How to Stand Out on LinkedIn and Get Hired

When most people think about LinkedIn, they treat it like an online version of their resume.

But LinkedIn is not about you. It's about the employer.

Recruiters and hiring managers are not scrolling through profiles for fun. They are searching for proof that you can solve their problems and add value to their organization. Every part of your profile should answer the unspoken question: Why should we hire you?

This shift in perspective changes how you approach everything—from your headline to your summary. Instead of writing only what you've done, show how your skills and experience connect to what companies need.

Make Your Headline Work for You

Your headline is one of the first things people see, and it is heavily used by LinkedIn's search algorithm. Think of it as your professional "hook." A good formula to use is:

[Job Title or Role] + [Key Skills or Tools] + [Results or Impact]

For example:

• "Project Manager | Cross-Functional Team Leadership | Delivering On-Time, On-Budget Projects"

• "Software Engineer | Python & Cloud Solutions | Driving Scalable Growth"

This makes it clear what you do, how you do it, and the value you bring.

Understand Recruiter Systems

Most recruiters use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Even on LinkedIn, they filter candidates by specific keywords. If your profile does not include the words used in the job description of your dream role, you may never appear in their search.

This is why keyword placement is so important:

• Use the same language that job postings use.

• Add these keywords to your headline, About section, and experience.

• Think like the employer: if they are searching for "data analysis" and your profile says "data review," you might not show up.

Craft a Strong About Section

Your About section is your chance to deliver a powerful elevator pitch. It should be:

• Written in simple, easy-to-read language.

• Something you could say out loud in a conversation.

• Short enough to remember, but strong enough to leave an impression.

A great way to strengthen it is to actually write it down and practice saying it until it feels natural. This also gives you a ready-made blurb to copy into emails, cover letters, and LinkedIn messages.

Think of it as a short story about how you solve problems and create results. Employers don't just want skills. They want people who use skills to get things done.

Profile Photos and Cover Images

Your profile photo matters. Studies show that having a high-quality photo makes people more likely to view your profile. A quick way to test your photo is to ask yourself: would I trust this person with a big responsibility? If the answer is not a confident yes, take a new one.

Professional clothing, good lighting, and a natural smile go a long way.

Don't forget your cover photo—the wide banner at the top of your profile. Instead of leaving it blank, use it to reinforce your personal brand. You could add a clean design with a tagline, industry keywords, or even an image that represents your field. It's subtle, but it makes you look intentional and professional.

Make Experience Results-Oriented

When writing your experience, avoid only listing tasks. Employers don't want to read job descriptions. They want to see outcomes.

Use bullet points that show:

• Action you took

• Result you achieved

• Impact on the team or company

For example:

• "Led a cross-functional team of 8 to deliver a $2M project three weeks early, saving 10% of the budget."

This makes your profile more powerful and shows that you create measurable value.

Keywords Are Your Secret Weapon

Here's the rule: the best keywords are the same ones used in your dream job description. Employers type those into LinkedIn. If your profile uses the same words, you're more likely to appear in their results.

You don't have to overstuff them. Just make sure they appear naturally in your:

• Headline

• About section

• Job experience descriptions

• Skills section

This simple step makes your profile much more searchable.

Networking and Engagement

Standing out is not only about your profile. That’s important yes, but you also —need to be active. Comment on posts in your industry. Share short insights or lessons. Send thoughtful connection requests. Recruiters often notice people who are visible and engaged.

Remember: people hire people, not profiles. The more human and approachable you are, the better.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to go deeper, I've put together resources to help:

• LinkedIn Guide: Optimize Your Profile for Success

• ChatGPT Resume Creation Guide (Full prompts)

• How to use the 80:20 rule to get more done in less time.