5 Tips to Create an Eye-Catching LinkedIn Profile

As of 2021, LinkedIn has over 740 million users. The platform also lists over 55 million companies. It's estimated that 87% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn to find talent, and your LinkedIn profile is often how recruiters form their first impression of you. So, before throwing yourself into a new job search, consider creating a LinkedIn profile if you don't already have one. Next, comb through your profile to make sure it will give recruiters the best first impression you want to give. Here are a few tips to make sure your LinkedIn page is eye-catching and gets the attention of recruiters. 

1. Make sure your headline and summary are optimized

LinkedIn headlines are placed prominently in profiles and, along with your summary, is one of the first things potential employers will read about you. Use up as much of the 120 character limit as you can with relevant keywords. Include your top skills and specialties. If you're out of work, use your headline to describe your experience and what you can bring to a future employer. For example, instead of "Unemployed," you can write "Experienced utility construction manager seeking new opportunities."

2. Target job description keywords and use them in your profile

It’s all well and good making sure you have a profile that’s ready to win over hiring managers, but there’s not really any point if they never actually see your profile. Filling your job profile with keywords allows hiring managers to find you more easily and opens yourself up to more job opportunities. This is a great way to optimize LinkedIn.

For example, if you're seeking a job in health and safety, make sure your LinkedIn profile contains relevant keywords, such as CPR certified, CSP certified, OSHA compliance, and knowledge of federal and state safety and occupational health standards, laws, codes, and policies.

3. Create a custom URL

Creating a custom URL is a great idea for two reasons; not only does it allow yourself and others to share your profile easily, it also looks tidier. It creates a much better impression to hiring managers and gives off the impression that you’re a savvy LinkedIn user with access to a network of opportunities.

To change your public profile URL:

1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Click View profile.
3. Click Edit public profile & URL on the right side.
• You’ll be redirected to the Public profile settings page.
4. Under Edit your custom URL on the right side, click the  Edit icon next to your public profile URL.
• It'll be an address that looks like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname.
5. Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box.
6. Click Save.

4. Showcase your personal interests and hobbies

Sometimes people shy away from putting their personal interests and hobbies on LinkedIn, but as long as it doesn’t overshadow your professional achievements, there’s no real reason you shouldn’t be doing this. Demonstrating a healthy interest in projects outside of work showcases you as a well-rounded candidate. It’s never a bad thing to show off your personality. If anything, it makes you more appealing.

5. Ensure your skills and recommendations are relevant and up to date

Endorsements are a great way to highlight your credibility, acting almost like live references. Getting some great endorsements on your profile is a great way for hiring managers to see first-hand what team members you’ve worked with in the past have to say about you. It’s a good opportunity for you to demonstrate your value from another source than your own words. You might also feel uncomfortable talking yourself up too much for fear of coming across as overly confident – this solves the problem. Let someone else talk about how amazing you are! Don’t be afraid to ask some former colleagues for recommendations and endorsements – giving these out is a great way to get them in return.

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For more advice on how to stand out to hiring managers at every stage of your job search, get in touch with one of our consultants. We’re here to help you every step of the way and our consultative service gives you access to a dedicated consultant ready to find the job you’re looking for.