How To Make Your LinkedIn Profile Work For You

In today’s professional world, LinkedIn isn’t just a social media platform, it’s your digital business card, your portfolio and often your first impression. Whether you’re looking to build connections, secure opportunities, or establish your authority, your LinkedIn profile needs to tell a compelling story.

So, how do you make your profile work as hard as you do? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Gone are the days of simply handing out business cards. LinkedIn provides an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Showcase your expertise: Highlight your achievements and skills in a way that’s searchable and visible to a global audience.

• Build trust and credibility: A polished profile with endorsements and recommendations helps establish authority in your field.

• Connect with opportunities: Recruiters, clients and collaborators use LinkedIn to find professionals like you.

The must-have elements of a standout profile

A headline that grabs attention

Your headline is the first thing people see after your name. Think beyond just your job title - use this space to showcase your value.

• Weak headline: "Marketing Manager."

• Strong headline: "Helping brands grow through data-driven marketing strategies."

Tip: Focus on what you do and the impact you create.

A summary that tells your story

Your summary (the “About” section) is your chance to tell your professional story. Think of it as a mini sales pitch, blending your career highlights with your personal motivations.

Structure to follow:

• Start with your mission or passion: “I’m passionate about connecting people through technology.”

• Highlight key achievements: “Over the past 10 years, I’ve led teams that delivered award-winning solutions for top-tier clients.”

• End with a call-to-action: “Let’s connect to discuss innovation and leadership.”

A visually engaging profile

Your visuals create an instant impression.

• Profile photo: Use a professional photo that reflects your industry.

• Banner image: Add a custom background image that aligns with your brand (e.g., your company logo, a motivational quote, or industry-related visuals).

Tip: Your visuals should feel cohesive and professional - no grainy selfies or blank banners.

Detailed experience with impact

Instead of listing job duties, focus on measurable achievements.

• Weak example: “Managed a team of five.”

• Strong example: “Led a team of five to increase sales by 30% within one year.”

Tip: Use bullet points for clarity and focus on results.

A skills section that reflects your expertise

List your most relevant skills to ensure you appear in searches. Keep them updated and aligned with your career goals.

Pro tip: Ask colleagues or clients for endorsements to add credibility.

How to make LinkedIn work for you

A polished profile is just the start—here’s how to maximise its potential:

Post regularly: Share updates, insights, or achievements to keep your profile active and visible. Example: Post about recent projects, industry news, or lessons learned.

Engage with your network: Comment on posts, congratulate connections, and join conversations. This builds relationships and keeps your name visible.

Join LinkedIn groups: Participate in industry-specific groups to expand your reach and connect with like-minded professionals.

Utilise LinkedIn’s tools: Explore features like LinkedIn articles, newsletters and polls to engage with your audience and showcase your expertise.

Your LinkedIn profile is more than a placeholder for your CV - it’s a dynamic, powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities. By crafting a profile that’s engaging, authentic, and optimised, you’ll create a digital presence that reflects the very best of who you are.

So, is your LinkedIn profile working for you, or is it time for a refresh? Let’s chat if you would like a hand to get the best out of your Linkedin profile.