Optimize Every Profile Section
Recruiters spend an average of 8 seconds scanning your profile. Make every section count.
Headline Formulas That Work
Your headline appears in search results and is the first thing people see. Use all 220 characters.
[Current Role] | [Key Skills] | [Passion/Value]
"Software Engineer | Python, React, AWS | Building products that scale"
[Aspiring Role] @ [School] | [Skills] | [What You're Seeking]
"Aspiring Product Manager @ Stanford | Data Analysis & UX | Seeking PM internships"
[Role] | Helping [audience] achieve [outcome]
"Marketing Analyst | Helping startups grow through data-driven strategies"
[Degree] Student | [Skills] | [Differentiator]
"CS Student @ MIT | Full-Stack Dev & ML | Published researcher in NLP"
Headlines to Avoid
- • "Looking for opportunities" (too vague)
- • "Unemployed" or "Job Seeker" (negative framing)
- • Just your job title with no context
- • "Student at [University]" alone (add skills!)
About Section Template
Your About section is fully searchable. Include keywords naturally while telling your story.
Copy-Paste Template
🎯 [One-sentence hook about who you are and what you do] [2-3 sentences about your background and what drives you. What problems do you love solving? What impact have you made?] 💼 What I bring to the table: • [Key skill/strength #1 with brief context] • [Key skill/strength #2 with brief context] • [Key skill/strength #3 with brief context] 🔍 Currently exploring opportunities in [target roles/industries] where I can [value you'll add]. 📫 Let's connect! I'm always happy to chat about [topics you're passionate about]. [Optional: Include relevant keywords naturally: e.g., "Experienced in Python, React, AWS, and agile methodologies."]
SEO Tips for Your About Section
- Use keywords in your headline: Include job titles you're targeting: 'Software Engineer' not just 'Engineer'
- Repeat keywords in About section: Mention key skills 2-3 times naturally throughout your summary
- Match job description language: If jobs say 'data analysis', use that exact phrase, not 'analyzing data'
- Add industry keywords to Experience: Include technologies, methodologies, and tools in each role
- Maximize your Skills section: Add all 50 skills, prioritizing those in target job descriptions
LinkedIn Engagement Strategy
A great profile isn't enough. Active engagement increases your visibility and builds relationships.
Comment on Posts
3-5 posts daily- Add value - share insights, not just 'Great post!'
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Share relevant personal experience
- Be early - comments on new posts get more visibility
Share Content
2-3 times per week- Share industry articles with your take
- Repost others' content with added commentary
- Curate valuable resources for your network
Create Original Posts
1-2 times per week- Share lessons learned from projects
- Celebrate achievements (tastefully)
- Ask questions to spark discussion
- Share industry insights or trends
Engage with Target Companies
Daily- Follow companies you want to work for
- Comment on their posts
- Engage with employees' content
- Share their news with your network
#OpenToWork Settings
Recruiters Only
RecommendedOnly visible to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter
- • Discreet - current employer won't see
- • Targeted to recruiters
- • Smaller audience
All LinkedIn Members
#OpenToWork photo frame visible to everyone
- • Maximum visibility
- • Shows urgency
- • Current employer may see
- • Can seem desperate
Connection Request Templates
Always personalize your connection requests. Generic requests have much lower acceptance rates.
Alumni Connection
Hi [Name], I'm a fellow [School] alum (Class of [Year]) and noticed you're working at [Company]. I'm exploring careers in [field] and would love to connect and learn from your experience. Hope to connect! [Your Name]
After Meeting at Event
Hi [Name], Great meeting you at [Event] yesterday! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Would love to stay connected and continue the discussion. Best, [Your Name]
Shared Interest/Background
Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [topic/company] and was impressed by your work on [specific project/achievement]. As someone also passionate about [shared interest], I'd love to connect. [Your Name]
Recruiter/Hiring Manager
Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Position] role at [Company] and noticed you're on the hiring team. I'm very excited about the opportunity and would love to connect. Thank you, [Your Name]
Connection Request Limit
LinkedIn limits connection requests to ~100 per week. Use them wisely on quality connections. If you hit the limit, focus on engagement until it resets.
Frequently Asked Questions
QShould I connect with recruiters?
Yes! Connect with recruiters in your target industry. They often post jobs before they're public and can refer you to opportunities. When connecting, mention the types of roles you're seeking.
QHow often should I post on LinkedIn?
Aim for 1-2 original posts per week and engage (comment, like, share) daily. Consistency matters more than frequency. Quality engagement on others' posts is often more valuable than your own posts.
QShould I use the #OpenToWork banner?
It depends. The 'Recruiters Only' setting is generally recommended - it signals availability without broadcasting to your current employer. The public banner can seem desperate to some, but it does increase visibility significantly.
QHow do I get more profile views?
Optimize your headline with keywords, engage actively with content, post regularly, and expand your network. Profile views typically increase 2-3x within a month of consistent engagement.
QShould I accept all connection requests?
Be selective but not too restrictive. Accept requests from people in your industry, recruiters, and those with shared connections or interests. Avoid obvious spam accounts. A larger network increases your visibility.
QHow do I reach out to someone without being awkward?
Always personalize your connection request. Mention something specific: shared background, their content you enjoyed, or a specific question. Keep it short (under 300 characters). Don't ask for favors in the first message.