How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out: With Examples

If you are looking for a job, a LinkedIn profile is a must. It is the biggest professional social platform out there.

And almost 95% of hiring is done through LinkedIn.

Now you cannot just put your name, a few details here and there and be done. 

You need to create a LinkedIn profile that recruiters love.

A properly optimised LinkedIn profile will make you visible and increase your chances of getting the job.

In this article, I will guide you through 10 simple yet effective steps on how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out.

We'll cover everything from optimising your LinkedIn About section to showcasing accomplishments, adding projects, adding positions, and making your profile attractive and unique.

Let's get started.

🎯 Select a professional profile picture 

Your profile picture is one of the first things that recruiters notice when they visit your LinkedIn profile. 

It not only helps create a positive impression but also adds credibility to your profile.

In fact, LinkedIn reports that profiles with a profile picture receive significantly more views and connection requests compared to those without one.

Not having a profile picture can make your profile appear incomplete or even suspicious to recruiters. 

It may give the impression that you're not invested in presenting yourself professionally.that you have something to hide.

As a result, recruiters might be less inclined to engage with your profile or consider you for job opportunities.

A picture humanises your profile and makes it easier for recruiters to connect with you on a personal level. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you select the perfect profile picture:

• Choose a high-quality, clear, and well-lit photo.
• Use a headshot that focuses primarily on your face.
• Dress appropriately for your industry and the job you're seeking.
• Smile and maintain a friendly expression.
• Ensure the background is clean and uncluttered.
• Crop and frame the photo to highlight your face and shoulders.
• Seek feedback from a trusted friend,

Here’s an example of a good LinkedIn profile image.

Recruiters often rely on visual cues to assess a candidate's professionalism and fit for a role. 

It helps them form a positive initial impression.

🎯 Craft a compelling headline with keywords 

Your headline on LinkedIn is like a mini elevator pitch.

It captures the essence of your professional identity.

It appears right below your name and is one of the first things recruiters see. 

So, how do you create a headline that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression? 

Let's break it down step by step.

First, think about your unique value proposition. 

• What sets you apart from others in your field? 
• Are you an expert in a specific programming language? 
• Have you achieved remarkable results in your previous roles? 

Identify your key strengths and accomplishments that make you stand out.

Next, incorporate relevant keywords into your headline. 

Keywords are the terms that recruiters often use to search for candidates. 

Include them in your headline to increase the visibility of your LinkedIn profile to recruiters.

Your profile will have a higher chance of appearing in their search results. 

For example, if you're a software engineer, consider using keywords like "software engineer," "full-stack developer," or "frontend specialist."

Now, let's put it all together with some catchy examples:

• "Software Engineer | Building Innovative Solutions for the Future"
• "Digital Marketing Specialist | Driving Brand Growth through Strategic Campaigns"

Here's a template based on the examples:

[Profession/Role] | [Key Strengths/Expertise] | [Impact Statement]

Feel free to use the above template. 

Customise it according to your specific profession, strengths, and achievements. 

Remember to incorporate relevant keywords that recruiters in your industry might search for. 

The goal of your headline is to make recruiters curious and entice them to explore your profile further.

Keep in mind that your headline should be concise and to the point. 

Aim for clarity and avoid jargon or overly complex language. 

🎯 Write a keyword-rich summary

Your summary or About section is like a mini introduction.

It's a snapshot that showcases your professional journey and what you bring to the table. 

It's your chance to make a lasting impression on recruiters, so let's make it count!

When writing your summary, think of it as your elevator pitch. 

You want to concisely convey who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. 

To make your summary stand out, here’s a 5-step formula:

👉 Start with a compelling hook: 

Begin your summary with a captivating statement that grabs the reader's attention.

Think about what sets you apart from others in your field or what drives your passion. 

For example:

"Picture this: a passionate software engineer with a knack for turning complex problems into elegant solutions. That's me! With a keen eye for detail and a love for innovation, I thrive on creating user-friendly applications that make a real impact."

👉 Highlight your expertise and achievements:

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments and show your value. 

Share specific examples of projects you've worked on, goals you've achieved, or challenges you've overcome. 

Be sure to use numbers and metrics whenever possible to quantify your impact. 

For example:

"Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working on diverse projects, from developing robust e-commerce platforms to designing seamless mobile applications. I played a pivotal role in a recent project that resulted in a 30% increase in user engagement, leading to a 40% growth in revenue."

👉 Showcase your passion and drive: 

Share what motivates you and why you're passionate about your work.

This will help recruiters see your genuine interest and commitment. 

Here's an example:

"Being at the forefront of software engineering allows me to bring my creativity and problem-solving skills to the table every day. I find immense satisfaction in crafting elegant solutions that enhance user experiences and drive positive change."

👉 Highlight your skills and expertise: 

This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skillset and areas of expertise.

Mention the technical skills, tools, and programming languages you excel in. 

Be specific and use relevant keywords that recruiters might search for. 

