Your LinkedIn profile is more than just an online CV. It is your personal brand, digital first impression, and one of the most powerful tools in your job search. In today’s competitive market, having a fully optimised LinkedIn profile can significantly increase your visibility, help you connect with recruiters, and improve your chances of landing the right role.
Whether you are actively seeking a new opportunity or open to exploring what's out there, this guide covers the key steps to optimise your LinkedIn profile and attract the attention of employers and recruitment agencies.
1. Use a Professional Profile Photo
Your profile photo is the first thing people notice. LinkedIn profiles with a photo receive up to 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages.
Top tips:
Choose a recent, high-quality photo with a clean background
Dress professionally and make sure your face is clearly visible
Use a friendly, approachable expression
2. Write a Compelling Headline
Your headline does not need to be your current job title. Instead, use it to highlight what you do, what you specialise in, or the value you bring.
Examples:
Marketing Specialist | SEO and Digital Strategy Expert
HR Manager | Building Stronger Teams Across Ireland
Project Manager | Driving Results in Tech and Finance
A clear, keyword-rich headline improves your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.
3. Craft a Strong About Section
The About section gives you the chance to showcase your skills, experience, and personality. Use it to tell your career story, highlight achievements, and show what makes you unique.
What to include:
Your key areas of expertise
Career highlights or milestones
Industries or sectors you have experience in
A call to action such as “Open to opportunities in Dublin” or “Currently exploring remote roles in tech”
Make it engaging but concise. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
4. Use Relevant Keywords Throughout Your Profile
Just like a website needs keywords for SEO, your LinkedIn profile should include the right terms so that recruiters can find you.
Where to include keywords:
Headline
About section
Job titles and descriptions
Skills section
Use keywords related to the roles you want, not just the ones you’ve had. For example, if you're applying for project management roles, include phrases like “project lifecycle”, “stakeholder management”, or “agile methodologies”.
5. Detail Your Experience with Impact
Each job in your Experience section should go beyond listing duties. Focus on results and achievements.
Top tips:
Start bullet points with action verbs like "Led", "Delivered", or "Increased"
Highlight quantifiable results (e.g. “Increased website traffic by 40 percent in six months”)
Tailor descriptions to the types of roles you want next
This helps recruiters see the value you bring and how your experience is transferable.
6. Showcase Your Skills
You can add up to 50 skills to your profile, but make sure they are relevant and up to date.
Examples of high-value skills:
Digital Marketing
Data Analysis
Project Coordination
Talent Acquisition
Financial Reporting
Prioritise skills that match the roles you're applying for. Recruiters often search by skills when shortlisting candidates.
7. Get Recommendations and Endorsements
Social proof matters. Recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients add credibility and help your profile stand out.
Tips for collecting recommendations:
Reach out to previous managers or team members and ask politely for a recommendation
Offer to write one in return
Be specific about the skills or projects you’d like highlighted
Endorsements also boost visibility. The more endorsements you receive for a skill, the higher it ranks in searches.
8. Add a Custom URL
Your default LinkedIn URL is often long and difficult to remember. You can customise it to reflect your name or profession.
Example:www.linkedin.com/in/yourname
This looks more professional and is easier to share on CVs or business cards.
9. Turn On the “Open to Work” Feature
Letting recruiters know you are open to opportunities is key. LinkedIn allows you to do this privately or publicly.
You can specify:
Job titles
Locations
Employment types (full-time, contract, remote)
Make sure your settings are aligned with what you are actually looking for.
10. Stay Active and Engage
Optimising your profile is not just about the content. It’s also about visibility. Posting updates, sharing industry news, or commenting on relevant content keeps your profile active and shows you are engaged in your field.
Ideas for content to share:
Industry articles with your insights
Achievements or projects
Upcoming events or certifications
Career advice for others in your field
The more you interact, the more likely you are to appear in recruiter feeds.
Final Thoughts
A well optimised LinkedIn profile is a must have for any job seeker in today’s competitive landscape. It helps you stand out, builds trust with potential employers, and increases your chances of landing the right role.
If you are actively job hunting or simply want to explore new opportunities, make sure your profile works as hard as you do. And when you're ready, check out the latest job opportunities at Total Solutions or explore how we support candidates on our Job Seekers page.
Your next opportunity could start with your profile. Make it count.