As a talent recruiter, I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn searching for job candidates. We use a variety of tools to find the right people for specific roles, and one of our most powerful resources is LinkedIn Recruiter, a platform built for recruiters to find and connect with candidates.  

Naturally, LinkedIn is an ideal platform for job seekers to conduct job searches, make first impressions on hiring managers and talent recruiters, and land new opportunities. Maybe you’re using it to take the next step on your career path. Or maybe you want to transfer your skills and experience to a different field or industry, using LinkedIn to find new opportunities that are a great fit.  

Are you doing all you can to make LinkedIn work for you? Here’s why I’m asking. You’ve probably seen plenty of advice on how to search for jobs or how to network on LinkedIn – but what’s often overlooked is how to set up your professional profile so recruiters can actually find you.  

In this post, I’m sharing insights and tips on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so that you show up in our searches and get noticed for the roles you’re targeting with potential employers.   

🚨 If it’s not in your LinkedIn profile, recruiters won’t find you   

Most hiring companies are very specific about what they’re looking for in job candidates. That’s why a recruiter’s talent searches are explicit and keyword-driven. If your profile does not highlight your skills, software experience, credentials, or other qualifications that are pertinent to the new role you’re seeking, you simply won’t show up in our searches, no matter how accomplished and experienced you are.   

Here are a few real-world examples:  

🎤 Case #1 – Director of Events: My client is looking to hire a candidate with 10+ years of event experience, working knowledge of specific event management software, international work experience, and C-Suite collaboration. If you don’t list the event management tool by name, or the stated responsibilities and experience in your profile, I’ll never find you.   

🤖 Case #2 – Senior Machine Learning Engineer: A client needing to hire a candidate for this role requires a PhD plus industry experience. You’d be shocked by how many engineers don’t even mention that they hold a PhD. If I had one, it would be in the headline of my profile! Candidates interested in landing this role must list this credential in their LinkedIn profiles if they want to be found.  

🌨 Case #3 – General Manager, Landscaping: Almost every landscaper does snow removal, but most job candidates in this field do not mention this experience. Again, if it’s not in your profile, you’re going to be invisible in my talent search. 

As you can see, talent acquisition searches conducted by recruiters on LinkedIn are very granular. If your profile is missing key details, you’re missing opportunities in our talent recruitment process.  

Three things you can do to raise your visibility on LinkedIn  

1. Challenge for today: Take 15 minutes to review your LinkedIn profile. Is it current? Does it clearly state your skills and expertise required to land the job you’re targeting? If not, update it today. You never know who might be searching for someone just like you.
2. Quick fix: No time to fully optimize your online profile? Do the next best thing and upload your resume. Even a redacted version without your contact information is better than leaving your profile void of key skills and experience.
3. Showcase your personal brand: When you have time (and there’s no time like the present when job hunting!), improve your full professional profile. Replace your profile photo with a better or more current one. Make your profile summary and experience section stronger with relevant keywords, your skill sets, and impactful bullet points about your accomplishments. And reach out to colleagues to request endorsements for your profile page.  

Go straight to the source with a leading recruiting firm

Smart professionals keep all their options open when searching for ideal jobs or making career moves. This not only includes having a sharp, up-to-date LinkedIn profile but also a relationship with an expert talent recruiter.  

At Goodwin Recruiting, we have access to top jobs nationwide, including sought-after roles that may not be publicly advertised. Learn about working with our recruiting firm. 

Connect with me today and let’s explore opportunities that are a great fit for your skills, experience, and long-term goals.