If you’re only using LinkedIn to scroll and apply for jobs, you’re missing out on its power! LinkedIn is more than a job board. If you’re ready to take your job search seriously, start by updating your LinkedIn profile and learning how to use the platform to grow both your online presence and your network. It can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
And you don’t need to make all these changes in a day. Know that even small steps — like updating your headline or reconnecting with one former colleague — can help move your job search forward.
Read on to learn how to:
- Make your profile more attractive to recruiters
- Write connection requests and set up coffee chats
- Message people you don’t know (yet!)
Build a LinkedIn Profile That Gets You Noticed
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make online. Here are the areas you want to focus on:
Craft a Great Headline
Your headline is one of the most visible parts of your profile. It appears everywhere — when you post, comment, or show up in searches. If you’re job hunting, your headline should reflect what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. Include your target job title, key skills and a passion or measurable result.
Examples:
- Human Resources Professional I Diversity & Inclusion Leader | Invested in Long-term Success | Character before Credentials | Hire people for “who they are” first; “what they know” second
- Web Developer | JavaScript/HTML/CSS | Mobile First Design
- Marketing Strategist | Branding Expert | Helping businesses build their brand and grow their revenue
Pro tip: Use vertical bars (|) or emojis to break up different parts of your headline.
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make online. Here are the areas you want to focus on:
Choose a Professional Profile Photo
Your photo should make you look approachable and confident. Follow these tips:
- Look directly at the camera
- Wear clothing appropriate for your industry
- Choose a distraction-free background (a blank wall or solid colour)
- Use a recent photo with good lighting
- Show yourself from the shoulders or elbows up
Avoid cropping group photos or using selfies with pets or others in the frame. Think of this as your “digital handshake”!
Update the #OpenToWork Feature
Let recruiters and your network know you’re open to new opportunities by turning on the #OpenToWork feature. If you choose “All LinkedIn members,” a green banner will be added to your photo, which will be visible to anyone viewing your profile. If you want to keep your job search discreet (from your current employer or wider network), choose “Recruiters only.” Your job-seeking status will only be visible to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter.
Choose the approach that fits your needs and feels right for you.
Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Your default LinkedIn URL has random numbers. Customize it to look more professional, something like www.linkedin.com/in/YourName. You can share it on your resume and in your email signature.
Add Your Skills (and Get Endorsements)
Adding relevant skills helps recruiters find you. Use job descriptions to find technical skills and other keywords. List your most important skills first. Then, ask people who know you and your work to endorse you!
Write a Strong About Section
The About section lets you tell your story in your own words. Here’s a suggested format:
- Hook the reader in the first three lines. Start with a question, a quote, a statistic or a bold statement.
- Summarize your experience, or summarize your training if you’re new to the labour market.
- List your top accomplishments and skills.
- Add a personal interest or passion to help people connect with you.
- End with a call to action (e.g., “Feel free to connect with me!”).
Write in first person, keep paragraphs short and avoid big blocks of text.
Pro tip: Don’t want people to see every update as you edit? Go to your Visibility settings and turn off “Share job changes, education changes, and work anniversaries from profile.”
Use LinkedIn to Find a Job
Once your profile is complete, it’s time to start using LinkedIn as a powerful job search tool:
Search and Apply for Jobs
Use the Jobs tab to search for roles. Set up alerts so you don’t miss new postings.
Before applying:
- Read the full job description
- Make sure you meet at least 70% of the requirements
- Reach out to the job poster (if listed) with thoughtful questions
Pro tip: Don’t get discouraged by the number of applicants shown. The number only reflects how many people clicked “Apply.”
Make Your Profile More Attractive to Recruiters
Recruiters search LinkedIn profiles daily. Here’s how to catch their attention:
- Use relevant keywords throughout your profile
- Turn on the Open to Work feature (even without the green frame)
- Add your email address in the About section
- Follow and engage with companies and recruiters
- Stay active: post, comment and update your profile regularly
- Respond to recruiter messages ASAP (within 24 hours)
Show Interest in Companies
Want to get on a company’s radar?
- Follow their LinkedIn page
- If available, click “I’m interested” on their About page
- Like and comment on posts from the company and its employees
This shows genuine interest and increases your visibility.
Expand Your Network
The more people know you and that you’re looking, the more opportunities will come your way. Networking on LinkedIn doesn’t have to mean consistently posting or reaching out to strangers. Start small: comment on a post from someone in your field, endorse a skill or reconnect with someone you already know.
Who Should You Connect With?
Start with people you know:
- Family, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbours
Then expand to:
- People at companies you want to work for
- Recruiters in your industry
- Professionals in roles you’re aiming for
Connect or Follow?
On LinkedIn:
- Connections = mutual relationship (you can message each other)
- Followers = one-way (you see their posts, but you’re not connected)
Connecting is more powerful because you can send messages and get endorsements.
How to Write a Connection Request
Always add a personalized note to your invitation. Keep it kind, clear and specific.
- Mention how you found them
- Say why you want to connect
- Thank them for considering your request
Example: “Hi [Name], I came across your post about [topic] and really appreciated your insight. I’m currently exploring roles in [field] and would love to connect. Thanks!”
- Messaging People You Don’t Know
If someone isn’t a 1st-degree connection, you can still message them if:
- You’re in the same LinkedIn group
- They have an open account
- You attend the same event or webinar
- You connect first, then message
What If They Don’t Respond?
When you start sending messages on LinkedIn — whether it’s to ask for advice, request an informational interview, or follow up on a job post — you’ll quickly realize something: not everyone will respond.
And here’s the truth: It’s normal. It’s not personal. And it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Focus on momentum, not perfection. For every 10 messages you send, you may get 2 or 3 responses. Remember: one great conversation can change everything.
So, keep showing up. Your next opportunity might be one message away.
Pro tip: Build relationships before asking for favors. Ask for advice or insights, not a job.
Ready to Get Started?
Building a great LinkedIn profile and using it regularly can help you get noticed in a crowded job market. Update your profile using the tips above. Then, begin expanding your network and applying for roles.
Remember, job searching is part strategy and part relationship-building. LinkedIn lets you do both!
