Why LinkedIn Matters More Than Ever

LinkedIn isn’t just a place to list your work history — it’s a powerful career-building tool. In fact, 9 out of 10 recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates. Whether you’re actively job-hunting or simply growing your network, a strong profile can open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

Choose a Strong Profile Photo

First impressions matter, so start by selecting a clear, professional-looking headshot. Profiles with a photo get 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for your industry, and avoid sunglasses, heavy filters, or cropped group shots.

Write a Headline That Tells Your Story

Your headline is one of the first things people notice. Instead of just listing your job title, use it to highlight what you do and what you’re passionate about. For example, instead of writing “Marketing Specialist,” try something like “Helping brands grow through creative, data-driven marketing strategies.” A strong headline quickly communicates why someone should connect with you.

Create an “About” Section That Sells You

The About section is your chance to tell your story beyond your resume. Use it to highlight your skills, passions, and what sets you apart. Begin with a quick introduction about who you are, move into what you excel at, and finish with what you’re looking for or open to. Keep the tone personal, confident, and packed with industry-relevant keywords to boost your visibility.

Highlight Achievements in Your Experience

When listing your work experience, focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Use bullet points and action-driven language to describe the impact you made. Whenever possible, quantify your results — for example, “Increased website traffic by 60% in 6 months.” A good formula to follow is: action verb + what you did + result achieved.

Showcase Skills and Collect Endorsements

Your skills section is crucial. List the top 10–15 skills that are most relevant to your career goals. Don’t just set it and forget it — ask colleagues, supervisors, or classmates to endorse you, and return the favor. Skills and endorsements help recruiters find you faster and add credibility to your profile.

Gather Strong Recommendations

Recommendations can instantly boost your profile’s credibility. Reach out to former managers, coworkers, or clients, and ask if they’d be willing to write you a recommendation. Make it easy by offering a few bullet points or a draft they can customize. Just a few thoughtful recommendations can make a big difference.

Stay Active and Engage With Your Network

The more active you are on LinkedIn, the more visibility you’ll gain. Spend a few minutes each day liking posts, leaving thoughtful comments, and sharing relevant content. You can also post updates about your professional wins, industry news, or career tips. Joining LinkedIn Groups related to your industry is another great way to stay visible and connect with like-minded professionals.

Let Recruiters Know You’re Open to Work

If you’re open to new opportunities, make sure to turn on LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature. You can choose to show it only to recruiters or make it visible to everyone. Simply go to your profile, click the “Open to” button, and add the job titles, locations, and job types you’re interested in.

Your Future Connections Are Just a Click Away

LinkedIn is more than an online resume — it’s a living, breathing reflection of your professional brand. Take time to optimize your profile, stay active, and build connections. The right opportunities often come when you least expect them.