LinkedIn Profile Tips That Get Recruiters to Message You

LinkedIn Is a Search Engine. Treat It Like One.

Recruiters don't browse LinkedIn randomly. They use LinkedIn Recruiter, which is basically Google for talent. They type keywords, set filters, and contact the top results.

Your goal is simple: show up in those searches and look good enough to get a message.

The Headline (Most Underrated Part of Your Profile)

Your headline is the first thing recruiters see, and the default "Software Engineer at Company" is fine but completely forgettable.

Use this formula: [Role] | [What You're Good At] | [Key Tech/Skill]

Some examples:

• "Full-Stack Developer | Building Scalable Web Apps with React & Node.js"
• "Marketing Manager | Growth Marketing & Conversion Optimization | B2B SaaS"
• "Data Analyst | SQL, Python, Tableau | Turning Raw Data Into Business Decisions"
• "Recent CS Graduate | AI/ML Enthusiast | Open to Entry-Level Roles"

Why this matters: every word in your headline is searchable. "React," "Node.js," "B2B SaaS" are the exact terms recruiters type when they're looking for someone like you.

The About Section (Your 30-Second Pitch)

Write it in first person. Be a real person, not a resume.

Structure:

1. Hook (1 sentence): What you do and why it matters
2. Proof (2-3 sentences): Key wins with real numbers
3. What you want (1 sentence): Only include this if you're job searching
4. Keywords: A skills list at the bottom for search visibility

Here's what that looks like:

I build web applications that make complex workflows feel effortless. Over the past 4 years, I've shipped products used by 50K+ users, cut API response times by 60%, and mentored 3 junior devs into mid-level roles.

Currently exploring senior engineering roles at mission-driven companies.

Core skills: React, TypeScript, Node.js, PostgreSQL, AWS, GraphQL, CI/CD, Agile

Experience Section (Don't Just Copy Your Resume)

LinkedIn lets you go deeper than a resume:

• Start bullets with action verbs
• Include numbers wherever you can
• Attach media: project links, presentations, articles
• Write for humans, not software (LinkedIn doesn't filter like ATS does)

The #OpenToWork Banner

Use it if you're actively job hunting and don't mind who knows. Most common for students, career changers, and people who've been laid off.

Skip it if you're employed and your boss might see it. Instead, turn on "Open to Work" in the privacy settings. That way, only recruiters with LinkedIn Recruiter can see it.

Posting on LinkedIn (You Don't Need to Go Viral)

Publishing content increases your visibility in recruiter searches. You don't need thousands of followers. Just be consistent:

1. Share what you're learning. "This week I dug into [topic]..."
2. Comment on industry posts. Thoughtful comments put you in front of that person's whole network.
3. Write short case studies. "How we reduced churn by 20% at [company]"
4. Celebrate milestones. Certifications, launches, promotions.

Quick Optimization Checklist

• Professional headshot (not a selfie, not an avatar)
• Keyword-rich headline (not just "Job Title at Company")
• Custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
• About section written in first person
• At least 3 experience entries with bullet points
• 20+ skills listed in the skills section
• 3+ recommendations from people you've worked with
• "Open to Work" setting enabled (public or private)

Turn Achievements Into LinkedIn Posts

Got a resume full of bullet points? Our LinkedIn Post Creator transforms them into engaging posts that get likes and recruiter attention. Free, no account.

---

Last updated: February 2026