How to get recruiters to headhunt you on LinkedIn

Are you making it hard to be found on LinkedIn?

Last week, I was looking for a specific service.

I typed in the keyword into search, filtered and got about 200K results.

Here’s what I found:

❌ 90% had no recent posts or any activity.

❌ 90% did not respond to my connection request.

❌ 80% had no direct way to reach them.

❌ 80% didn’t have a professional summary.

❌ 70% had multiple, unrelated roles on their headline.

❌ 60% had an unclear specialty.

I eventually got tired of browsing...

I connected with only 4 people:

• 2 had their calendar booking link on their profile.

• 1 person responded to my DM immediately.

• I person had their website on their profile.

The rest got automatically disqualified.

If you are a jobseeker, standing out in a sea of people is important, especially if you want to attract more profile views and opportunities on LinkedIn.

Every element on your profile should clearly communicate:

✅ Who you are

✅ What you do/offer

✅ How you can be reached

Here's a breakdown of how to optimize your LinkedIn profile:

1. Craft a Compelling Headline

Your headline follows you around on LinkedIn. It’s the first thing people see on your profile and on the LinkedIn feed. You have the opportunity to add maximum 220 characters on your headline. Make it count and super targeted for the role you want.

• Be Specific: Clearly state your current role or the position you're seeking. Avoid jargon or multiple, unrelated roles.

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords for your industry. This makes it easier for recruiters and potential clients to find you.

• Avoid Buzz Words: Don’t use words that do not add any value to your profile eg ‘Aspiring’, ‘Open to new opportunities’, “Experienced’ etc.

Here is a sample headline formula:

Your Target Role + Industry 1+ Industry 2 + Core Skill 1 + Core Skill 2 + Value Statement/Measurable Accomplishment

2. Design an Engaging Banner Image

Design a banner on Canva. You don’t even need a paid account. This adds a little bit of color and branding to your LinkedIn profile to help you stand out.

• Reflect Your Professionalism: Choose a banner that resonates with your industry and professional ethos.

• Include Contact Info: Consider adding a subtle call-to-action or contact information in the banner design.

Canva is a great tool to create a professional looking banner image. Click here to download a customizable template for free.

3. Maximize the Featured Section

The Featured Section is another prime space for showcasing and highlighting your accomplishments.

• Showcase Your Best Work: Use this section to highlight significant achievements, projects, articles you’ve written or even a recent post on LinkedIn.

• Include Direct Links: Add links to your portfolio, publications, or any external content that enhances your professional narrative.

You can use Canva to create captivating images for your featured section. Click here to download a customizable template for free.

4. Optimize the 'About' Section

The About Section is an opportunity to dive deeper into who you are and what you do. You should target around 1000 words for this section that touches on the following:

• Tell Your Story: This is your opportunity to share your professional journey. Make it engaging and relatable.

• Highlight Skills and Experience: Clearly outline your expertise, accomplishments, and what you bring to the table. If you have 2+ roles on your headline, write the back story.

• Make it Easy to Connect: Include direct contact information or a link to a scheduling tool for easy bookings.

Don’t just list your education and work experience here. After all, there is a dedicated section to add in your experience and education on LinkedIn.

5. Increase Activity and Engagement

Being active on LinkedIn can boost your profile visibility by 100% - the more you engage with others, the more your profile will pop up on other people’s feed, especially people you are not directly connected to.

• Post Regularly: Share insights, stories, or comment on industry trends. Consistency is key.

• Engage with Others: Like, comment, and share relevant content from your network. This increases your visibility and encourages others to engage with your content.

You don’t have to do post content, depending on your comfort level. Take baby steps and start by with engaging with other’s posts. It is good to create content but content creation is not the only way to boost your visibility on LinkedIn.

6. Be Strategic with Skills & Keywords

LinkedIn allows you to add a maximum of 50 skills on your profile. When recruiters are searching for talent, they use skills and keywords to search. Make sure your profile has only the relevant skills for your target role.

• Research Your Role: Identify common keywords/skills used in your target role and industry. Remove irrelevant keywords and skills.

• Incorporate Wisely: Use these keywords naturally in your headline, summary, and job descriptions. Avoid overstuffing.

Utilize AI tools like Jobsmither to identify the keywords and skills for your target role. Get started for free. 

7. Update Contact Information

• Be Accessible: Make sure your contact information is up to date and visible in your ‘About’ section. This includes your email address and your phone number.

Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a digital resume; it’s a platform to tell your professional story and open doors to new opportunities.

Summary of the key takeaways:

1. Enhance visibility by crafting a specific headline, using relevant industry keywords, and keeping your profile up to date.

2. Use a professional banner, include contact information, and create an engaging 'About' section that narrates your professional journey and highlights your skills.

3. Regularly post or interact with content on LinkedIn to maintain visibility and engagement, using strategic keywords to attract the right audience.

Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

 1. [60-min] 1:1 Power Hour: Pick my brain on all things job search, resume, LinkedIn, personal branding, interviewing and more. Apply here for $249.

2. Apply to join my Agile Project Management Accelerator Program: A 3 month career transition coaching program to get you hired in 3-6 months. Apply here.

Until next time,

Zainab

Remember, you are just one step away…

P.S: I would love to hear from you - what topics would you like me to share more of? I want to make sure I write about the things that matter to you.