For instance:

"With a strong command of languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript, I have a solid foundation in full-stack web development. My proficiency in frameworks like React and Django allows me to build scalable and robust applications that meet the ever-evolving needs of today's digital landscape."

👉 Express your career goals and aspirations: 

Conclude your summary by expressing your career goals and what you aspire to achieve. 

This helps recruiters envision how you might fit into their organisation and future opportunities.

Here's an example:

"As a software engineer, my ultimate goal is to continue pushing boundaries and driving innovation in the tech industry. I'm excited about collaborating with talented teams to tackle complex challenges and build products that positively impact society. I'm always seeking opportunities to grow, learn, and make a difference."

Your summary should be engaging and easy to read. 

Personalise the template by adding your own experiences and achievements.

Aim for a conversational tone that reflects your personality and showcases your unique voice.

🎯 Showcase experience and education effectively

Provide a clear and compelling picture of your professional background. 

Recruiters often scan LinkedIn profiles.

Focus on your accomplishments, quantify your achievements, and highlight the skills that are most relevant to your target roles. 

Here are some key tips to help you effectively highlight your accomplishments and catch the attention of recruiters:

👉 Structure your experience section: 

Start by listing your most recent position first and work your way back. 

Include the job title, company name, and employment dates in the experience section. 

Use concise bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role.

👉 Highlight accomplishments: 

Rather than simply listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments and the impact you made in your previous roles. 

Whenever possible, provide concrete evidence of your success by quantifying your achievements.

👉 Showcase relevant skills: 

As you describe your experience, make sure to emphasise the skills that are most relevant to your desired role.

This helps recruiters quickly identify your areas of expertise and align them with their requirements.

Here’s an example of a perfect LinkedIn work section of Preplaced Mentor Prashant:

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👉 Summarise your education: 

In the education section, provide a summary of your academic background.

Include your degree, field of study, and the institution you attended.

Mention any notable honours, awards, or relevant coursework.

🎯 List down your Skills

The skills section of your LinkedIn profile is vital to make your profile stand out to recruiters. 

It's an opportunity to showcase your expertise and highlight the specific abilities that make you a valuable candidate. 

Here's how to list your skills:

👉 Think strategically: 

When selecting skills to list, think strategically about your target industry and the positions you're interested in. 

👉 Mix hard and soft skills: 

It's essential to include a mix of both hard and soft skills. 

Hard skills are specific, technical abilities that are directly related to your field. For example, programming languages, data analysis, or project management. 

Soft skills, on the other hand, encompass your interpersonal abilities. For example, communication skills, leadership skills, or problem-solving. 

Including both types of skills paints a comprehensive picture of your capabilities.

This can significantly increase your chances of catching their attention.

Furthermore, recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn. 

They use specific keywords related to the required skills.

By including those keywords in your skill section, you improve the likelihood of appearing in search results. 

This makes it easier for recruiters to find and evaluate your profile.

However, it's also important to be honest about your skills. 

Only include the skills you genuinely possess and can confidently discuss or demonstrate during interviews. 

Honesty and authenticity are key to building trust with potential employers.

Recommended Readings: 

Top 10 tech skills for IT Professionals to learn in 2023

Why do Soft Skills Matter in Interviews and How to Develop them?

🎯 Incorporate rich media and visuals through Projects and Presentations

One powerful way to make your LinkedIn profile visually appealing and captivating is by incorporating rich media and visuals. 

You can do this through the Projects and Presentations/Featured sections. 

These sections allow you to showcase your work, projects, publications, or any other relevant materials.

They highlight your expertise and accomplishments.

By adding eye-catching content, you can provide recruiters with a tangible glimpse of your skills and capabilities.

You can also add links to websites, apps, or software you've developed here.

Attach screenshots or images to provide visual context.

For example, if you're a software engineer, showcase a project where you built an innovative application or solved a complex problem.

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Include slide decks, videos, or recordings of your speaking engagements, webinars, or conferences.

Choose presentations that cover topics relevant to your industry and demonstrate your thought leadership.

Remember to provide a brief description for each project or presentation, highlighting the impact and your contributions.

By incorporating these, you make your LinkedIn profile visually appealing and engaging. 

And back up your skills and expertise with concrete evidence.

This helps you stand out from the competition and captures the attention of recruiters.

Choose projects and presentations that are relevant to your industry and showcase your value as a professional.

With a visually captivating profile, you'll leave a lasting impression on recruiters.

🎯 Personalise your LinkedIn Profile URL

Now, let's talk about personalising your LinkedIn Profile URL. 

By default, LinkedIn assigns a long and cumbersome URL with a jumble of numbers and letters to your profile. 

But why settle for something forgettable when you can create a custom URL that reflects your professional identity?

Personalising your LinkedIn Profile URL is like adding a touch of personal branding to your profile. 

It not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for you to share your LinkedIn profile with others. 

Here's an example to illustrate the impact of a customised URL:

Imagine you come across two LinkedIn profiles. 

One has a URL like "linkedin.com/in/54d36b89" and the other has a URL like "linkedin.com/in/henrysmith". 

