Candidates! Make your LinkedIn profile stand out

Voice of Verve insight by Jodi O’Connor | Verve Marketing Manager

Candidates! Make your LinkedIn profile stand out

Whether you work in IT, law, construction, HR or manufacturing, a strong LinkedIn profile can boost your visibility and open doors. Our very own Marketing Manager, Jodi O’Connor, shares her top tips to help you strengthen yours.

If you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re not really in the race.

According to Jobscan, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn specifically to find candidates for jobs. Meanwhile, 94% use it to vet potential candidates.

But just being on LinkedIn isn’t enough. You need a profile that stands out and makes recruiters take an interest.

If yours is outdated, incomplete or just plain dull, here’s how to fix it and boost your chances of getting noticed.

Choose the right images

A current, professional photo with good focus and lighting is a must.

Avoid obvious crop jobs (no one needs to see half of your friend’s shoulder) and skip AI-generated images—they often feel inauthentic and can undermine trust.

Plus, don’t forget the banner behind your photo! Use this space to reinforce your industry expertise with a relevant image from a free stock library like Pexels or a polished Canva template. 

Craft a creative headline

Your headline is one of the first things people see—even before they click on your profile—so make it count. It should highlight your skills, what sets you apart and show some personality.

• Weak headline – Construction professional | Looking for work
• Stronger headline – Problem-solver in a hard hat | Certified construction manager | Safety & efficiency advocate 

Write an authentic summary

Use your ‘About’ section to tell your story in a way that feels personal and engaging. A generic, robotic summary won’t help you stand out.

Start with a compelling hook, then share why you do what you do, the value you bring and what makes you different.

• Weak intro – I’m a construction professional with experience in managing projects and leading teams. I have worked on various construction sites and have knowledge of safety regulations.
• Stronger intro – From a young age, I was fascinated by how things were built—bridges, skyscrapers, entire cities. That passion led me to a career in construction management, where I now lead teams to bring ambitious projects to life.

Include relevant keywords

Recruiters often use LinkedIn’s search function to find candidates, so the right keywords can make all the difference.

Include industry-specific keywords throughout your profile, especially in your headline, About section, skills list, and job descriptions, to improve your chances of being discovered for the right roles.

• Marketing example keywords: Google Ads ads, PPC, campaign analytics.
• IT example keywords: Cloud computing, DevOps. IT project management.

Collect unique recommendations

You don’t have to do all the talking—let others showcase your strengths for you!

The ‘Recommendations’ section on LinkedIn is a great way to build credibility and give recruiters and potential employers insight into what it’s like to work with you.

Reach out to a variety of previous managers and colleagues and ask them to highlight what makes you stand out beyond just hard skills. Thoughtful and specific social proof will make you more credible.

Finally, be intentionally active

Don’t just sit back and scroll—be intentionally active! Reach out, make connections in your industry, comment on posts from people you want to notice you, and join relevant groups.

You don’t have to be overly formal or ‘professional’. Your voice is unique, so share your thoughts and opinions, your wins and challenges (it’s okay to be vulnerable), and join conversations that matter to you.

The algorithm loves activity and will push your profile higher in the feed, helping you get noticed. Aim to post three times a week (in addition to regular commenting), and you should start to build your presence in three months.

Is it working?

How will you know if your LinkedIn efforts are working?

If your profile views are increasing (it’s not just about likes), it means you’re more visible, your content is engaging, and people are interested in what you do.

Let’s have a conversation

If you want more tips and advice on standing out as a candidate, get in touch with our team today to have a chat about how we can support you.