The center point of this picture is a laptop whose screen shows a LinkedIn profile. There are two hands in the picture. The left hand was positioned on the keyboard. The right hand was holding a mouse. A notebook and a pencil was put on the left bottom corner of the picture, on the left side of the left hand. — Photo by TalkStudy.co

Last Thursday, we shared a few resume-writing tips to pass AI screening and the 6-second test. Today, we will visit tips on how to build an appealing LinkedIn profile.

Based on the research findings from my work, I want to emphasize that having an appealing LinkedIn profile has become increasingly important in today’s job market. I define an appealing LinkedIn profile as one that is:

  • Free of spelling and grammar errors.
  • Complete: with all essential sections filled (e.g., a profile picture, work experience, and education).
  • Relevant: Having relevant work experience or educational background to the opening.
  • Consistent: showing consistent information to the one revealed in the cover letter, resume, and job interviews.

Specifically, I recommend job seekers pay attention to the following areas:

  1. Use a professional portrait picture: A high-quality picture showing our professional look will be helpful. Avoid excess use of filters, jewelry, tattoos/piercings, or distracting background.
  2. Create a headline reflecting our personal brand: The headline is one of the first things people see when opening our LinkedIn profile. It should highlight our expertise and value.
  3. Provide a compelling summary: Highlight our skills, accomplishments, experience, a cause or value, and unique selling points in the About section.
  4. Customize the LinkedIn URL
  5. Highlight the relevant job experience: Like a resume, this section should include those indicative keywords that can pass AI screening and highlight our achievements and quantifiable results.
  6. Complete the educational section: This will allow us to tag into the alumni networks of our alma maters.
  7. Get endorsements and recommendations: They can help increase the credibility of our work and skills.
  8. Stay active and engaged: Engage with other users with reactions and comments to their updates. Share industry updates and work-related pictures to show what we care about.

Do you use LinkedIn? What other helpful tips will you offer to job seekers?

Linchi Kwok
Professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona
CAL Poly Pomona

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