LinkedIn Optimisation Tips for Job Seekers: Get Noticed by Recruiters

Let’s be real—if you’re job hunting and not optimising your LinkedIn profile, you’re missing out. With recruiters and hiring managers using LinkedIn as their go-to talent pool, having a polished profile can be the difference between landing interviews and being ignored.

So, how do you stand out in a sea of job seekers? Here are practical LinkedIn tips to get you noticed by recruiters in 2025.

1. Nail Your Profile Picture & Banner

First impressions matter—your photo is the first thing recruiters see.

• Use a high-quality, professional photo (clear, well-lit, and approachable).

• No blurry selfies, holiday snaps, or group shots.

• Bonus: Customise your LinkedIn banner with your sector, expertise, or a personal tagline.Example: If you’re a marketing expert, a banner with “Helping Brands Grow Through Data-Driven Marketing” adds instant credibility.

2. Write a Headline That Sells You

Your headline isn’t just your job title—it’s your personal pitch. Instead of:

Marketing Manager

Try:

Data-Driven Marketing Manager | SEO & PPC Specialist | Helping Brands Scale Online

Use keywords relevant to your field to improve search visibility.

3. Make Your ‘About’ Section Work for You

Your About section (or summary) is prime real estate to showcase your value.

• Tell your story – Who are you? What do you bring to the table?

• Show personality – No one wants to read a generic CV summary.

• Highlight achievements – Quantify your success where possible (e.g. “Increased website traffic by 120% in six months”).

• Use keywords – Include sector-specific terms and skills recruiters will search for.

  
  

Example: A digital marketing expert with 5+ years’ experience in SEO, PPC, and content strategy. Passionate about helping brands grow online, I’ve managed campaigns that boosted conversions by 40% and improved website rankings for leading UK companies. Feel free to connect.

4. Optimise Your Experience Section

This isn’t just a copy-paste of your CV—make it engaging.

• Use bullet points for easy reading.

• Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.

• Include metrics where possible (e.g. “Managed a £500K annual budget and achieved a 30% increase in ROI”).

5. Maximise the Skills & Endorsements Section

Recruiters search by skills—make sure yours are up to date and relevant.

• Prioritise key sector skills (LinkedIn allows up to 50, but focus on your top 10).

• Seek endorsements from colleagues, clients, or managers.

• Align your skills with the job roles you’re targeting.

Example: If you’re in project management, prioritise Agile, Scrum, Stakeholder Management, and Risk Assessment.

6. Get Active: Engage & Share Content

Having a profile isn’t enough—you need to be visible.

• Engage – Like, comment on, and share relevant posts.

• Share content – Offer insights, industry trends, or lessons from your own experience.

• Join LinkedIn groups – Participate in sector-specific communities.

The more active you are, the more visible you become to potential employers.

7. Let Recruiters Know You’re Open

LinkedIn has an ‘Open to Work’ feature that discreetly signals you’re job hunting.

• Go to your profile → Click ‘Open to’ → Select ‘Finding a new job’.

• Add job titles, locations, and types you’re open to.

• Choose ‘Only recruiters’ to keep it private from your current employer.

8. Request & Give Recommendations

Strong recommendations can boost your credibility and help you stand out.

• Ask for recommendations from past managers, colleagues, or clients.

• Give recommendations, too—many will return the favour.

Example:John is a results-driven marketing professional who transformed our digital strategy, increasing conversions by 35% in just six months.

Recruiters love social proof—it makes you more trustworthy and hireable.

Final Thoughts: LinkedIn = Your Digital CV

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your personal website for job hunting. If it’s outdated, dull, or half-finished, you’re missing opportunities. But with a strong, keyword-rich profile and regular engagement, recruiters will come to you.