1. Use a Keyword-Rich Headline (Not Just Your Job Title)
Your LinkedIn headline is weighted heavily in LinkedIn's search algorithm. Instead of "Software Engineer at Acme Corp," write "Software Engineer | React, Node.js, AWS | Building scalable web products." Include your top 3 skills and your value proposition in 220 characters. This single change often doubles profile visibility in recruiter searches.
2. Professional Photo (Not Optional)
Profiles with professional photos receive 21× more views and 36× more messages than profiles without. You do not need a studio shoot — a well-lit headshot with a neutral background and professional attire is sufficient. Avoid group photos, photos with sunglasses, or obviously cropped social photos.
3. Complete Your About Section With the Right Keywords
The About section is one of the most underused spaces on LinkedIn. Write 3–5 paragraphs covering: what you do and who you help, your most impressive achievement with numbers, your key skills and areas of expertise, and what you are looking for next. Use natural language but include the job title keywords you want to be found for. End with a soft call to action: "Feel free to connect or message me about opportunities in [field]."
4. Enable "Open to Work" Correctly
LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature lets you signal availability to recruiters privately (only visible to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter) or publicly (green frame visible to everyone). If you are employed and want discretion, select the private option. Be specific about your target job titles and locations — the more specific, the more relevant the recruiter outreach.
5. Fill Out Every Experience Entry Like a Resume
Each job in your Experience section should include 3–5 bullet points starting with strong action verbs and including specific achievements with numbers. Do not just describe your responsibilities — describe your impact. LinkedIn experience sections appear in full-text search, so keyword-rich bullet points increase your discoverability significantly.
6. Skills Section: Choose Strategically
LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills. Fill all 50 with skills relevant to your target role, ordered by importance. The top 3 appear on your profile without clicking "see all" — make those your three most important skills. Endorsed skills rank higher in searches. Reach out to former colleagues to exchange endorsements for key skills.
7. Get at Least 3 Recommendations
Recommendations from managers and senior colleagues significantly increase recruiter confidence. Reach out to 3–5 former managers or colleagues and offer to write a draft for them to edit. Most people are happy to help when the effort is reduced for them. Aim for at least one recommendation from a direct manager.