Employer Branding
Recruitment
How to optimise your LinkedIn profile to be found by the right employer
06 AUGUST 2025
What does a good LinkedIn profile look like?
A good LinkedIn profile makes it easy for recruiters to find you and quickly understand what you can do and what you are looking for. The most important things are a clear headline with your role and key skills, a professional profile photo, a short summary with concrete results and an up-to-date experience list.
- Headline: write your role and specialisation, for example “Controller | Group Reporting | Power BI”, not just “Looking for new challenges”.
- Profile and cover photo: a clear, friendly photo gets significantly more views.
- About section: 3 to 5 sentences on what you do, what you are good at and what you want to do next.
- Experience: show results with numbers, not just tasks.
- Skills and keywords: use the words recruiters search for in your role.
- Open to work: make it visible to recruiters only if you don’t want your employer to see it.
Why a good LinkedIn profile makes a difference when you are job hunting
More and more recruiters, employers and network contacts use LinkedIn as their first impression. Whether you are looking for a new job or just want to keep doors open for future opportunities, it is crucial to be visible and stand out in the right way.
3 reasons you need a strong LinkedIn profile
- You get found, even when you are not actively looking
Many recruiters search for specific skills, roles or industries. An up-to-date, well-thought-out profile increases the chance that you show up in the right searches. - It strengthens your professional brand
Whether you are junior or have long experience, you can show what you stand for, what you can do and how you make a difference. - You get access to a professional network
LinkedIn is a place for knowledge, inspiration and networking. A strong profile gives you credibility when you comment, share and build relationships.
5 concrete tips to improve your LinkedIn profile
- Write a headline that shows what you can do, not just your title
Write more than your job title. Think about what you want to be associated with, for example “Project manager experienced in leading teams in tech environments”. - Summarise who you are and where you want to go
Briefly describe your background, your strengths and what you are especially passionate about. Don’t be afraid to show some personality; it makes you more memorable. - Highlight achievements, not just previous jobs
Describe what you did, not just where you were. Highlight projects, initiatives or results. - Show your skills and ask for recommendations
Make sure your most important skills are visible and relevant to what you want to work with. Bonus: ask a former colleague or manager to write a few lines about you. - If you use a photo, choose one that makes the right first impression
The cover image is a chance to strengthen your profile visually, for example with something that reflects your industry or area of interest. Choose a photo where you are alone and avoid anything distracting. The party pictures? Keep them in your camera roll.
Make your LinkedIn profile reflect who you are at work
A good profile makes it easier for others to see how you work, what you care about and where you are heading. Think of it as helping others understand how you function at work.
So take an hour, go through your profile and make it reflect the best of you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about your LinkedIn profile
How do recruiters find me on LinkedIn?
Use the keywords for your role in your headline, summary and skills, add your location and turn on Open to work for recruiters.
What should my LinkedIn headline say?
Your role and 2 to 3 specialisations. The headline is the first thing a recruiter sees in search results.
How long should the About section be?
Short and concrete: a few sentences are enough. Focus on what you have achieved and what you are looking for.
What do recruiters look for?
Skills, personality and culture fit. Read more in What does a recruiter look for? or see Oddwork’s open positions.
Looking for your next job? See open positions via Oddwork or read what recruiters look for.
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