What Recruiters Seek on Linkedin

I constantly get recruiter reachouts from big tech companies and top AI startups- even when I’m not actively job hunting or listed as “Open to Work.” That’s because over the years, I’ve consciously put in the effort to build a clear and consistent presence on LinkedIn- one that reflects what I do, what I care about, and the kind of work I want to be known for. And the best part? It’s something anyone can do- with the right strategy and a bit of consistency. If you’re tired of applying to dozens of jobs with no reply, here are 5 powerful LinkedIn upgrades that will make recruiters come to you: 1. Quietly activate “Open to Work” Even if you’re not searching, turning this on boosts your visibility in recruiter filters. → Turn it on under your profile → “Open to” → “Finding a new job” → Choose “Recruiters only” visibility → Specify target titles and locations clearly (e.g., “Machine Learning Engineer – Computer Vision, Remote”) Why it works: Recruiters rely on this filter to find passive yet qualified candidates. 2. Treat your headline like SEO + your elevator pitch Your headline is key real estate- use it to clearly communicate role, expertise, and value. Weak example: “Software Developer at XYZ Company” → Generic and not searchable. Strong example: “ML Engineer | Computer Vision for Autonomous Systems | PyTorch, TensorRT Specialist” → Role: ML Engineer → Niche: computer vision in autonomous systems → Tools: PyTorch, TensorRT This structure reflects best practices from experts who recommend combining role, specialization, technical skills, and context to stand out. 3. Upgrade your visuals to build trust → Use a crisp headshot: natural light, simple background, friendly expression → Add a banner that reinforces your brand: you working, speaking, or a tagline with tools/logos Why it works: Clean visuals increase profile views and instantly project credibility. 4. Rewrite your “About” section as a human story Skip the bullet list, tell a narrative in three parts: → Intro: “I’m an ML engineer specializing in computer vision models for autonomous systems.” → Expertise: “I build end‑to‑end pipelines using PyTorch and TensorRT, optimizing real‑time inference for edge deployment.” → Motivation: “I’m passionate about enabling safer autonomy through efficient vision AI, let’s connect if you’re building in that space.” Why it works: Authentic storytelling creates memorability and emotional resonance . 5. Be the advocate for your work Make your profile act like a portfolio, not just a resume. → Under each role, add 2–4 bullet points with measurable outcomes and tools (e.g., “Reduced inference latency by 35% using INT8 quantization in TensorRT”) → In the Featured section, highlight demos, whitepapers, GitHub repos, or tech talks Give yourself five intentional profile upgrades this week. Then sit back and watch recruiters start reaching you, even in today’s competitive market.

The 2-minute LinkedIn profile change that's doubled remote interview rates for my clients... 👇🏼 Sometimes the tiniest details matter most in our job search. Let’s master the details. Most remote job seekers spend hours perfecting their resumes while completely overlooking the #1 place recruiters look first. After helping hundreds of professionals land competitive remote roles, I've identified a simple LinkedIn adjustment that consistently delivers dramatic results. It takes less than 2 minutes to implement, yet most profiles are missing it entirely. ✅ 1 // Add "Remote Work" as an actual skill This sounds almost too simple to matter - but the data is clear. Remote recruiters specifically filter for this keyword when searching for candidates. Don't just list random technical skills. Explicitly add "Remote Work" or "Remote Collaboration" to your skills section. This simple addition makes you discoverable in recruiter searches targeting remote-ready candidates. ✅ 2 // Back it up with specific remote tools Don't just claim remote work abilities - demonstrate them by listing the exact tools you're proficient with: And • Async communication: Slack, Loom, Notion • Project management: Asana, Trello, ClickUp • Virtual collaboration: Miro, Figma, Zoom These tool proficiencies are the "proof points" that validate your remote readiness. ✅ 3 // Highlight remote experience in your headline Most people waste their headline on generic titles like "Marketing Manager." Instead, frontload it with remote-specific language: BEFORE: "Marketing Manager at XYZ Company" AFTER: "Remote-Experienced Marketing Manager | Driving Results Across Time Zones | Asynchronous Team Collaboration" My client Jennifer made only these changes to her profile. Within two weeks, she received 3 inbound messages from remote recruiters who found her through LinkedIn search - after months of sending applications with zero response. Another client, Marcus, saw his profile views jump 215% in the first week after implementing these changes, leading to multiple interview opportunities. Remote hiring is fundamentally different from traditional recruitment. Small adjustments that align with how remote recruiters actually search can dramatically increase your visibility. Take 2 minutes today to make these changes. Your future remote self will thank you. What's one thing you're going to adjust on your LinkedIn profile after reading this? Wes #remotework #jobsearchtips 🎥(@wangzg8) — 📌 Need more job search help? I’ve created my Remote Dream Job Masterclass just for you. It’ll give you an actionable strategy to find & land remote interviews in 45 days or less. Scroll up and click “View my Website” to join or check the Featured Section on my profile.

