How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile When Open to Work (#opentowork)

 If you’re actively seeking a new role, your LinkedIn profile can be one of your most powerful tools. When optimized correctly, it can attract Recruiters and hiring managers, while you are sleeping, watching Netflix or taking walks on the beach! Below is a detailed/actionable guide to ensure your profile stands out. And make sure to double up and watch the video pasted at the end of this blog so you can go through the visual journey of implementing these items.

1. Hone Your LinkedIn Background Photo

Your LinkedIn background photo takes up a significant amount of real estate at the top of your LinkedIn profile, making it a prime opportunity to convey essential information:

• Use a free tool like Canva to create a custom design and include these details:
• The exact position(s) you are targeting
• The locations you’re open to working (including remote work)
•  Identifying where your audience can find your resume (inserted link or in the about section of your profile)
• Optional: Your contact information for direct outreach (If you feel comfortable)

Think of your background photo as a CTA (call to action). Recruiters and hiring managers should be able to glance at it and immediately understand what you’re looking for.

2. Utilize the Open to Work Banner (#opentowork)

Despite the continued debate on the subject, the open to work banner is an effective/powerful feature on LinkedIn. It signals to Recruiter and hiring managers that you’re actively looking and encourages them to reach out. In addition, it notifies people in your network that may be able to help you, that you are looking for a new job. The majority of LinkedIn users view this feature positively, so use it!

3. Upgrade Your Profile Photo

Your profile photo should convey professionalism and approachability. Follow these guidelines:

• High resolution picture
• Use a clear headshot (shoulders and above)
• Smile genuinely to create a positive impression
• Ensure the background is neutral and not distracting

4. Tailor Your Name and Headline

Add a middle initial to your name (if applicable) to reduce spam during your job search. After your last name add a comma and include your target role/position. In your headline, specify the specific skills that align with the role(s) you are looking for. The more specific, the better!

5. Optimize Other Top of Profile Items

Make sure these items have been completed before tackling your about section:

• Current Position - If you are actively employed, your employer logo has been added
• Education - Your highest level of education has been added
• Custom Button - If you have an upgraded (paid) LinkedIn account utilize this feature, specifically, the link feature, add your Google Doc resume here

6. Create a Compelling About Section

The about section is a great opportunity to tell your story and drop in a lot of keywords that allow you to show up in more searches. At a minimum include the following information:

• Optimize the first four lines of this section, are you giving a good snapshot of you if your audience does not click the “see more” button
• The story you tell can take a number of different directions, but definitely focus on your experience
• Paste in a skills summary section at the bottom
• Paste a link to your Google Docs resume at the bottom as well

7. Build a Featured Section

The "Featured" section is another place to link your resume. By placing your resume here, you create a third place for someone to click on your resume. 

8. Increase Your Activity

LinkedIn rewards activity, the more active you are, the more visible your profile will become.Engage with the platform by:

• Posting or sharing content daily
• Commenting on relevant industry posts
• Liking to increase your profile’s exposure

9. Enhance Your Experience Section

This is the easiest and most overlooked item. Copy and paste your resume bullets into your LinkedIn profile. Your experience section should be specific, keyword-rich, and fully filled out. Use bullet points to:

• Highlight your key day to day responsibilities
• Quantify and qualify accomplishments
• Add in key technologies and skills

Make sure your verb tenses are correct! Use past-tense verbs for previous roles and accomplishments that have already happened. Be consistent with the format, specifically, bullet type, using periods, etc.

10. Include Your Education and Certifications

Education and certifications lend credibility to your profile. If you didn’t complete your degree, include the number of courses completed to provide transparency. Licenses and certifications related to your target roles can also strengthen your profile.

11. Maximize the Skills Section

LinkedIn now allows you to add up to 100 skills. Take advantage of this by including as many relevant skills as possible, focusing on those that align with the roles you're pursuing.

12. Give Recommendations

A less-utilized feature, recommendations are a great way to network with a “give first” strategy. Start by giving recommendations to past colleagues—it’s an excellent way to reconnect and subtly remind them or make them aware that you are searching for a new job.

13. Add Languages

Language skills will always be a highly desirable skill, you got those skills, list those languages!

Conclusion

A well-optimized LinkedIn profile not only supports your job search efforts, it can also allow for more opportunities to come to you. By following these steps, you’ll position yourself as a top candidate in your field. Optimize your profile today!

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