LinkedIn profile checklist for job seekers in the US

Recruiters in the US use LinkedIn to search for candidates by job title, skills and location. A complete, focused profile makes you easier to find and easier to say yes to.

Get found in searches

• Headline: say what you do and what you are looking for, for example "Java Full Stack Developer | Spring Boot, React, AWS". Your current job title alone is often too vague.
• Location: set the city or metro area where you want to work. Recruiters filter by location.
• Open to Work: turn it on and list the exact job titles you want. You can choose to show it to recruiters only.
• Skills: add the skills from the job posts you are targeting and pin the three most important.

Make a strong first impression

• Photo: a clear, recent head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background. Profiles with photos get far more views.
• Banner: a simple image related to your field looks more complete than the default.
• About section: three short paragraphs covering who you are professionally, what you are best at with one or two results, and the kind of role you want next.

Show your experience

Your experience section should match your résumé: same job titles, companies and dates. Under each role, add two to four bullets with results, not duties. Add projects, certifications and coursework, especially if you are early in your career.

Build trust

• Ask former managers or colleagues for one or two recommendations.
• Connect with people in your field, including recruiters at companies you are interested in, with a short personal note.
• Post or comment occasionally about your work or what you are learning. It keeps your profile active in recruiters' feeds.

Keep it consistent

Make sure your LinkedIn profile, résumé and job applications tell the same story. Recruiters notice when titles or dates do not match.

Our profile marketing team can optimise your LinkedIn and job portal profiles and reach out to recruiters on your behalf.