I’ve reviewed thousands of LinkedIn profiles as a recruiter. The best ones all had the same things. Here’s my top 5 LinkedIn profile must haves: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮 ↳Job title + years of experience + key words Start with a job title. If the reader is confused they will be gone. 2️⃣ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ↳Employers are looking for it as a baseline requirement. Make it easy to find and they will keep reading. 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 & 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 ↳When recruiters search for candidates using their software (LinkedIn Recruiter) they find candidates based on skills and keywords in addition to years of experience & company. 4️⃣ 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ↳What were you able to accomplish and how was that measured? For example: 15% growth in revenue, 95% acceptance rate. Employers decide to hire because they have a problem, show them that you can solve it. 5️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 ↳The more active you are on LinkedIn helps you stay visible and relevant. You can be active with posts or comments and it doesn’t require more than engaging a few times each week. 💡 With these tips you’ll have recruiters easily finding you and hiring managers ready to chat! Which tips will you implement on your profile? ------ 👋 Hi I’m Lis and I help job seekers get hired. Learn more at www.lisharriscoaching.com Like getting job search tips? Give this post a 👍 ♻ to help job seekers find a new role

When my husband launched his job search last year, the very first thing we did was update his LinkedIn profile. Within 24 hours, he had his first recruiter reach out to schedule an interview, his profile views shot up 8,500%, and we quadrupled his network. He was starting from ground zero. Here's exactly what I did to get him started: 1. We took a professional headshot, added his profile picture with a custom brand color background, and gave him a LinkedIn banner. 2. I updated his headline to reflect his current goals for his next career move using my favorite headline formula: Target job title | 3 high-priority keywords | Personal branding statement. 3. I updated his About section and added his work experience, ensuring that at least two positions were completely filled out. Not just job title and place of employment, but we added relevant accomplishments and keywords. 4. I added relevant skills related to the roles he's targeting. Altogether there are 50. 5. We included his certifications and credentials. 6. We uploaded his email contacts, synced them with LinkedIn, and sent requests to everyone he was connected with via email that was on LinkedIn. 7. We specifically searched for connections at his #1 target company and sent them personalized connection requests. He received 5 accepts, including the CEO of his target company and the HR director. If you're job searching have you completed all of the above? If not, take some time today to make the changes and see what improvements happen for you! I also created this 5-day video series showing exactly what I did to update his profile. If you're trying to make the most of LinkedIn, start here: https://lnkd.in/e5E7DaHq #LinkedInTopVoices #LinkedIn #JobSearch #Careers #Networking

2018: “Send me your resume." → 2024: “Send me your LinkedIn profile.” → 2025: “I found you on LinkedIn.” I spoke to several recruiters last week, and they aren’t just waiting for applications anymore. They’re proactively searching, shortlisting, and reaching out to candidates who already stand out. 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to hire, research, and validate candidates. If you’re still treating your LinkedIn like an afterthought, you’re missing out. Here’s how to stay ahead in 2025: → Build your personal brand. In 2024, recruiters just checked your profile, especially the qualifications.  In 2025, they’re checking your content. Sharing insights, projects, and industry trends can make you a go-to expert. → Show, don’t just tell. A resume lists your job titles.  A LinkedIn profile should showcase your impact. Instead of “Software Engineer at X,” highlight what problems you solved and what results you drove. → Optimize for recruiter searches. The right keywords = more inbound opportunities. Use industry-specific terms in your headline, experience, and skills to show up in searches. → Expand your network the right way. Don’t just send connection requests. Engage with hiring managers and industry leaders. Comment on their posts, ask thoughtful questions, and get noticed before you even apply. → Make your profile recruiter-friendly. The best candidates make it easy for recruiters.  Have a clear headline, a strong ‘About’ section, and your DMs open for opportunities. 2025 isn’t about applying. It’s about being found. Are you making it easy for recruiters to find you? Or are you still waiting for job postings to appear? P.S. Follow me if you are an Indian job seeker in the U.S.  I talk about job search, interview prep, and salary negotiaiton.

