Unlocking Opportunities: How Your LinkedIn Profile Can Help You Get Noticed
- donnan80
- May 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Introduction
You’ve sent out dozens, maybe even hundreds of applications. And yet… silence. No calls. No interviews. No feedback. It’s frustrating and exhausting. You’re left wondering: What am I doing wrong?
It might not be your CV. Research shows that 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn to screen candidates before they even consider an application. According to Jobvite’s Recruiter Nation Report, if your profile isn’t making the right impression, you might be overlooked.
Recruiters want more than a list of skills on a document. They seek a glimpse of the person behind the CV. That’s where your online presence becomes crucial.
So how can you ensure they see the capable professional you are? How do you transform your LinkedIn profile into a tool that opens doors rather than shuts them? Let’s discuss what recruiters seek and strategies to get you noticed.
Check out and connect with me on LinkedIn *here
Why a Great CV Isn’t Enough
For many job seekers, the CV feels like the centerpiece of the job hunt. You polish it, tailor it for each role, and hope it speaks for itself. However, with the rise of AI-generated CVs, fake applications, and an oversaturated market, recruiters have become cautious.
They no longer rely solely on documents. They desire verification, authenticity, and the essence of you. Your credibility and professionalism matter. Where do they turn? To LinkedIn.
Even the strongest CV can be overlooked if your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match. An incomplete, outdated, or weak profile can send the wrong signals. Recruiters may wonder about your genuineness or readiness for the role.
A Cautionary Tale: How a Weak LinkedIn Profile Can Cost You
Imagine this scenario: A candidate looks perfect on paper. The right qualifications, glowing references, and solid experience. But when an HR professional checks their LinkedIn, they find… almost nothing. Sparse details, no summary, barely any connections, and a private profile photo.
The candidate is rejected—not for their skills, but because their online presence raised too many question marks. This situation isn’t rare. Recruiters often face pressure to fill roles quickly and reduce risk. If your online profile doesn’t inspire confidence, they won’t pursue clarification; they will simply move on to the next candidate.
It’s a hard lesson: Your LinkedIn profile is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of your professional toolkit.
How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: What Recruiters Check First
The good news? You don’t need to spend hours perfecting your profile. A few essential improvements can create a significant impact.
Here’s what recruiters focus on and how you can strengthen each area:
Your Profile Picture: Trust Starts Here
Your profile photo is often the first impression you make. If it’s missing, unclear, or private, recruiters may question your activity or even your authenticity.
Action Step: Upload a clear, professional headshot visible to everyone. Avoid holiday snaps or blurry selfies. A simple, approachable photo builds instant trust.
Your Banner Image: Set the Scene
Many people neglect their LinkedIn banner. They leave it blank or use a generic default. However, this space is valuable visual real estate. A well-chosen banner can enhance your profile’s professionalism and make it memorable.
Action Step: Select a banner image reflecting your professional brand. It could be a photo related to your industry, a clean design with your personal tagline, or something that hints at your expertise (e.g., a skyline for architects). Avoid anything blurry or off-brand.
Your Headline: The Line That Sells You Every Time
Many job seekers leave their headline as the default job title. This space is powerful for showcasing your expertise and the value you offer.
Action Step: Write a keyword-rich headline that communicates what you do. Instead of saying “Marketing Executive,” try “Marketing Executive | Driving Digital Campaigns & Brand Growth | Social Media Strategist.”
Custom LinkedIn URL: Make It Easy to Find You
Many job seekers forget to customize their LinkedIn URL, which results in a string of random numbers and letters. A personalized URL looks professional and is easier to share.
Action Step: Edit your public URL to something simple, like linkedin.com/in/yourname. This small change adds polish and professionalism.
Featured Section: Showcase Key Work
The “Featured” section lets you pin posts, media, or links at the top of your profile. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your best work—whether articles, presentations, projects, awards, or portfolios.
Action Step: Add 1-3 standout pieces that highlight your expertise or achievements. This gives recruiters something tangible to explore and sets you apart from other candidates.
Your Summary: Tell Your Story with Impact
Your “About” section shouldn’t be a list of clichés. It’s your chance to recount your career story and highlight achievements that matter to recruiters.
Action Step: Write a compelling summary focusing on results and what makes you unique. Include key accomplishments and metrics where possible.
Your Experience: Keep It Consistent
Recruiters often compare your CV and LinkedIn. If they spot conflicting job titles, company names, or dates, they may question your credibility.
Action Step: Ensure your LinkedIn experience matches your CV exactly. Double-check titles, timelines, and responsibilities to avoid discrepancies.
Skills & Recommendations: Boost Your Credibility
While not all recruiters rely on LinkedIn’s skills section, having relevant skills listed enhances your visibility. Recommendations carry significant weight.
Action Step: Add key skills relevant to your industry. Request recommendations from colleagues or clients to vouch for your work. Testimonials act as social proof of your professionalism.
Why LinkedIn Optimisation is Non-Negotiable
Recruiters have changed how they screen candidates, and LinkedIn plays a central role in their decision-making.
A well-optimised profile helps recruiters:
Verify your credibility.
Understand your professional brand and expertise.
Find you through keyword searches.
See evidence of achievements beyond a CV.
Feel confident about reaching out.
Conversely, a weak or incomplete profile can quietly disqualify you before you have the chance to interview.
Quick Wins: 5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your LinkedIn Profile
Make your profile photo public, clear, and professional.
Write a keyword-rich headline tailored to your skills and goals.
Draft an achievement-focused summary that tells your story.
Align your experience section with your CV for consistency.
Add relevant skills and request recommendations from past colleagues or clients.
These small but impactful changes can transform your profile from overlooked to an opportunity magnet. Don’t you want to be the person who gets noticed?
Final Thoughts: Your LinkedIn Profile Can Open Doors
You can’t afford to be overlooked. The job market is fierce, and opportunities are harder to find. Even with the right skills and experience, a weak or incomplete LinkedIn profile could be why you’re passed over before being seen.
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just another formality. It’s your chance to tell your story. It’s where you show recruiters who you are, what you’ve achieved, and your capabilities—beyond bullet points. Don’t let it hold you back.
If you’re ready to ensure your LinkedIn profile works for you, not against you, I’m here to help. My LinkedIn Coaching Session (£99) is designed to help you tell your story in a way that stands out, builds credibility, and gets you noticed.
Paula Donnan
Career Coach and Employability Trainer
Feel free to get in touch, I’d love to support you.
📧 Email: *info@donnancoachingservices.com
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