How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Stand Out to Recruiters and Employers

Here are simple, effective tips to make your LinkedIn profile work harder for you. All of the following edits can be made after logging into the platform, and editing the settings/features of your profile:

Start with a Professional Photo

Your profile photo is the first thing people see. Choose a clear, high-quality headshot where you’re dressed professionally and smiling. You don’t need a studio photo—just good lighting and a clean background go a long way.

Tip: Profiles with photos get up to 21x more views!

Write a Strong Headline

Your headline doesn’t have to be just your job title. Use this space to highlight your role, skills, or career goals.

Example:

“Marketing Analyst | Data-Driven Storyteller | Passionate About Customer Insights”

This helps recruiters quickly understand what you do and what you’re passionate about.

Craft a Compelling ‘About’ Section

Think of this as your elevator pitch. Use 3–5 short paragraphs to summarize your experience, strengths, and what drives you. Keep it conversational and authentic.

If you’re actively looking for a new opportunity, say so! Let recruiters know what kind of role you’re seeking and what excites you about your next career move.

Example:

“I’m currently exploring new opportunities in financial services where I can apply my background in customer experience and data analytics. I’m especially interested in roles that allow me to drive innovation and support community-focused initiatives.”

Including keywords related to your industry and role also helps your profile show up in searches.

Showcase Your Experience

List your current and past roles with clear, concise bullet points. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Use metrics when possible to show impact.

Example:

“Led a customer onboarding project that improved retention by 15% over six months.”

Make sure your job titles match what’s on your resume and reflect industry-standard language.

Highlight Skills and Endorsements

Add relevant skills to your profile—LinkedIn allows up to 50. Prioritize those that match your career goals and the roles you’re applying for. Ask colleagues or classmates to endorse you for skills you’ve demonstrated. Did you know skills from a personal role - like being a caregiver - have a place on your profile? Click here to learn more. 

Add Certifications, Courses, and Projects

If you’ve completed online courses, earned certifications, or worked on notable projects, add them to your profile. This shows initiative and continuous learning—qualities we value at Citizens.

Engage with Content

Follow companies (like Citizens!), comment on posts, and share articles or insights related to your field. This helps build your professional brand and keeps your profile active.

Customize Your URL

Edit your LinkedIn URL to make it clean and professional. This makes it easier to share and looks great on your resume.

Example:

linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Final Thought

Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table. By taking a few minutes to optimize it, you’ll increase your visibility and make a stronger impression on recruiters—at Citizens and beyond.

Ready to take the next step? Explore career opportunities at Citizens and connect with us on LinkedIn!