Most job seekers treat LinkedIn like a digital résumé. That’s why they struggle to stand out. Recruiters don’t just search for résumés. They look for professionals who actively show up. Here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you: 1️⃣ Optimize Your Profile ↳ Use a clear, professional headline that reflects your expertise. ↳ Write a compelling “About” section that tells your career story. ↳ Include keywords that match your target roles. 2️⃣ Create & Engage With Content ↳ Comment thoughtfully on industry posts to get noticed. ↳ Share insights, career lessons, or industry trends once a week. ↳ Support others—engagement builds relationships. 3️⃣ Network With Intention ↳ Connect with hiring managers and recruiters in your industry. ↳ Send personalized connection requests. ↳ Follow up with value—not just “I’m looking for a job.” 4️⃣ Stay Visible to Recruiters ↳ Turn on the “Open to Work” feature (without notifying your employer). ↳ Join relevant LinkedIn groups and contribute to discussions. ↳ Regularly update your skills and certifications. Recruiters are looking for experts, not just applicants. Be active, be valuable, and make them come to you. P.S. What’s one LinkedIn tip that worked for you? Drop it below! ⬇️ Watch full interview on Youtube with Orlando Haynes 🎙️

If you hear from a recruiter on LinkedIn, they are often finding you via "LinkedIn Recruiter" which is a much more sophisticated version of the search available here. I made this video last year showing a behind the scenes glimpse at some of the ways we use the tool to search. Why would you care what recruiters are doing? Well, that might help you when you consider what to highlight on your profile or how to engage on the platform! A few things I'll highlight: ⭐ Open to work banner? I love to filter by "open to work" - but you can use the "hidden" banner which means no green banner is visible and still get that advantage. ⭐ Companies can filter by those who are interested in them - you can indicate interest by engaging with their page, following their page, or even marking "interested" on their company page. ⭐ We can filter based on company connections so connecting with people at your target companies might help you be more visible. ⭐ We WILL search for keywords but you don't need to "key word stuff" your profile - we're often going to stay high level and focus on the most critical things vs every phrase in a job description. For example, if I were hiring a recruiter to join my team, I would look for people who had held the "recruiter" title and then I might search keywords like "SaaS", "GTM", or "sales" to tell me if they'd recruited for similar roles, and "full cycle" to indicate they'd managed the full process. I wouldn't be searching for soft skills, tools they'd used, etc. ⭐ Aside from us searching, I've heard that LinkedIns algorithm will rank people higher who are active on the platform and respond to inmails. This logically makes sense - we pay a lot to access this tool, so they want to show us people who are likely to be searching and interested in hearing from recruiters. The last thing I want to say: recruiters are searching a lot less today than they did 3 years ago, and most searches are for niche, hard-to-fill roles. You can do everything right and still not hear from anyone. But if nothing else, hopefully this demystifies some of what's going on! P.S. I'm covering most of the page to hide the names and details of profiles I was pulling up. But you should be able to see the relevant pieces. :)

For years, people have obsessed over crafting the perfect resume—tweaking bullet points, adjusting margins, and tailoring every word for ATS systems. But the truth is that your LinkedIn profile matters more than your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters check LinkedIn before they check your application. In many cases, opportunities come directly from LinkedIn before you even need to submit a resume. But why is LinkedIn more powerful than your resume? 1. It Works 24/7 + Unlike a resume that sits in a folder, your LinkedIn profile is constantly being searched, viewed, and ranked by recruiters and hiring managers. + A well-optimized profile brings opportunities directly to you instead of forcing you to apply blindly. 2. It shows more than just a job history + A resume is static. LinkedIn allows you to showcase your expertise, personality, and thought process through posts, engagement, and content. Hiring managers aren’t just looking for skills—they’re looking for people who contribute to their industry. 3. Referrals and networking happen here + Most hiring happens through referrals, not cold applications. LinkedIn is where industry professionals connect, share insights, and recommend people for roles before they ever get posted online. 4. Recruiters actively search for candidates + When companies need to fill a role, they search for candidates. If your profile isn’t optimized, you’re invisible to recruiters who could be looking for someone just like you. 5. How to make your LinkedIn work for you + Optimize Your Headline – Your job title isn’t enough. Make it clear what value you bring. + Write a Strong ‘About’ Section – Tell your story, highlight your expertise, and make it engaging. + Showcase Projects and Results – Add real-world work, case studies, or measurable achievements. + Engage With Your Industry – Comment on posts, share insights, and contribute. Visibility leads to opportunities. + Make It Easy for Recruiters to Find You – Use relevant keywords in your profile that align with job descriptions in your field. Resumes get submitted. LinkedIn profiles get discovered. If you’re relying only on a resume, you’re missing out on countless opportunities that never even make it to job boards. When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile?