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LinkedIn Optimization Guide

How to make recruiters reach out to you.

Short answer: LinkedIn is a magnet, not a resume. Optimize your headline and About section for searchability, lead with outcomes recruiters care about, and stay active enough to signal availability. The goal is inbound interest, not outbound applications.
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When to use this

Do this first if:

  • Recruiters aren't reaching out despite strong experience
  • Your headline is just your job title
  • Your About section is empty or reads like a resume summary

Skip this if:

  • You're already getting strong inbound recruiter interest
  • You're primarily using referrals rather than recruiter outreach
  • You're in a confidential search and can't update your profile

LinkedIn Signal Checklist

Elements that drive recruiter outreach

1
Searchable headline

Include your target role title and 2-3 key skills recruiters search for.

2
Compelling About section

Lead with what you're known for and your top outcomes. End with what you're looking for.

3
Impact-first experience

Mirror your resume with outcome-focused bullets in each role.

4
Skills endorsements

List skills that match your target roles. Get endorsements for your top 5.

5
Open to Work settings

Use recruiter-only visibility if you need confidentiality.

Example

Before

Software Engineer at TechCorp

After

Senior Software Engineer | Distributed Systems | Building real-time data platforms at scale

The 'after' headline tells recruiters your level, specialty, and what you build—making you findable for relevant roles.

Evidence

4x

More recruiter messages with optimized headline and About section

Askia A/B testing
70%

Of recruiters use LinkedIn as primary sourcing tool

Industry research
2 weeks

Average time to first recruiter outreach after LinkedIn optimization

Askia client data

Frequently asked questions

Should my LinkedIn match my resume exactly?

Core achievements should align, but LinkedIn can be slightly more conversational and forward-looking.

How do I signal I'm open to opportunities confidentially?

Use LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' with recruiter-only visibility. Update your headline subtly without explicitly saying 'seeking'.

How important is the About section?

Very. Recruiters read it to decide whether to reach out. Lead with impact and be specific about your target.

Should I connect with recruiters?

Yes, especially those who work with your target companies or roles. Personalize connection requests.

How often should I post on LinkedIn?

Activity signals engagement but quality matters more than quantity. 1-2 thoughtful posts per month is plenty.

Do skills and endorsements matter?

They affect search rankings. List skills matching your target roles and get endorsements for your top 5.

Want help with your LinkedIn?

Book a strategy call and get expert feedback on your profile.

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