Optimising your LinkedIn profile

Here are some ways to make sure your LinkedIn profile is doing the hard work for you.

Include a photo

Whilst you would not include a photo in a CV, with LinkedIn it is important to include one as it increases engagement. No one wants to connect with an impersonal grey box.

Include a background image

LinkedIn, like all websites or apps, is a visual experience. Including a background image gives your profile originality. You can choose something abstract or related to your role. Ideally, colours that contrast with one another work well.

Write in the first person

CVs should be written in third person, however, with LinkedIn it is better to write in first person. You are striking up a conversation with the reader – so you need to address them directly as if face-to-face. Write in short paragraphs rather than bullet points.

Optimise the headline and summary

As a job seeker, you want your profile to appear when recruiters search profiles for relevant key skills. Including skills related to your area of expertise is vital. This is particularly so in the headline and summary as these sections are weighted more heavily by the algorithms used by LinkedIn.

Make yourself visible

There are various options within the ‘settings and privacy’ section to make your profile more or less visible. The more visible your profile, the more opportunities you create for people to connect.

Ask for recommendations

Recommendations always look good in your profile. These act as endorsements and can be powerful statements in people’s own words. You can request recommendations from your connections.

Search for jobs

In the search field at the top you should select the ‘jobs’ option and then use job titles that are most commonly used for the type of role you are looking for. You can also connect with employment groups and employers that you would like to work for.



CV Writers offer a CV writing service as well as support with LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and career counselling. They provide a free CV review service via their website www.cv-writers.org.uk