If you’ve got a LinkedIn profile – it is working before you are each day. That’s enough reason to learn a few tips to strengthen your LinkedIn profile.
Before a recruiter opens your resume. Certainly before an interview is scheduled. And most likely – even before you hear about a role. Your profile is already making an impression – and in competitive fields like our practice areas of Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Transformation, Marketing, and Corporate Support, that first impression matters more than most people realize. Consider this: 52 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs every week, and 8 people are hired through the platform every minute. The competition is real, and so is the opportunity.
At Sherpa, of course, we review LinkedIn profiles every day as part of how we match talent with the right opportunities. The strongest profiles aren’t flashy. They’re clear, intentional, and built with purpose. Here’s what separates them from the rest.
LinkedIn Is Not Just an Online Resume
The biggest mistake job seekers make is treating LinkedIn like a copy-and-paste resume. In reality, it’s a live search engine for recruiters, a credibility check for hiring managers, and a personal brand platform that works even when you’re offline. 97% of HR and staffing professionals use LinkedIn in their recruiting efforts and that means your profile is almost certainly being looked at, whether you know it or not. Before updating a single section, get clear on what roles you’re targeting, what skills show up in those job descriptions, and what you want a recruiter to understand about you in 10 to 15 seconds (yes, most recruiters have short attention spans when it comes to this part).
Make Every Section Count
First, the headline. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most searchable parts of your profile, so don’t waste it on a job title alone. “Senior Accountant | Month-End Close | Financial Reporting | ERP Systems” tells recruiters far more than “Senior Accountant at ABC Company” and makes you easier to find.
Your “About” section. Skip the corporate bio and the blank space. A strong “About” briefly explains what you do, highlights your impact, and signals what you’re looking for next. Intention builds trust with recruiters.
Move on to your experience. Recruiters skim fast. “Responsible for month-end close” gets overlooked. “Led month-end close process, reducing close time by 30%” gets attention. Wherever possible, add metrics, show ownership, and demonstrate real impact.
Now, focus on your skills. This section directly affects how often you appear in searches, and recruiters are 5x more likely to search by skills than by degree. Prioritize role-specific hard skills, include relevant software and tools, and remove anything outdated. Make sure every item serves a purpose.
Stay Visible, Even Quietly
You don’t need to post daily to look engaged. Commenting thoughtfully on industry content, sharing a useful article, or congratulating a connection goes a long way. Recruiters notice communication style, professional tone, and industry awareness. Visibility creates opportunity, even when you’re not actively applying.
Use the Tools LinkedIn Gives You
If you’re open to new opportunities, use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature with intention. Set recruiter-only visibility if you’re currently employed, specify your target roles and locations, and clarify your remote or onsite preferences. The more specific you are, the faster and more accurately recruiters can match you.
Recommendations are another underused asset. Instead of a generic ask, guide your contacts: “Would you be willing to highlight my role in improving our reporting process?” Specific asks lead to stronger, more meaningful endorsements.
The Details Signal Who You Are
A clean headshot, consistent formatting, a custom LinkedIn URL, updated certifications, no typos (that’s a biggie, BTW) – these details quietly communicate professionalism. In competitive markets, they matter.
The Sherpa Perspective
When we look at a LinkedIn profile, we’re asking:
- Does this person know what they want?
- Do they understand their value?
- Are they ready for the next step?
If you want to be positioned as someone worth investing in, a strong profile is a must! We’re in the business of helping great talent land in the right roles. When your LinkedIn presence reflects clarity and intention, that work becomes a lot easier for both of us. If you’re looking for your next role, be sure to check out our current opportunities!
