LinkedIn Profile Job Search Checklist: 15 Things to Fix Before You Apply

The Application That Went Nowhere

Jessica applied to 47 jobs in three weeks. She had the right experience, a strong resume, and tailored cover letters. But she got only two responses—both rejections.

Then a recruiter friend asked to see her LinkedIn profile. Within 30 seconds, she spotted the problem: no profile photo, a generic headline that said "Marketing Professional," and an About section that was literally her resume copied and pasted.

"Recruiters check LinkedIn before they call you," her friend explained. "If your profile looks like this, they assume you're not serious about your career—or worse, that you're hiding something."

Jessica spent one weekend fixing her profile. Within a week, she had three recruiter messages and two interview requests. Same resume. Same applications. Different LinkedIn profile for job search.

Your LinkedIn profile isn't optional when you're job searching—it's your first interview. And most candidates fail it before they even know it's happening.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters More Than Your Resume

Here's the uncomfortable truth: recruiters and hiring managers are Googling you. And 95% of the time, your LinkedIn profile is the first result.

If your profile is incomplete, generic, or outdated, you're eliminated before you get a chance to interview. This checklist ensures that doesn't happen.

Download the companion checklist to keep track of each item as you optimize your profile.

The LinkedIn Profile Job Search Checklist

Section 1: First Impressions (Profile Photo, Banner, Headline)

1. ✔️ Upload a professional profile photo

   Your profile photo is not optional. Profiles with photos receive 21x more views and 9x more connection requests. Use a high-quality headshot with good lighting, a neutral background, and professional attire. Smile. Look approachable.

2. ✔️ Add a custom banner image

   The default blue gradient screams "I don't care about my LinkedIn profile." Use a custom banner that reflects your industry or personal brand. Keep it simple and professional—no busy designs or hard-to-read text.

3. ✔️ Rewrite your headline to match your target role

   Your headline should not be your current job title. It should be your target job title plus a value proposition. If you're looking for a Senior Product Manager role, your headline should say: "Senior Product Manager | I build products that drive user growth and retention." Learn more about headline optimization to maximize your 220 characters.

   Bad headline: "Marketing Coordinator at ABC Corp | Open to Opportunities"

   Good headline: "Growth Marketing Manager | I help SaaS brands scale through SEO, content, and paid acquisition"

Section 2: About Section (Your Elevator Pitch)

4. ✔️ Write an About section that tells your story

   Don't copy-paste your resume. Your About section should be a narrative: where you've been, what you've accomplished, and where you're going. Use first person. Be human. Show personality.

5. ✔️ Include a clear call-to-action

   End your About section with instructions on how to reach you. Example: "If you're hiring for a Senior Data Analyst role, I'd love to connect. Send me a message or email me at jane@example.com."

6. ✔️ Add keywords from your target job descriptions

   LinkedIn's search algorithm prioritizes keywords. If you're applying for "Product Marketing Manager" roles, make sure those exact words appear in your About section, headline, and experience bullets. Don't keyword stuff—weave them naturally into your story.

Section 3: Experience Section (Prove Your Value)

7. ✔️ Lead with results, not responsibilities

   Recruiters don't care what you were supposed to do. They care what you actually achieved. Rewrite your experience bullets to focus on outcomes, metrics, and impact.

   Weak: "Managed social media accounts for the company"

   Strong: "Grew Instagram following from 5K to 45K in 9 months, driving 30% increase in inbound demo requests"

8. ✔️ Fill employment gaps with context

   If you have gaps in your work history, address them. Add an entry like "Career Break" or "Freelance Consultant" and briefly explain what you were doing (caregiving, skill-building, traveling, etc.). Transparency builds trust.

9. ✔️ Remove outdated or irrelevant roles

   You don't need to list every job you've ever had. If you worked retail in college and you're now applying for VP of Engineering roles, remove it. Keep your profile focused on relevant experience.

Section 4: Skills and Endorsements

10. ✔️ Add 5-10 skills that match your target role

    LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills, but recruiters only see your top 3. Make sure your top skills match the job descriptions you're targeting. Go to Settings > Add or edit skills, and drag your most relevant skills to the top.

11. ✔️ Ask colleagues to endorse your top skills

    Endorsements add social proof. Send a message to 5-10 colleagues asking them to endorse you for specific skills. Be specific: "Hey Sarah, would you mind endorsing me for 'Product Management' and 'Data Analysis'? Happy to return the favor."

Section 5: Activity and Engagement

12. ✔️ Post or engage at least once a week

    Recruiters check your Activity tab to see if you're credible and engaged. You don't need to post daily, but you should be visible. Share an article, comment on a post, or write a short update about your job search or industry insights.

    Watch LinkedIn optimization tutorials for job seekers

13. ✔️ Turn on "Open to Work" (but use it strategically)

    LinkedIn's "Open to Work" badge signals to recruiters that you're actively looking. But it also signals to your current employer (if you have one) that you're leaving. Use the private "Recruiters Only" setting to avoid awkward conversations.

Section 6: Polish and Details

14. ✔️ Customize your LinkedIn URL

    Your default LinkedIn URL looks like linkedin.com/in/jane-doe-3847593. Customize it to linkedin.com/in/janedoe or linkedin.com/in/janedoemarketing. This makes your profile easier to share and looks more professional on resumes and email signatures.

15. ✔️ Proofread everything

    Typos and grammatical errors are profile killers. Run your profile through Grammarly or ask a friend to review it. You'd be shocked how many candidates lose opportunities because of a misspelled headline or sloppy About section.

Your 3-Step Action Plan

Overwhelmed? Start here:

1. Fix your first impression today: Upload a professional photo, add a custom banner, and rewrite your headline. These three changes take 30 minutes and have the highest impact.
2. Revamp your About section this week: Write a compelling story that explains your experience, skills, and what you're looking for. Use ANDI to refine the tone and ensure it sounds authentic. End with a clear call-to-action.
3. Update your Experience section over the weekend: Rewrite your bullets to focus on results and metrics. Remove irrelevant roles. Fill employment gaps with context. Make your story clear and compelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn on "Open to Work" if I'm currently employed?

Use the "Recruiters Only" setting. This signals to recruiters that you're open to opportunities without alerting your current employer or network. Avoid the public badge if you're trying to keep your search confidential.

How often should I update my LinkedIn profile during a job search?

Update your headline and About section at the start of your search. Update your Experience section whenever you complete a major project or achieve a new result. Post or engage at least once a week to stay visible.

Next step: Take control of your LinkedIn relationships — Try ANDI Free.