Introduction.
You’ve sent out dozens, maybe even hundreds of applications. And yet… silence. No calls. No interviews. No feedback. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and you’re left wondering: What am I doing wrong?
You know, it might not be your CV. In fact, research shows that 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn to screen candidates before they even consider an application.
(Recruiter Insight: According to Jobvite’s Recruiter Nation Report)
If your profile isn’t making the right impression, you could be getting passed over without even knowing it. Recruiters want more than a list of skills on a document: they want to see the person behind the CV. And that’s where your online presence comes in.
So how do you make sure they’re seeing the real, capable professional you are? How do you turn your LinkedIn profile into a tool that opens doors instead of closing them?
Let’s talk about what recruiters are really looking for and how you can finally start getting noticed.
Check out and connect with me on LinkedIn here
Why a Great CV Isn’t Enough.
For many job seekers, the CV feels like the centrepiece of the job hunt. You polish it, tailor it for each role, and hope it speaks for itself. But with the rise of AI-generated CVs, fake applications, and an oversaturated market, recruiters have become more cautious.
They’re no longer relying solely on what’s written on a document. They want verification. Authenticity. A sense of you. Your credibility, professionalism, and consistency. And where do they turn? LinkedIn.
That means even the strongest CV can be overlooked if your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match up. An incomplete, outdated, or weak profile can send the wrong signals, leading recruiters to wonder if you’re genuine or ready for the role.
A Cautionary Tale: How a Weak LinkedIn Profile Can Cost You.
Imagine this scenario: a candidate looks perfect on paper. The right qualifications, glowing references, solid experience. But when a HR professional checks their LinkedIn, they find… almost nothing. Sparse details, no summary, barely any connections, and a private profile photo.
Without further discussion, the candidate is rejected, not because of their skills, but because their online presence raised too many question marks.
This situation isn’t rare. Recruiters are often under pressure to fill roles quickly and reduce risk. If your online profile doesn’t inspire confidence, they won’t chase clarification and they will simply move on to the next candidate.
It’s a hard lesson: your LinkedIn profile is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of your professional toolkit.
Why a Great CV Isn’t Enough.
For many job seekers, the CV feels like the centrepiece of the job hunt. You polish it, tailor it for each role, and hope it speaks for itself. But with the rise of AI-generated CVs, fake applications, and an oversaturated market, recruiters have become more cautious.
They’re no longer relying solely on what’s written on a document. They want verification. Authenticity. A sense of you. Your credibility, professionalism, and consistency. And where do they turn? LinkedIn.
That means even the strongest CV can be overlooked if your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match up. An incomplete, outdated, or weak profile can send the wrong signals, leading recruiters to wonder if you’re genuine or ready for the role.
A Cautionary Tale: How a Weak LinkedIn Profile Can Cost You.
Imagine this scenario: a candidate looks perfect on paper. The right qualifications, glowing references, solid experience. But when a HR professional checks their LinkedIn, they find… almost nothing. Sparse details, no summary, barely any connections, and a private profile photo.
Without further discussion, the candidate is rejected, not because of their skills, but because their online presence raised too many question marks.
This situation isn’t rare. Recruiters are often under pressure to fill roles quickly and reduce risk. If your online profile doesn’t inspire confidence, they won’t chase clarification and they will simply move on to the next candidate.
It’s a hard lesson: your LinkedIn profile is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of your professional toolkit.
How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: What Recruiters Check First.
The good news? You don’t need to spend hours crafting a perfect profile. A few key improvements can make a big difference.
Here’s what recruiters are really paying attention to and how you can strengthen each area:
Your Profile Picture: Trust Starts Here.
Your profile photo is often the very first impression you make. If it’s missing, unclear, or private, recruiters may assume you’re inactive or even question whether you’re real.
Action Step: Upload a clear, professional headshot that’s visible to everyone. No holiday snaps, no blurry selfies. A simple, approachable photo builds instant trust.
Your Banner Image: Set the Scene.
Many people overlook their LinkedIn banner (the large image behind your profile photo), leaving it blank or using a generic default. But this space is valuable visual real estate. A well-chosen banner can make your profile more professional, memorable, and aligned with your industry.
