What do recruiters say about getting found on LinkedIn?

Recruiters are increasingly using the Recruiter function on LinkedIn to find candidates for role they’re hiring for. This uses enhanced search capabilities to narrow down their list of candidates. With this in mind, what can you do to increase your chances of being found by recruiters, in-house talent acquisition teams, and hiring managers? Naturally, your activity on LinkedIn is certainly important, but for the purposes of this blog, let’s focus on your LinkedIn Profile.

How can I make my LinkedIn profile ‘searchable’?

Keywords

• Use the search bar to type in keywords that describe what you do. Click on the “People” tab. If you see individuals who do the same or similar work to you, then that keyword is working. If not, keep experimenting.

• Look at their profiles to see whether they’re using keywords that you can borrow for your own.

• Next, click on the “Jobs” tab. Read job descriptions to find additional keywords you can test. I’ll explain where to place these keywords as we go.

Banner photo and profile photo

• Your banner image should relate to what you do or where you work.

• Your profile photo should show you clearly — a simple, professional, approachable headshot works well.

“Open to Work” banner

• Even if you’re actively looking, my view is that you should avoid using this banner, as it can come across as a little desperate.

Contact info

• You’ll automatically see your profile URL here. I suggest adding your personal email so you can be easily contacted. There’s no need to include your mobile number or any additional personal information.

About section

• You have four lines of golden real estate before the “See more” cutoff. Use this space to tell the reader who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and the results you’ve achieved.

• Write this section in the first person (“I”). Sprinkle keywords throughout—just enough to help you get found without turning it into an impenetrable word salad. The same applies to every section that uses keywords.

Headline

• Now back to the top. Under your photo is the Headline. It will default to your job title unless you edit it—which I recommend. Your headline should distill your About section and help the reader immediately understand what you offer. For example:

• VP Morgan Stanley — doesn’t tell me much.

• VP Investment Banking | Morgan Stanley | London — better.

• VP FIG Investment Banking | Morgan Stanley | London — stronger.

• VP FIG M&A | Focus on UK & European Banks | Morgan Stanley — you be the judge.

Have a look at the Headline on my profile. It’s a bit salesy in tone, but it certainly conveys the message.

Experience section

• You have two lines visible before a reader has to click “See more.” Use those lines well to highlight roles, responsibilities, and achievements.

Skills

• Recruiters can filter and search by skills, so use this area to highlight what you want to be found for.

• You can also have others endorse you for your skills—something you can’t do on a CV. This strengthens your credibility, so get endorsed.

Recommendations

• This is another excellent way to give readers confidence that you can deliver what your Headline and About section promise.

• Make sure your recommenders are relevant, credible, and reasonably current. A professor from university ten years ago may be credible, but not very relevant or current in relation to your role today.

Keep your profile updated

• Review it at least once a year. Update it when you get promoted, earn a new qualification, or have a major career achievement. For example, finally adding “CFA” after your name on your profile will feel very satisfying. Keep it current.

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Setting up your LinkedIn Profile in this way will make it easier for you to be found. It’s part of your career-long marketing campaign. You want opportunities to come to you now and throughout the rest of your career, and doing this will absolutely help you get there.

Let me know if you’d like to have a conversation with me about this, your job search, or your career more broadly, let’s talk. Use this link to book a free, no-strings-attached call.