How to Make Your LinkedIn Stand Out as a Job Seeker

When it comes to advancing your career, LinkedIn is one of the most important social networks around. Your LinkedIn profile allows you to showcase your professional experience and can be a key differentiator between you and other job seekers.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to make your LinkedIn stand out, providing you with more opportunities to move your career forward. From tips on creating the right headlines for your LinkedIn profile to profile optimization, we’ll cover everything you need to impress employers.

Make Sure Your Profile is Up to Date

Whether you are actively seeking a new role or simply open to new career opportunities, make sure your LinkedIn profile is kept up to date. As you go about updating your profile, use the following LinkedIn profile optimization tips to create an eye-catching profile:

• Headline: Located beneath your name, your headline for your LinkedIn profile should be a quick, compelling snapshot of who you are and what you do. LinkedIn will default to this headline to be your current position title, but you are free to customize it. Use the 120 characters to effectively communicate your specialties.
• Headshot: If you don’t have one already, be sure to upload a professional headshot. This helps put a face to your name, which can help you stand out in a hiring manager’s memory.
• Summary: Your summary should be more than simply a place to mention your previous work experience. Use this space to demonstrate how you have achieved results in your field of work. This is also a critical section for including keywords relevant to your field.
• Custom URL: When you sign up for a LinkedIn profile, you’ll receive a default URL that is messy and likely includes a string of letters and numbers. However, on the right side of your profile, you have the option to edit this URL. Rewrite the URL ending to include your first and last name, keeping it concise and neat.

If you were recently let go from your company, you might wonder how to update your LinkedIn profile after a layoff. Following all the steps above is the best way to optimize your profile. Be sure to also add the end date to your current position, and click the box that states: “Show recruiters you’re open to job opportunities.”

Start Connecting With Colleagues and Thought Leaders

Increasing the number of connections you have on LinkedIn is key to showcasing that you are a well-rounded professional. Start connecting with colleagues from previous and past positions, as well as alumni from your alma mater.

Additionally, reach out and connect to thought leaders in your industry. Be sure to add a personal note when requesting a connection.

Ask for Endorsements and Recommendations

Part of how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out is to have a robust set of endorsements and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask previous managers and colleagues to write a recommendation or to endorse you for specific skill sets (you should actively endorse and recommend others, too).

This will go a long way in demonstrating to a potential hiring manager your capability to not only perform well but also to build relationships in the workplace.

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

Post Frequently and Purposefully

A great way to get noticed on LinkedIn is to engage on the platform. Add posts at least three times a week and make sure you are posting about relevant topics to your industry. You can share articles, offer advice, and highlight recent accomplishments.

Join Conversations & Groups

Not only should you post to your own LinkedIn profile, but you should also take the time to join in on conversations across the platform. Follow industry leaders and comment on their posts, engaging in relevant conversations with those in your field of work.

Additionally, consider joining a few LinkedIn groups where you can contribute ideas, learn from others, and make new connections. Think of this as a virtual networking hour.

Add Your LinkedIn Profile to Your Resume

With your LinkedIn profile optimized, make sure you include this information on your resume. For how to add your LinkedIn profile to your resume, just use your LinkedIn profile URL and add it at the top of your resume where you have your contact information listed.

Respond to Messages

Lastly, make sure that you check your LinkedIn inbox daily. Respond to messages in a timely manner and be open to new connections.

Are you interested in learning more about how to use online profiles to boost your career? Check out our Resource Center for job seekers.