You've probably been told to “fix your LinkedIn profile" more times than you can count. But what does that actually mean when you're trying to get noticed in recruiter searches or land a better role? If your profile isn't showing up, it's not working as hard as it should.
At Girlboss, we think of your LinkedIn profile as more than an online resume. It's your searchable, clickable proof of what you do and why you're worth hiring. To show up in recruiter searches, you need the right keywords, clear positioning, and a profile that makes sense in seconds.
In this guide, you'll learn how LinkedIn search actually works, how to use keywords without sounding robotic, and how to turn your profile into something that gets attention. You'll also get real examples and a checklist you can use right away.
How Recruiters Actually Search LinkedIn Profiles
Before you start looking for a new job, chances are you've done some dreaming about the bigger role you hope to land. The job you're absolutely sure you're ready for now that you've done your share of grunt work, filing paperwork, or dealing with rude customers.
But unless you have relevant job titles in your work history section, hiring managers might immediately rule you out. If you're more senior, vague job titles might mean you fly under recruiters' radar altogether.
Robin Reshwan, founder and president of CS Advising and Collegial Services, says the first thing she looks for is whether you're already doing a similar job to the one you're applying for.
"From a risk standpoint, if you're currently doing the job in a company similar to mine, there's a good chance that you're probably good at it and there's a good chance that you want to do it since you understand what the job's about," she says.
How to Find the Right Keywords for Your LinkedIn Profile
If you're looking to include some SEO tricks in your LinkedIn profile so it appears in search results, using keywords can increase your searchability. The best place to figure out exactly which keywords to include is LinkedIn's job posting board.
“Take a look at several job descriptions with the same title and then take a close look at where it says 'qualifications,'" says Donna Shannon, the president and CEO of Personal Touch Career Services. “That's where a lot of the high-value keywords are.”
Think about words that relate to what you're actually doing, versus low-value keywords that are more generic, like “leadership.”
Use "Aspirational Profiles" to Position Yourself Better
Let's call them "aspirational profiles.” After you've gathered intel on the job board, glean some more insights from other stellar accounts of people who already have the job you want, Reshwan says.
Look at the phrasing and terminology that they include in their profile and mirror the same as it applies to your work history.
How to Use Keywords on LinkedIn Without Sounding Robotic
Pro tip: Don't do a keyword dump at the end of your profile summary. If you've ever seen a paragraph that's essentially a laundry list of keywords strung together by commas, you know what we're talking about.
"Does it work? Yes," Shannon says. "Do we all know it's a trick? Yeah, we do." Besides, Shannon says, "It doesn't make for the best, exciting writing, and it doesn't really sell who you are as a person.”
The trick is to include variations of your keywords throughout the profile, from the summary all the way down to the actual "skills" section.
Do LinkedIn Connections Really Matter for Visibility
LinkedIn doesn't carry an exact tally for the number of connections you possess since once you reach 500, the site stops displaying your count.
Don't freak out, though, if you've yet to hit that golden threshold of 500 connections. It's true that the more meaningful connections you have on the platform, the likelier you are to show up in LinkedIn's search function.
Still, hiring managers won't hold a low count against you. Consider it a goal to work toward, not a necessity.
Why Keywords Alone Won't Get You Found on LinkedIn
Remember, this isn't Google we're talking about here. Keywords are just one part of LinkedIn's algorithm, and the platform is designed as a connectivity platform, says Patricia Romboletti, a master coach for Execunet.
People often think that if they have more keywords than the next person, they will show up more often, but that's not the case, explains Patricia Romboletti, a master coach for Execunet, a career site for executives. That's because the number of connections you have carries greater weight than a simple keyword dump.
"LinkedIn is looking to create a platform of connectivity, and a bunch of keywords is the antithesis of that," she says.
How to Use Your LinkedIn Activity to Get Noticed
Since LinkedIn is all about having professional networks connect with and share information, you'll also help increase your searchability on the site by making your activity feed work for you.
While Facebook is great for posting wedding photos and Twitter has all the trending hashtags, LinkedIn is the place for sharing content that's relevant to your followers. It's all about them, not you.
Think of it this way: What's a topic that could come up at work, and it would be perfectly fine for you to discuss with anyone from your boss to your intern? Sharing that content will help create a curated feed of professional interests that shows up at the top of your profile.
How to Add Projects and Experience That Actually Count
If you're just starting out your career, remember this: Experience always counts, whether you were paid for it or not.
Go ahead and list any internships you might have held during school. If your side hustle means you have a slew of projects that showcase the kind of work you want to go into, list those as well.
Employers are more concerned with whether you have the right skills than whether you were paid for cultivating them, Reshwan says.
How to Tell a Clear Career Story on Your LinkedIn Profile
From the first three lines of your summary to the end, it's key to have a story about who you are and why you do what you do.
SEO might be great for a website, but if there's no compelling or interesting story about who you are as a candidate, you're not using the platform to its full potential.
That's why Romboletti says she cautiously warns against overusing SEO tricks in a LinkedIn profile. "When I see profiles that have done that, there's no brand," she says. “There's no story there."
And nobody wants to work with a robot. Being human is always a winning strategy.
How to Turn Your LinkedIn Profile Into a Recruiter Magnet
A strong LinkedIn profile doesn't just exist; it works for you. When your profile is clear, specific, and aligned with the roles you want, recruiters don't have to guess if you're a fit. They see it instantly.
The real shift is this: you're not trying to "game" LinkedIn. You're making it easy for someone to understand what you do, what you've done, and what you want next. That clarity is what gets you found and remembered.
At Girlboss, we're all about helping you take control of how your career shows up online. If you're ready to actually get seen by the right people, check out our jobs board to find roles that match what you've built.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to optimize LinkedIn?
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile means making it easy for recruiters to find and understand what you do. You do this by using relevant keywords, clear job titles, and a complete profile that shows your experience and results. The goal is to match how recruiters search while staying specific about your work.
What is LinkedIn SEO and how does it work?
LinkedIn SEO is the process of improving your profile so it appears in recruiter and search results on the platform. It works by aligning your profile with keywords, skills, and job titles that recruiters actively search for. LinkedIn also considers your activity, connections, and profile completeness when ranking profiles.
What keywords should I use on my LinkedIn profile?
The best keywords for your LinkedIn profile come directly from job descriptions for the roles you want. Look at the “responsibilities” and “qualifications” sections to identify repeated terms, tools, and skills. These keywords should reflect what you actually do, not just general traits.
How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?
You should update your LinkedIn profile whenever your role, skills, or goals change. At a minimum, review it every three to six months to keep it aligned with the jobs you want. Regular updates also signal activity, which can help with visibility.
Does posting on LinkedIn help you get noticed?
Yes, posting and engaging on LinkedIn helps increase your visibility and credibility. Activity shows recruiters that you're active in your field and can boost how often your profile appears in searches. Even commenting thoughtfully on posts can make a difference.
How many connections do you need on LinkedIn?
You don't need a specific number of connections to benefit from LinkedIn. What matters more is having relevant connections in your industry or target role. A smaller, aligned network is more useful than a large, random one.
Do recruiters actually use LinkedIn to find candidates?
Yes, recruiters regularly use LinkedIn to search for and evaluate candidates. They rely on keywords, job titles, and experience to filter profiles quickly. A clear and complete profile increases your chances of being contacted.
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