Action Step: Choose a banner image that reflects your professional brand. It could be a photo related to your industry, a clean design with your personal tagline, or something that hints at your expertise (e.g., a city skyline for architects, a tech-themed image for IT professionals). Avoid anything blurry, cluttered, or off-brand.
Your Headline: The Line That Sells You Every Time.
Many job seekers leave their headline as the default job title. But your headline is a powerful space to highlight your expertise, skills, and target role.
Action Step: Write a keyword-rich headline that tells recruiters what you do and the value you offer. Instead of “Marketing Executive,” try “Marketing Executive | Driving Digital Campaigns & Brand Growth | Social Media Strategist.”
Custom LinkedIn URL: Make It Easy to Find You
Many job seekers forget to customise their LinkedIn URL, leaving a string of random numbers and letters. But a personalised URL looks more professional, is easier to share on your CV or email signature, and makes it easier for you to be found.
Action Step: Go to your profile settings and edit your public URL to something simple, like linkedin.com/in/yourname. This small change adds polish and professionalism.
Featured Section: Showcase Key Work
The “Featured” section lets you pin posts, media, or links right at the top of your profile. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your best work—whether that’s articles, presentations, projects, awards, or portfolio samples.
Action Step: Add 1–3 standout pieces that highlight your expertise or achievements. This gives recruiters something tangible to explore, setting you apart from other candidates.
Your Summary: Tell Your Story with Impact.
Your “About” section shouldn’t be a list of clichés or generic soft skills. It’s your chance to tell your career story and highlight achievements recruiters care about.
Action Step: Write a compelling summary that focuses on results, outcomes, and what makes you unique. Include key accomplishments and metrics where possible.
Your Experience: Keep It Consistent.
Recruiters compare your CV and LinkedIn side by side. If they spot conflicting job titles, company names, or dates, they may question your credibility.
Action Step: Ensure your LinkedIn experience matches your CV exactly. Double-check titles, timelines, and responsibilities to avoid discrepancies.
Skills & Recommendations: Boost Your Credibility.
While not all recruiters rely on LinkedIn’s skills section, having relevant skills listed improves your search visibility. Recommendations, on the other hand, carry significant weight.
Action Step: Add key skills relevant to your industry. More importantly, request recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients who can vouch for your work. These testimonials act as social proof of your professionalism and ability.
Why LinkedIn Optimisation is Non-Negotiable.
Recruiters have changed the way they screen candidates and LinkedIn plays a central role in their decision-making process.
A well-optimised profile helps recruiters:
Verify you’re a real, credible candidate.
Understand your professional brand and expertise.
Find you through keyword searches.
See evidence of your achievements beyond what fits on a CV.
Feel confident about reaching out.
In contrast, a weak or incomplete profile can quietly disqualify you before you ever get the chance to interview.
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Quick Wins: 5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your LinkedIn Profile.
Make your profile photo public, clear, and professional.
Write a keyword-rich headline tailored to your skills and goals.
Write an achievement-focused summary that tells your story.
Align your experience section with your CV for consistency.
Add relevant skills and request recommendations from past colleagues or clients.
These small but powerful changes can transform your profile from overlooked to opportunity magnet. Don't you want to be that person who gets noticed?
Final Thoughts: Your LinkedIn Profile Can Open Doors.
You can’t afford to be overlooked. The job market is fierce, where opportunities are harder to find and recruiters have more choice than ever. Even with the right skills and experience, a weak or incomplete LinkedIn profile could be the reason you’re passed over, before you’ve even had a chance to be seen.
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just another formality; it’s your opportunity to tell your story. It’s where you show recruiters who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you’re capable of—beyond the bullet points of a CV. Don’t let it be the thing that quietly holds you back.
If you’re ready to make sure your LinkedIn profile works for you, not against you, I’m here to help. My LinkedIn Coaching Session is designed to help you tell your story in a way that stands out, builds credibility, and gets you noticed.
Paula Donnan
Career Coach and Employability Trainer
Feel free to get in touch—I would love to support you.
📧 Email: info@donnancoachingservices.com
LinkedIn Coaching click here
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