Are You on LinkedIn? Why It Matters More Than Ever (and How to Make Your Profile Stand Out)

Are you on LinkedIn? If not, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. With more than 170 million Americans using the platform—and over 1 billion users globally—LinkedIn has solidified its place as the go-to space for professional networking. It’s no longer just a tool for job seekers; it’s a hub for professional development, personal branding, and career growth.

But if you are on LinkedIn and you’re just passively holding a profile, that’s not enough. In fact, opening an account is only the first step. To unlock the platform’s full potential—especially if you’re actively looking for a new job or seeking to grow your professional reputation—you need a strong, polished, and fully optimized profile.

Let’s break down why your LinkedIn presence matters and explore a few essential tips to make your profile stand out.

Why LinkedIn Still Reigns in Professional Networking
A recent report found that 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and hire new talent. That means your next opportunity could come from a quick profile search. Whether you’re actively applying or just want to keep doors open, your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression—sometimes even before a resume is requested.

And even if you’re not job-hunting, LinkedIn is where people vet your credibility. Clients, collaborators, and even conference organizers often scope out your profile before reaching out. So it’s worth putting your best foot forward.

1. Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Think of your LinkedIn profile as a live, evolving version of your resume—but with much more personality and versatility. It allows you to highlight your education, work experience, volunteer work, certifications, and skills in a dynamic format.

Take time to fill out each and every section of your profile. This includes your headline, summary (also called the “About” section), work history, education, and licenses or certifications. Add any relevant honors, awards, or professional associations as well.

If you’re unsure where to begin, use LinkedIn’s Profile Strength Meter, which guides you toward completion and offers tips for improvement. A complete profile has a far better chance of showing up in searches, so don’t leave anything blank if you can help it.

2. Choose a Professional Photo
Your profile photo is often the first thing a recruiter, hiring manager, or potential client will see. According to LinkedIn, profiles with a professional photo get 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than those without.

You don’t necessarily need to hire a professional photographer, but your photo should look polished. Choose a high-resolution headshot, wear appropriate attire for your industry, and keep your background clean and distraction-free. A friendly smile goes a long way.

Avoid using photos taken on vacation, selfies, or overly casual images. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, look at the profiles of peers in your field for inspiration. In some cases, showing yourself “in action” at work or presenting at a conference can help showcase your professionalism and passion.

3. Craft a Strong Summary (About Section)
You’d be surprised how many users skip the summary section altogether. That’s a major missed opportunity.

The summary—now called the “About” section—is your chance to tell your story in your own words. Unlike a resume, which tends to be bullet-pointed and formal, this section lets you explain who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you unique in your field.

Think of it as your personal elevator pitch. Aim to write 2–3 short paragraphs that cover:

Your current role and what you do

A bit of your career journey

The skills or experiences that set you apart

A glimpse into your values or goals

You can even add a call-to-action if appropriate, such as “Feel free to reach out for collaboration opportunities.”

If you’re unsure where to start, browse LinkedIn for profiles of professionals you admire or check out sample summaries online for inspiration. The key is to be authentic and clear—let your voice come through.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Endorsements
Your skills section is more than a checklist—it’s another way to make your profile keyword-friendly and more discoverable in searches. Include at least 10–15 relevant skills, prioritizing those that align with your current goals or the industry you’re in.

LinkedIn also allows others to endorse your skills. While not as formal as a recommendation, endorsements still show credibility. Don’t hesitate to endorse colleagues; often, they’ll return the favor.

5. Request (and Give) Recommendations
Recommendations are like mini-reference letters visible on your profile. They carry real weight because they come directly from other professionals.

Reach out to former managers, clients, coworkers, or mentors and ask if they’d be willing to write a brief recommendation for you. Be polite, personalize your request, and offer to return the favor. Having just 2–3 solid recommendations can really boost your profile’s trust factor.

LinkedIn is far more than a digital resume—it’s a powerful tool to showcase your professional identity, build your network, and open new doors.

Whether you’re actively job hunting, growing your personal brand, or just want to stay connected with industry peers, investing time in your LinkedIn profile is worth it. With a complete, well-thought-out profile, you won’t just be another name in a search—you’ll be someone worth reaching out to.

So take a fresh look at your LinkedIn today. It might just lead you to your next big opportunity.

At eStaff LLC, we help recruiters and employees find their next big gig. If you’re searching for your next position, visit our website or call (512) 381-2257 today.