9 LinkedIn Changes Every Job Hunter Should Make

LinkedIn remains the premier platform for professional networking and job searching, with recruiters spending significant time scouting talent there. In a job market where applications per role have doubled since 2022 and 79% of recruiters struggle to find candidates amid high volumes, optimizing your profile is crucial. This article outlines nine essential changes to make your LinkedIn presence more visible and attractive to hiring managers, drawing from best practices to help you stand out.

1. Turn On the ‘Open to Work’ Feature

The ‘Open to Work’ badge is a powerful signal to recruiters that you’re actively seeking opportunities. Located in your profile settings, this green banner appears on your photo, making you 40% more likely to receive recruiter messages. Specify job titles, locations, and work types (remote, hybrid, on-site) to match your preferences precisely.

• Access it via your profile picture > Open to Work.
• Choose ‘Recruiters only’ for discretion or public for broader visibility.
• Update preferences regularly as your search evolves.

This simple toggle puts you in front of decision-makers without extra effort, especially vital as AI tools now screen applications for skills matches.

2. Customize Your LinkedIn URL

A clean, custom URL like linkedin.com/in/yourname-jobtitle enhances professionalism and improves searchability. Default URLs are messy with random strings; customizing takes seconds.

Steps:

1. Edit public profile & URL in the right sidebar.
2. Enter a concise slug, e.g., /in/johnsmith-marketingmanager.
3. Save and use it on resumes, business cards, and email signatures.

This change boosts SEO for your name plus keywords, helping you rank higher in recruiter searches.

3. Craft a Compelling Headline Beyond Your Job Title

Your headline defaults to your current role, but it should sell you. Use 220 characters to highlight value: ‘Digital Marketer | SEO Expert | Driving 30% Growth for SaaS Companies | Open to New Opportunities’.

• Incorporate keywords from target job descriptions.
• Include achievements or unique skills.
• Avoid generic phrases like ‘hard worker’.

Recruiters scan headlines first; a strong one increases profile views by emphasizing transferable skills amid market mismatches.

4. Write a Keyword-Rich ‘About’ Section

The ‘About’ summary is your elevator pitch—up to 2,600 characters. Start with a hook, detail experience with metrics, and end with a call to action like ‘Connect to discuss marketing strategies’.

Tips for optimization:

• Front-load with top skills and keywords (e.g., ‘PMP-certified project manager with 10+ years in agile environments’).
• Use short paragraphs, bullets, and emojis for readability.
• Show personality while staying professional.

This section influences LinkedIn’s algorithm, surfacing your profile in relevant searches.

5. Update Your Profile Photo and Background Image

A professional photo increases views by 21x. Opt for a high-res headshot: smile, business attire, plain background, eyes at camera level.

Background image: Custom banner (1584×396 pixels) with your brand, e.g., tagline overlay on industry imagery.

• Avoid selfies, group shots, or party pics.
• Use tools like Canva for free designs.
• Ensure mobile-friendliness.

Visuals create first impressions; outdated ones signal inactivity.

6. Enhance the Experience Section with Achievements

List roles reverse-chronologically, but quantify impacts: ‘Led team of 5, boosting sales 25% via targeted campaigns’ instead of ‘Managed marketing’.

Add media: links, PDFs, videos. Omit irrelevant early jobs; focus on last 15 years.

7. Revamp Skills and Get Endorsements

List 5-10 core skills; pin top 3. Skills influence search rankings and ‘People Also Viewed’.

• Prioritize job-specific ones (e.g., Python for tech roles).
• Seek endorsements from colleagues—reciprocate thoughtfully.
• Take LinkedIn skill quizzes for badges.

With 60% of recruiters using AI for skill matching, endorsements validate expertise.

8. Request Tailored Recommendations

Recommendations add social proof. Ask 3-5 contacts for specifics: ‘Could you mention the XYZ project?’ Display 3 most relevant.

Best practices:

• Provide bullet points to guide writers.
• Offer to write theirs first.
• Thank them publicly.

They humanize your profile, differentiating you in flooded applicant pools.

9. Engage Actively: Post, Comment, and Connect

Passive profiles fade; activity boosts visibility. Share articles weekly, comment insightfully, connect with 5-10 targeted people daily.

• Post original content: tips, wins, questions.
• Join industry groups; contribute.
• Personalize invites: ‘Loved your post on AI in hiring.’

Consistent engagement signals expertise and expands your network exponentially.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I include all past jobs on LinkedIn?

Focus on relevant experience from the last 15 years. Summarize early roles to avoid clutter.

How often should I update my profile?

Monthly during job hunts; quarterly otherwise. Track analytics for views and searches.

Is LinkedIn Premium worth it for job seekers?

Free trial ‘Career’ plan offers InMail and insights; evaluate based on response rates.

What if I’m unemployed—how to handle the experience gap?

Add ‘Open to Work’, freelance/volunteer gigs, or skill-building courses to show proactivity.

Why These Changes Matter Now

Job markets evolve rapidly; with applications surging, a polished LinkedIn profile bridges skills gaps. Implement these tweaks for immediate impact—many users report interview invites within weeks. Track progress via LinkedIn’s dashboard, refining based on data.

Expand on each section with stories: Imagine a marketer who added metrics, jumping from 50 to 500 weekly views. Or a tech pro whose endorsements landed AI role leads. These aren’t guesses; they’re proven tactics for visibility.

Further, integrate multimedia: Embed portfolio links, certifications (e.g., Google Analytics), and videos. For skills, pursue LinkedIn Learning paths aligning with growing fields like AI and construction.

Networking nuances: Target 2nd-degree connections for warm intros. Use ‘Creator Mode’ if content-focused for better distribution.

Common pitfalls: Keyword stuffing (read naturally), neglecting mobile view (80% traffic), ignoring privacy (public profiles rank higher).

Measure success: Aim for 500+ connections, weekly engagement, recruiter pings. Tools like Shield Analytics track deeper metrics.

In summary—though action matters most—prioritize headline, photo, and activity for quick wins. Your profile is your digital handshake; make it firm.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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