Top 5 LinkedIn Profile Tips for 2024 (data-driven insights)

A recent study of nearly 5,000 LinkedIn profiles by Sarah Johnston uncovered key insights into what makes a profile truly stand out.

Based on her findings, I've distilled 5 actionable steps you can take to enhance your LinkedIn presence and boost your job search success. Let's go 😁

Watch it in action

Resources

• Use Teal to simplify your job search (for free)
• Copy the prompts I used in the video
• Sarah's original report (link)
• My YouTube video on how to find metrics for any role

Key Takeaways:

• Keywords are King: Include relevant keywords 9-10 times throughout your profile to rank higher in search results.
• Headline Matters: Craft a compelling headline using a 2-part formula: keyword-filled overview + value illustration with results.
• "About" Section is Key: Write a strong "About" section that includes keywords, achievements, and subtly signals your openness to new opportunities.
• Skills Endorsements: Get endorsed for 5 or more skills to increase your profile views 17x.
• "Steal with Pride": Reference successful profiles in your field for inspiration.

Master the Art of Keywords

Keywords are the terms recruiters and hiring managers use when searching for candidates on LinkedIn.

To identify relevant keywords:

1. Bookmark 5 job descriptions you're interested in.
2. Copy and paste the job descriptions into a Google Doc.
3. Use ChatGPT or Google Gemini to analyze the job descriptions and identify the top 10 keywords.
4. Select the 3 most relevant keywords and include them strategically throughout your profile:
   • Headline: 1 time
   • About section: 2-3 times
   • Experience section: 3-5 times
   • Skills section: 1 time

Writing Keyword-Driven Headlines

Your headline is a crucial factor in LinkedIn's search algorithm. Use Austin Belcak's 2-Part Headline Formula:

• Part 1: Keyword-filled overview (e.g., "Product Marketing | Digital Advertising")
• Part 2: Value illustration with results (e.g., "Helping small businesses 2X their return on ad spend")

Avoid abbreviations, using your current job title, or phrases like "seeking opportunities."

Steal with Pride

Use LinkedIn's search function to find successful profiles in your field and companies you're interested in.

Analyze their headlines, "About" sections, and skills for inspiration. You can even use tools like Teal to import a profile and create a resume from scratch.

Writing an Effective "About" Section

Use Austin Belcak's LinkedIn "About" section template:

• Strong intro paragraph: Keywords and measurable metrics
• 3 examples: Showcase your strongest achievements
• Sneaky sentence: Signal your openness to new opportunities
• Contact information: Make it easy for people to reach you

Keep your "About" section between 880 and 1120 characters and write in the first person.

Get Your Skills Endorsed on LinkedIn

Use ChatGPT to identify relevant skills based on your target job descriptions. Ask your network for endorsements, prioritizing those who already have the same skills listed on their profiles.

If you found this helpful

Check out my full LinkedIn playlist on YouTube!