Your LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful tools you have in today’s job market. It’s more than just a digital CV; it’s your personal brand, your professional story, and often the first place hiring managers and recruiters go to learn about you.
But what exactly are hiring managers looking for when they land on your profile? What makes them stop, read, and think, “This is someone I need to talk to”?
Let’s break it down into clear, actionable steps so you can make your LinkedIn profile stand out and get noticed by the right people.
1. A Professional, Welcoming Profile Photo
Let’s start with the basics: a strong profile photo. It’s the first thing hiring managers notice, and it sets the tone for your entire profile. A good photo makes you look professional, approachable, and confident.
Here’s what works:
Use a clear, high-quality headshot.
Dress appropriately for your industry (think smart but approachable).
Keep the background simple and uncluttered.
Most importantly: smile! It adds warmth to your profile.
If you don’t have a photo yet, take one today—profiles with photos are far more likely to get views and messages from recruiters.
2. A Headline That Does More Than State Your Job Title
Your headline isn’t just a place to list your current role. It’s prime real estate to tell hiring managers who you are and what you bring to the table.
Think beyond just your title. What value do you add? What problems do you solve?
For example:
Instead of “Marketing Executive,” try “Helping brands grow through data-driven marketing strategies.”
Instead of “Software Developer,” go with “Building reliable and innovative web solutions that drive business growth.”
This simple tweak makes you stand out and immediately communicates what you’re all about.
3. A Strong ‘About’ Section That Tells Your Story
The ‘About’ section is where you can truly shine. Think of it as your elevator pitch—it should be personal, engaging, and focused on what you bring to the table.
What hiring managers want to see here:
Who you are professionally (e.g., “I’m a results-driven project manager with 8 years’ experience...”).
What you’re passionate about (e.g., “I love turning complex challenges into organised, actionable plans…”).
Key achievements or milestones (e.g., “Increased team efficiency by 30% by implementing new processes…”).
Don’t just list facts—tell your story. Be clear, concise, and write like a human, not a robot. Hiring managers love a bit of personality.
4. Experience That Focuses on Results, Not Just Tasks
Hiring managers want to know what impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Instead of listing your daily responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments.
For example:
“Managed social media channels” is okay.
“Grew social media engagement by 40% in 6 months through targeted campaigns” is much better.
Use bullet points to keep it clear and focus on the results. Quantify wherever you can: numbers, percentages, or specific projects add real credibility to your work.
5. Skills That Match the Jobs You Want
The skills section is a quick way for hiring managers to check if you match their role requirements. Highlight the right mix of hard skills (like “data analysis” or “SEO strategy”) and soft skills (like “leadership” or “communication”).
Pro tip: Look at job postings for roles you want and add relevant skills to your profile. It helps you appear in searches when recruiters are looking for candidates.
Don’t forget to ask colleagues, managers, or clients to endorse your skills. These small validations add credibility and show that others recognise your strengths.
6. Recommendations That Speak to Your Strengths
LinkedIn recommendations are like digital references—and they carry a lot of weight. Hiring managers love reading what others have to say about you.
Reach out to former colleagues, managers, or clients and ask for a short recommendation. Offer to write one for them in return—it’s a win-win.
A few glowing recommendations can go a long way in building trust and standing out from the crowd.
7. Activity That Shows You’re Engaged and Insightful
Hiring managers don’t just want to see what you’ve done—they want to know you’re active, curious, and connected to your industry.
Ways to show this:
Share articles or updates about trends in your field.
Comment thoughtfully on posts that interest you.
Write your own short posts about professional challenges, lessons, or successes.
Even 10 minutes a week engaging on LinkedIn can boost your visibility and position you as someone who’s actively contributing to your professional community.
8. Keywords That Make You Searchable
LinkedIn is a search engine, and hiring managers use it to find candidates. If your profile doesn’t include the right keywords, you might not show up in searches.
Here’s what to do:
Look at job descriptions for roles you want.
Note keywords (e.g., “project management,” “business development,” “content creation”) and sprinkle them naturally into your headline, about section, and experience.
Being strategic about keywords can dramatically improve your chances of being found.
9. A Custom LinkedIn URL
A custom LinkedIn URL (like linkedin.com/in/yourname) looks polished and professional. It’s easy to include on your CV, email signature, or business card.
To edit yours, head to your profile, click “Edit public profile & URL,” and customise it.
It’s a small detail, but hiring managers notice these things.
10. Education and Certifications That Show Your Growth
Hiring managers love to see that you’re committed to learning and growing. List your formal education, relevant certifications, and any professional development courses you’ve completed.
Examples:
“Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)”
“Google Analytics Certification”
“Leadership in Digital Transformation”
Continuous learning shows you’re adaptable, curious, and ready to bring value.
Final Thoughts
A well-optimised LinkedIn profile isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, clear, and intentional. Hiring managers want to know who you are, what you’ve achieved, and how you can make a difference.
Take the time to fine-tune your profile and tell your story authentically. A strong LinkedIn presence can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
So start today. Polish your headline, add your achievements, and show hiring managers why you are exactly who they’re looking for.
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