12 Tips to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Shine (2024)

LinkedIn is the biggest professional network in the world, with over a billion users. If you’re focused on advancing your career, it’s crucial to have a polished and current LinkedIn profile. This is your chance to showcase yourself to hundreds or even thousands of people in your field, build connections, and find job opportunities.

Why is your LinkedIn profile important?

No matter where you are in your career, LinkedIn is a great tool for making progress. Even if you’re not job hunting right now, keeping your profile up-to-date is a smart move. You don’t want to be caught off guard later when opportunities come up, and recruiters might reach out to you at any time.

Creating just a basic LinkedIn page isn’t enough. You need a standout profile that grabs attention, communicates the right message, and helps you connect with people who can boost your career. In this article, we’ll give you 12 easy tips for crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile and share advice on how to make the most of your presence on the platform.

How to make your LinkedIn stand out

1. Add a Headshot
   One of the easiest ways to make your LinkedIn profile stand out is to add a great profile picture. This is the first thing people see, so make sure it’s a good one! If you don’t have a professional headshot, it’s worth getting one—it really makes a difference. Profiles without photos often get overlooked. While resumes don’t usually include photos due to discrimination concerns, having a photo on LinkedIn is crucial. Profiles with photos get up to 21 times more views!
2. Create an Eye-Catching Headline
   Your headline, which is right under your name, is the first thing people notice on your profile. The default setting just shows your job title, but you can make it more interesting. You have 120 characters to play with, so use them to grab attention! Instead of just listing your job title, mention what you specialize in and how you add value. Think of it like a mini-advertisement for yourself. Tailor it to your audience—whether they’re industry peers, customers, or recruiters. For example: “Advertising Sales Rep helping clients create winning branding strategies. Over 900 successful clients.”
3. Craft an Interesting About Section
   Your About section is your chance to tell your story in detail. It’s like an extended version of your headline, and you have up to 2,000 characters. Don’t just list your past jobs—highlight your skills and what you can offer. Be creative and engaging, and make sure to give people a reason to reach out to you. For example: “As an Information Security Analyst at Acme Hospital, I manage critical information flow across multiple facilities. My role ensures our systems and medical files are secure and up-to-date. My team and I stay ahead of trends to keep us at the cutting edge. Feel free to connect or message me—I usually reply within a day or so.”
4. Use the Right Keywords
   Including relevant keywords in your profile is key. Look at job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and use those keywords in your profile. This makes it easier for recruiters to find you when they search for candidates with specific skills and experience.
5. Highlight Your Experience
   Instead of just listing your job titles, provide more detail about your achievements and skills. Use strong action verbs to show what you accomplished in each role. Highlight your impact, the changes you drove, and the results you achieved. And don’t forget to use relevant keywords!
6. Don’t Neglect Your Skills
   Your skills section is important too. Regularly update it with your most relevant and marketable skills. Look at job ads in your field for clues on what skills to include.
7. Use Visual Media
   You can add a background photo to your LinkedIn profile, which makes it more visually appealing. Choose a theme that reflects your profession or personality. You can also add other media like videos, infographics, or articles to make your profile pop.
8. Customize Your URL
   Your LinkedIn URL is the web address for your profile. The default one is usually a mix of your name and random numbers. You can customize it to make it shorter and more memorable. Just go to the edit option on the right side of your profile and choose a URL that’s relevant and professional.
9. Start Making Connections
   Building your network is crucial. Connect with people you know, have worked with, or met professionally. When connecting with new people, include a personalized note explaining who you are and why you want to connect. A strong network helps with job searches and keeps you visible on LinkedIn.
10. Ask for Recommendations and Endorsements
    Recommendations and endorsements add credibility to your profile. Reach out to former colleagues or clients who can vouch for your work. You can ask for recommendations directly on LinkedIn and personalize your request. It’s also a good idea to give recommendations to others—this often encourages them to return the favor.
11. Keep Your Page Active
    LinkedIn is not just an online resume—it’s a networking tool. Stay active by liking, commenting on, and sharing posts. Join groups related to your interests and contribute to discussions. Posting relevant content regularly can help position you as an expert in your field.
12. Complete Additional Sections
    Make sure to fill in all relevant sections on your profile, like languages, publications, and education. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of achieving “all-star” status.

Bonus Tips: Don’t Overlook the Basics

• Make sure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Set your privacy settings to public so recruiters and others can find you easily.
• Include complete details for your educational achievements and job history.
• Update your profile whenever you have a change in employment or skills.
• If your name is tricky to pronounce, add a pronunciation guide on your mobile LinkedIn app.

How do I increase my LinkedIn profile views? 

So you’ve got an all-star profile—now how do you get people to see it? You’re already on the right track with keywords and connections, but here are some extra tips to boost your visibility:

• Post Regularly: Share updates that will resonate with your target audience.
• Add Media: Use pictures, photos, or videos in your posts to catch more eyes.
• Ask Questions: Encourage engagement by asking questions in your posts.
• Engage with Comments: Respond to comments on your posts to keep the conversation going.
• Interact with Others: Like, comment on, and react to posts from others in your network.
• Promote Your Profile: Add your LinkedIn URL to your resume, email signature, cover letter, and other communications to drive traffic to your profile.
• Use the “Open to Work” Banner: Let people know you’re available with LinkedIn’s green “open to work” banner.
• Write Articles: Showcase your expertise by writing articles on LinkedIn.

These steps will help you get noticed and make the most of your LinkedIn profile!

Use your LinkedIn to get noticed!

LinkedIn is a powerful tool that’s easy to use and can be a key part of your job search strategy. To really make the most of it, learn how to create a LinkedIn profile that stands out from the crowd, showcases your skills, and highlights your accomplishments.

You want your page to look good and make it easy for visitors to see who you are and what you can offer professionally. By following these LinkedIn profile tips, you’ll be on your way to building a standout profile that gets noticed.