If you’re still on the fence about getting on LinkedIn, this is your sign!
LinkedIn is your digital handshake in today’s job market. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just keeping your options open, a great profile can help you stand out, connect with the right people, and even attract recruiters. If you’re building your profile from scratch or just giving it a refresh, here’s how to make it work for you.
1. Start with a Strong Profile Photo
Your photo is the first thing people see, so make it count!
Choose a high-quality, well-lit image where you look professional yet approachable.
Keep the background simple and distraction-free.
Dress like you would for an interview in your industry.
Skip the filters and group shots—this is about you!
2. Make Your Headline Pop
Your headline isn’t just your job title—it’s your chance to make a great first impression.
Think of it as your personal tagline. What do you do? What value do you bring?
Example: "Helping Nonprofits Secure More Funding | Fundraising & Grant Writing Expert"
Example: "Marketing Strategist | Turning Ideas into High-Impact Campaigns"
3. Tell Your Story in the Summary (About Section)
This is where you bring your LinkedIn profile to life! Instead of a dry career history, make it personal and engaging.
Start with a strong opening—what are you passionate about? What drives you?
Share key highlights of your experience and skills without making it a full-on resume.
End with a call to action: "Let’s connect!" or "Looking forward to collaborating."
4. Showcase Your Experience (But Keep It Engaging!)
Don’t just list job titles—tell a story.
Focus on the impact you made, not just your responsibilities.
Use bullet points for easy reading.
Whenever possible, add numbers to show results (e.g., "Increased donor engagement by 40%" or "Managed a budget of $500K+").
5. Highlight Your Skills & Get Endorsed
LinkedIn lets you list up to 50 skills, but quality over quantity!
Pin your top three skills so they stand out.
Get endorsements from colleagues or past managers to add credibility.
Be sure your skills align with the roles you want.
6. Collect & Give Recommendations
Nothing builds credibility like a glowing recommendation.
Ask former managers, colleagues, or clients to write a quick testimonial.
Offer to write recommendations for others—you’ll often get one in return.
7. Customize Your LinkedIn URL
A personalized URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname) looks cleaner and is easier to share. Plus, it looks great on resumes and business cards.
8. Be Active & Engage with Your Network
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Stay active by:
Sharing insights, industry updates, or career wins.
Commenting on and engaging with posts from your network.
Joining LinkedIn groups in your field to expand your reach.
9. Keep Your Profile Fresh
Make it a habit to update your profile whenever you start a new role, learn a new skill, or complete a big project. You never know when the right opportunity might come along!
10. Use the “Open to Work” Feature (If Job Searching)
If you're looking for a new gig, turn on LinkedIn’s "Open to Work" feature so recruiters can find you more easily. You can make it visible to just recruiters or to your whole network.
By following these steps, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that not only tells your story but also opens doors to new opportunities. Now go update that profile—your next big opportunity might be just a connection away!