For most professionals, a LinkedIn profile is the first thing a recruiter, client or collaborator sees after your name. It works like a search result: keywords decide whether you appear, and the first lines decide whether anyone clicks. A few hours of focused editing can make a noticeable difference.
Key takeaways
- Write for search and for people: keywords plus clear value.
- Show results, not job duties.
- Complete every section, then keep it fresh with posts and updates.
- Match your profile to the role or clients you want next, not only your last job.
12 steps, section by section
1. Profile photo and banner
- Use a recent, well-lit headshot where your face fills about 60 percent of the frame.
- Smile, wear what you would to a client meeting, keep the background simple.
- Use the banner to communicate your focus: your specialty, a tagline or a portfolio visual (1584 × 396 px).
2. Headline (220 characters)
The headline appears everywhere on LinkedIn. Use a formula:
Role | key skills or technologies | who you help or what result you deliver
| Weak | Stronger |
|---|---|
| Student at XYZ University | Computer science student | JavaScript, React, Python | Building projects and open to internships |
| Marketing professional | Digital marketer | SEO and email | Helping local e-commerce brands grow organic sales |
| Freelancer | Web developer | Next.js, WordPress | Fast websites for small businesses |
3. About section
You have around 300 characters before "see more", so lead with the point. A simple structure:
- Who you help and what you do in one or two sentences.
- Proof: two or three results, tools or clients.
- What you are looking for or how to work with you.
- Contact details and a call to action.
Write in the first person, in simple words, and weave in your target keywords naturally.
4. Experience
- Use the exact job title, adding a clarifying keyword if the official title is vague (for example "Software Engineer (React, Node.js)").
- Write 3 to 5 bullets per role beginning with action verbs and ending in results: "Reduced page load time by 55 percent by optimising images and caching". Use only true numbers.
- Attach media: portfolio links, case studies, articles.
- Include freelance, volunteering and projects if relevant.
5. Skills
Add up to 50 skills, but pin the top three that match the work you want. Ask colleagues to endorse them. Use the terms in job posts, such as "React", "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)" or "Project Management".
6. Featured section
Pin your best proof: a portfolio, a case study, a popular post, a certificate or a lead magnet. Treat it as your shop window.
7. Education, certifications and projects
List courses and certifications relevant to your goals with links. For early-career people, projects can be more convincing than grades. See the project ideas in the web developer roadmap.
8. Recommendations
Ask two or three people you worked with. Make it easy: remind them of the project and what to mention. A specific recommendation is worth more than a long list of skills.
9. Custom URL and contact info
Change your URL to linkedin.com/in/yourname. Add your website and email. Our LinkedIn QR code generator makes a code for your CV, badge or business card.
10. Settings for open to work and creator mode
- Use "Open to work" and choose whether recruiters only or everyone sees it.
- Turn on creator mode if you plan to post regularly.
- Check privacy settings and what appears in search.
11. Activity: posting and engaging
- Share one useful lesson, story or tip each week from your work.
- Comment thoughtfully on posts from people in your target industry.
- Turn blog posts and videos into short posts, linking back to your website.
- Avoid generic motivational posts and engagement bait.
12. Network with a purpose
- Connect with colleagues, classmates, clients, recruiters and people in companies you admire.
- Add a short personal note: why you are connecting.
- Follow up after meeting someone with a brief message.
Keywords: how to choose them
- Collect five job posts or client requests you would love to win.
- List the skills and phrases that repeat.
- Use them in your headline, About section, job descriptions and skills.
- Do not stuff: write naturally for humans first.
Profile checklist
| Item | Done? |
|---|---|
| Professional photo and a relevant banner | ☐ |
| Headline with role, skills and value | ☐ |
| About section with proof and a call to action | ☐ |
| Experience bullets with results | ☐ |
| Top skills pinned and endorsed | ☐ |
| Featured section with your best work | ☐ |
| At least two recommendations | ☐ |
| Custom URL and contact details | ☐ |
| One post a week for the next month | ☐ |
Common mistakes
- Leaving the default headline ("Student at …" or "Unemployed").
- Listing duties without results.
- An outdated profile that contradicts your CV.
- Over-using buzzwords like "passionate", "guru" and "ninja".
- Sending connection requests with no message and then pitching immediately.
Connect it with your job search
Use the same story across your CV and cover letter: see ATS-friendly resume and how to write a cover letter. Prepare for conversations with our interview questions guide. If you also need a personal website or portfolio, our team can build it.
