Why your LinkedIn profile matters
Recruiters, hiring managers, and potential clients often look you up on LinkedIn before they reply to a message or call you. They also search it by keywords and location. A complete profile with the right terms in the right places makes you easier to find and easier to trust. Treat it as a living page, not a copy of your resume.
Profile photo and banner
- Use a recent, well-lit headshot where your face fills most of the frame.
- Wear what you would wear to meet a client in your field, and use a plain background.
- Use the banner to state what you do: a simple graphic with your specialty, a tagline, or your website.
Headline: your most valuable line
The headline appears in search results, comments, and connection requests, so it does more work than anything else on the page. Use all 220 characters wisely.
- Weak: “Marketing Executive at ABC Ltd.”
- Stronger: “Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO, Google Ads, Analytics | Helping small businesses get more leads”
About section: your story
Write in the first person, in short paragraphs. A simple structure works well:
- Who you help and what problem you solve.
- Two or three proof points, with numbers where you have them.
- The skills and tools you use.
- How people should contact you.
Place your most important keywords in the first three lines, because that is what shows before the “see more” link.
Experience section
For each role, give a short description of your scope and three to five bullet points covering achievements. Use the same action-and-result approach as on your ATS-friendly resume. Add links, media, and project examples where possible.
Skills and recommendations
Add the skills recruiters search for in your field and pin the top three. Ask former managers or clients for a short recommendation, and offer to write one in return.
Activity: stay visible
- Comment thoughtfully on posts from people in your industry.
- Share one useful lesson or example each week.
- Engage with the companies you want to work with.
Settings worth checking
- Set a custom profile URL with your name.
- Make sure your location matches the market you are targeting.
- Use “Open to Work” settings carefully. You can limit visibility to recruiters only.
Make sure your job titles, dates, and skills match your resume. Build your resume with our free Resume Builder, then update LinkedIn to match.
Frequently asked questions
What should my LinkedIn headline say?
Combine your role, your specialty, and the value you deliver, for example "Digital Marketer | SEO and Paid Search | Helping online stores grow revenue." Avoid vague titles.
Do I need a professional photo?
A clear, friendly headshot with good lighting is enough. It does not need to be a studio photo.
How many skills should I list?
List the skills most relevant to your target role and pin your top three. Quality matters more than quantity.
How often should I post?
Consistency matters more than volume. One or two thoughtful posts or comments a week is a realistic starting point.