Which one are you more likely to remember? 

The personalised URL stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

It makes it easier for others to find and connect with you.

To personalise your LinkedIn Profile URL, follow these simple steps:

• Click on the "
• Select "
• On your profile page, you'll find an option “
• Click on the "
• Now, you'll see the option to edit your URL. 
• Ideally, you want to
• Once you've entered your desired URL, click on the "

Voila! You now have a personalised LinkedIn Profile URL that is short, memorable, and professional.

It's a small but significant step towards making your profile more attractive and memorable to recruiters and potential connections. 

Don’t forget to add your LinkedIn profile URL to your resume.

🎯 Provide Correct Contact Information

The details that you provide on your LinkedIn profile should be accurate and up to date. 

Recruiters often rely on this information to reach out to potential candidates for job opportunities or networking purposes. 

Here are some key points to consider:

👉 Email address:

Include a professional email address that you actively use for professional communication. 

Avoid using personal or unprofessional email addresses as they may create a negative impression. 

For example, instead of "[email protected]," opt for "[email protected]."

👉 Phone number:

‍Provide a phone number where recruiters can contact you. 

Make sure it's a number you can easily be reached at.

Double-check that the number you provide is accurate and functional.

👉 LinkedIn messaging:

‍LinkedIn has its own messaging system, so ensure that your settings allow others to send you messages. 

This way, recruiters can reach out to you directly through the platform. 

Be responsive and check your LinkedIn messages regularly to avoid missing any important opportunities.

👉 Additional contact information:

If applicable, you can include additional contact information.

It can be your website, blog, or professional social media profiles.

This provides recruiters with more avenues to learn about your work and contact you.

Remember, while providing contact information is important, you should also consider privacy and security. 

Avoid sharing sensitive personal details or information that could compromise your safety. 

Stick to professional channels and avoid including home addresses or personal phone numbers.

Review and update your contact information periodically to ensure its accuracy.

🎯 Stay active and share thoughtful content

Engagement is a key factor in making your LinkedIn profile attractive to recruiters. 

By staying active on the platform and sharing thoughtful content, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional and increase your visibility. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this step:

👉 Share industry insights: 

LinkedIn is a great platform for showcasing your expertise and providing valuable insights. 

Share articles, news, or trends related to your field that you find interesting. 

Add your thoughts and perspectives to start conversations and engage with others in your industry.

👉 Comment on relevant posts: 

Engage with other professionals by commenting on their posts. 

Add value to the conversation by sharing your insights, asking thought-provoking questions, or offering support and encouragement. 

This helps you build connections and establish yourself as an active participant in your industry.

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👉 Personalise your content: 

Don't be afraid to inject your personality and unique perspective into your LinkedIn content. 

Share personal stories, insights gained and challenges overcome. 

Authenticity and relatability help you stand out and connect with others on a deeper level.

The key is to strike a balance between professional and personal content. 

This will make your LinkedIn profile more engaging and memorable to recruiters.

It will also help you build a strong professional network. 

Recruiters are more likely to take notice of profiles that consistently contribute valuable insights and engage with others in the industry. 

So, keep the conversation going and make your LinkedIn presence a magnet for recruiters seeking top talent.

🎯 Keep your profile up to date

Now that you've put effort into creating a compelling LinkedIn profile, it's essential to keep it fresh and up to date. 

An outdated profile can give the impression that you're not actively engaged or that you're not invested in your professional growth. 

Here are some key areas to focus on when updating your profile:

• Add new roles, promotions, or projects you've been involved in.
• Highlight accomplishments and responsibilities to showcase growth and expertise.
• Update the skills section as you acquire or refine skills.
• Regularly update sections for awards, certifications, publications, and volunteer experience.
• Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients. These recommendations add credibility to your profile. 

By keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, you demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development. 

Recruiters are more likely to take notice of profiles that showcase recent accomplishments and skills. 

Also the more engaging and specific your updates are, the more likely they are to leave a lasting impression on recruiters who visit your profile.

Wrapping it up

Congratulations! 

You've learned the 10 steps on how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out to recruiters. 

From optimising your LinkedIn About section to adding accomplishments, positions, and projects, you now know how to create an attractive and engaging profile that captures recruiters' attention.

LinkedIn is not just a platform to create an account for jobs.

It's an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personal brand. 

By making your profile stand out, you're positioning yourself as a standout professional in your field.

Don't forget to mention your LinkedIn profile on your resume, making it easy for recruiters to find and learn more about you. 

Now it's time to put the above steps into action. 

Craft a captivating headline, write a compelling summary, showcase your experience and projects effectively, and keep your profile up to date. 

And most importantly, stay active on the platform, engage with others, and share your expertise.

And if you are facing any problem, you can always connect with a mentor to guide you.

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Recommended Readings:

Job Interview Coming Up? Make Sure To Complete These 10 Things Before Your D-Day

Here are 14 Reasons why you are not getting interview calls

How can I ask my mentor to help me with job applications?