6 tips for a stand-out Linkedin profile

Want to increase your chances of securing job interviews in 2023? Giving your Linkedin profile a little TLC is your first step. Job seekers with a comprehensive Linkedin profile will have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview!

In this article, we’re sharing the power of an engaged Linkedin profile and how to review and update your own so you can start applying for a new role and opportunity.

Why is having a Linkedin profile important when finding a job?

When you apply for a role, 80% of interviewers will Google search your name as part of their ‘background check’. This means that having an online footprint that showcases your skills, talent, ambitions and personality can have a significantly positive impact. 

In the world of tech and start-ups, Linkedin is a necessity because it’s a social network where professionals can connect, learn and share. Kind of like Facebook for your career. You need to be where your prospective employer and colleagues are – and in today’s world, that’s Linkedin. 

The power of a curated Linkedin profile 

Approximately four people get hired every minute on Linkedin and it has over 15 million open roles on the platform. So, it’s not to be underestimated as a tool and tactic for landing your dream role. Here are a few other benefits to Linkedin:

• Can act as a marketing tool for you as a 'brand'.
• Helps you to develop your professional reputation.
• Will allow you to connect with more like-minded people in your industry and build a professional network.
• Gives you access to a huge job market.

Our 6 tips to start building an effective Linkedin profile 

Tip 1: Showcase yourself within the general appearance of the page 

Profile picture: Use a clear, current picture of you, without other people. Consider your overall appearance too – clothes, hair etc. And it’s not a passport photo, so smile! Show some warmth and personality. 

Banner: Don’t ignore the banner behind the profile picture. Use a clear (not pixelated) image that’s relevant to your industry, location or job role. If you have one, use a picture of you at a networking or panel event, showing you immersed in the community. Correct Linkedin sizing is 1600 x 800. 

Tip 2: Write a compelling tagline  

Your headline: Use this opportunity to share who you are, what you do and what you’re looking for (if appropriate) within the 120 character limit. Two good structures to start with are “[job role]: I help X do Y.” or “I’m looking for [job role] to help X do Y.”

Tip 3: Be detailed in the ‘about you’ section

Your location: Share where you are including town, state and country so you appear in searches. E.g. Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Profile summary: You have 2,000 characters max which is plenty. It should give the reader a clear overview of your experience and highlight your suitability for the roles you are applying for. The key is not to bore people – keep it unique, engaging and show your personality in a professional way. 

Linkedin has an article giving examples of great profile summaries.

Tip 4: Share your wins in the experience section  

What you have to offer: Don’t waste this space talking about the companies you have worked for. Instead, share key things you have done within those companies and roles, the impact you made and the value you added. 

Tip 5: Publications, articles and posts 

Your own published blog articles: Link them to ‘featured’ on your Linkedin profile to position yourself as a thought leader. 

Press articles about you or companies you have worked for: You can also link these to showcase success. E.g. capital raises, PR events or high profile hires. 

Remember that anything you do link must be relevant to your experience and the role you are applying for. E.g. If you are applying for a marketing position, sharing PR coverage from a company you have worked for will showcase your impact within the marketing team to get that coverage. 

Tip 6: Don’t forget volunteering experience  

Your passion projects: This is showing what you do in your spare time and how you give back. Both very meaningful ways that the interviewer can get to know you before you go to your first interview. 

Your CV is just a PDF, detailing your experience. But, it lacks personality. This is where your Linkedin profile can shine and help secure you that first interview and the role itself.

Project One is a free 4-week Think & Grow designed program, helping priority groups of people transition into fulfilling roles and careers in high-growth sectors. We cover 1-1 interview coaching and CV and Linkedin profile prepping. We are currently accepting applications from women based in Melbourne, Victoria. 

To find out more and apply, visit our website.