To write a compelling LinkedIn headline for your specific job, follow this formula:

1. Start with your role or job title. Be clear and searchable (e.g. “Marketing Manager” or “Virtual Assistant”).

2. Highlight your unique value or outcome. What result do you help clients or employers achieve?

3. Add personality or credibility. Mention something that shows your approach or background, like “Ex-Google” or “Award-winning.”

4. Use emojis for clarity and scan-ability. Don’t overdo it – 2–4 tasteful ones are enough.

Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate – make it count. Go beyond your job title and describe what you do and who you help using searchable keywords. For example: “Helping startups grow with strategic branding | Brand Consultant.” Use terms your ideal audience would search for. You get 220 characters – use them wisely to combine clarity, credibility, and curiosity. Avoid jargon and make sure it reflects your unique value.

Your LinkedIn About section should tell your professional or career story in a compelling and conversational way. Start with who you help and how, then describe your background, key achievements, and what makes you unique. End with a clear call to action – what you want people to do, such as connect or message you. Use keywords relevant to your niche. Break it into short paragraphs and bulleted lists, use the first person, and keep it under 2,600 characters.

To optimise your LinkedIn profile for job search, turn on 'Open to Work,' update your headline with your desired role, and use searchable keywords throughout your About and Experience sections. Include a professional headshot, complete all sections, and add industry-specific skills. Ask for recommendations and ensure your contact settings allow recruiters to reach out. A strong, focused profile improves your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.

“Open to Work” shows recruiters (or everyone, if you choose) that you’re available, while actively applying means you're sending out applications. You can do both. Use “Open to Work” strategically with targeted job titles and locations. Recruiters often search for this setting, so make sure your profile supports your intent with clear goals and recent activity.

To get recruiters to notice you, optimize your profile with keywords, turn on “Open to Work,” and be active – post and comment regularly. Include measurable results in your Experience section. Engage with industry content. Join relevant groups and follow companies you want to work for. Activity boosts your profile in search results.

A great LinkedIn recommendation is specific, sincere, and highlights key skills or achievements. Start by describing your relationship, then focus on what stood out about their work or character. Use keywords relevant to their industry. Avoid generic phrases. A well-written recommendation strengthens both your networks and helps others trust the person you’re endorsing.

To ask for a LinkedIn recommendation, go to the person’s profile, click “More,” then “Request a recommendation.” Personalise your message – mention why you’re asking and what you’d appreciate them highlighting. Make it easy for them. Offer to reciprocate if appropriate, and thank them when they follow through.

LinkedIn endorsements are one-click validations of your listed skills. They add credibility and help you appear in search results. Ask connections to endorse relevant skills and do the same for them. While not as powerful as recommendations, endorsements still boost your profile’s strength and visibility.

Upload a 30-60 second video to your Featured section that is warm, and confident. Say your name, what you do, who you help, and something personal. Smile, look into the camera, and keep your background simple. It’s your digital handshake – make it personal and clear. You can also upload videos as media in your Experience and other sections but they need hosting on Vimeo or YouTube. The exception is Services where your videos can be uploaded direct from your computer.

To change your LinkedIn profile picture, go to your profile, click on your photo, then select “Change photo.” Upload a clear, professional headshot. Crop and adjust as needed. Choose a friendly, high-resolution image that matches your personal brand. Avoid filters or casual selfies.

Emojis can make your LinkedIn profile more eye-catching and expressive – if used sparingly and professionally. Use them in your headline or About section to highlight key points or break up text. Stick to 1–3 per section and choose ones that align with your tone. Emojis should complement your message – not replace it.

Use keywords in your headline, About section, job titles, and skills. Think like a recruiter – what would they search for in your field? Add industry terms, tools, and soft skills (e.g., SEO, SaaS, leadership). Turn on 'Open to Work' if applicable. Complete every section, including certifications, projects and recommendations. A keyword-rich, fully filled-out profile ranks higher in search results but choose only keywords that appear in the dropdown boxes.

Your LinkedIn banner image should visually represent what you do. Use your logo, tagline, or a call to action. Include visual elements like your website or key service areas. Make sure it’s clean, mobile-friendly, and aligned with your brand colours. Premium members can have up to 5 continually scrolling banners.

Pages are connected to profiles through the Experience section where they display the company name and logo. Profiles without an associated LinkedIn company page display a grey default box which is not considered best practice. The key to adding a company page to a profile is to locate the page and exactly type the name used on the page into your profile. This is sometimes different to the company's legal name.