “responsible for…” lines. Tell us about the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Use data, metrics, and achievements to show your value. 

For example, instead of “Managed a team of 10,” try “Led a high-performing team of 10, delivering 20+ successful projects on time and under budget.” See the difference? Quantifying your success is music to a recruiter’s ears. 

5. Skills: More Than Just a Checkbox

Here’s a little secret – LinkedIn’s algorithms love skills. The more you have (that are relevant, of course), the more likely your profile is to pop up in recruiter searches. But don’t just slap random skills onto your profile. Be strategic. Highlight the skills that align with the roles you’re targeting. 

And don’t forget about endorsements. Recruiters often glance at your top-endorsed skills, and having peer-validated expertise adds weight to your profile. 

6. Recommendations: Social Proof at Its Best

You wouldn’t buy a product online without reading reviews, right? Well, the same goes for hiring managers. Recommendations from colleagues, clients, or managers provide valuable social proof. They back up your claims and show that others vouch for your work ethic and capabilities. 

Don’t be shy – ask for recommendations from people you’ve worked closely with. A handful of well-written, genuine recommendations can set you apart from the crowd. 

7. Keep It Fresh: Stay Active

One of the biggest mistakes people make? Setting up their LinkedIn profile and leaving it to gather digital dust. LinkedIn isn’t a static résumé; it’s a living, breathing professional network. Stay active. Share articles, comment on posts, engage with your network. This isn’t just about visibility – it shows that you’re invested in your industry and keeps you top-of-mind for recruiters and connections alike. 

If you recently completed a new project, won an award, or took a course – update your profile! Don’t wait until you’re actively job hunting to make these tweaks. The best time to optimize your LinkedIn is when you don’t need a job. That way, when an opportunity comes knocking, you’re already primed for success. 

8. Keywords: Your Profile’s Secret Weapon

Recruiters use LinkedIn’s search functionality to find candidates, which means they’re typing in specific keywords related to the job they’re filling. Make sure your profile includes industry-specific keywords, especially in your headline, summary, and experience sections. 

Let’s say you’re an HR professional looking for a new role. Keywords like “talent acquisition,” “employee engagement,” or “performance management” are your ticket to getting found by the right recruiters. But be careful – don’t keyword-stuff your profile. Keep it natural and relevant. 

9. Engage with Recruiters (Like Me)

This might sound obvious, but many job seekers don’t leverage their LinkedIn connections effectively. Don’t just sit back and wait for recruiters to find you. Reach out. Introduce yourself, express interest in roles, and start a conversation. The professional tone of LinkedIn makes it the perfect platform to network without feeling awkward. 

But here’s the key – don’t send generic connection requests. Personalize it. Mention why you’re connecting and how your background aligns with what the recruiter is looking for. 

10. Consistency Is Key

Lastly, consistency is crucial. Your profile should tell a cohesive story. The experience, skills, and achievements you highlight need to align with the roles you’re applying for. A mismatch here can confuse recruiters and reduce your chances of landing the perfect role. 

Final Thoughts 

Keeping your LinkedIn profile polished and up-to-date isn’t just about looking good – it’s about standing out in a sea of candidates. As a recruiter, I can say that a well-optimized LinkedIn profile makes my job easier and your chance of getting noticed higher. So, take the time, make the updates, and let your profile do the heavy lifting for you.

By: Ash Fajerman, Senior Consultant, Local Government

Ash joined the Planned Resources team to specialise in the local government space. With a background in defence and local government recruiting, Ash brings understanding, commitment, empathy, and professionalism.

Ash Fajerman – Senior Consultant, Local Government

Connect with Ash Fajerman on Linkedin

Contact: 0449 938 399, ash.fajerman@plannedresources.com.au