LinkedIn Profile Optimization: 6 Strategies to Get Noticed and Get Hired

If you’re job hunting as an international student or migrant, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have. Done right, it can help you land interviews without even applying for jobs.

But here’s the problem: most job seekers treat their LinkedIn profile as an afterthought — or worse, copy and paste their resume into it. A half-finished profile sends the wrong signal: not ready, not serious.

In this guide, I’ll show you 6 proven strategies for LinkedIn profile optimization that will help you attract recruiters, build credibility, and get interview invitations — even if you don’t have PR or local experience.

1. Use a Professional, Approachable Photo

Your profile photo is the first impression you make. It builds trust before you say a word. A poor-quality or casual picture can cost you opportunities before recruiters even read your profile.

Tips for the perfect LinkedIn photo:

• Use a clean, uncluttered background.
• Take the photo in natural light.
• Dress professionally (like you would for an interview).
• Smile or have a friendly, approachable expression.
• Avoid group shots, holiday photos, or filters.

Think of your photo as part of your personal brand — the goal is to look like someone recruiters would want to contact.

2. Write a Headline That Shows Your Value

The headline is the short line of text that appears right under your name. LinkedIn gives you 220 characters, yet most job seekers waste it on something like “Student at XYZ University”.

Instead, make your headline a mini-pitch that includes:

• Your target role or field
• Your key skills or specializations
• Keywords recruiters might search for

Instead of:

Student at XYZ University

Use:

Marketing Graduate | Skilled in Digital Campaigns & Content Creation
Business Analyst | Helping Teams Make Data-Driven Decisions

By adding keywords, you improve your profile’s searchability in LinkedIn’s algorithm. The more relevant keywords, the higher your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.

3. Make Your About Section Tell a Story

Your About section is one of the most underused features on LinkedIn — and one of the most important. Think of it as your online elevator pitch. This is your chance to tell your story and show recruiters what makes you worth contacting.

How to structure it:

• Start with a short, engaging introduction: who you are, your professional focus, and your career goal.
• Highlight your top skills and areas of expertise.
• Mention key achievements or measurable results.
• End with a call to action (e.g., “Feel free to connect with me if you’re looking for…”).

Remember, LinkedIn allows up to 2,000 characters in the About section. Use them! Every extra keyword and relevant detail improves your chances of being found.

4. Add Keywords to Your Experience & Skills

Recruiters search LinkedIn using specific job-related keywords. If those keywords don’t appear in your profile, you won’t show up in their search results — even if you’re a perfect fit.

Where to add keywords:

• Headline
• About section
• Job titles in Experience
• Descriptions under each role
• Skills section

The easiest way to find relevant keywords is to look at job ads for your target roles and note the skills, tools, and qualifications mentioned most often. Then, naturally include these in your profile.

5. Get 3–5 Skill Endorsements & 1–2 Recommendations

Social proof matters. When recruiters see endorsements and recommendations on your profile, it builds trust and credibility.

Quick tips:

• Ask classmates, colleagues, or former managers for endorsements of your top skills.
• Aim for at least 3–5 endorsements for your main skills.
• Request 1–2 short recommendations that highlight your strengths, work ethic, or results.

These don’t have to be long — even a few sentences can make a big impact.

6. Turn On “Open to Work” the Right Way

LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature tells recruiters you’re available — but you need to use it strategically.

• If you’re openly job searching, you can make it visible to all LinkedIn members (including the green #OpenToWork banner).
• If you want to be discreet, limit visibility to recruiters only.
• Add specific job titles and preferred locations to match your PR or visa goals.

Being clear about what you’re looking for helps recruiters match you with the right opportunities faster.

Why LinkedIn Optimization Matters

Many of my clients have landed interviews — without submitting a single application — just because their LinkedIn profile was optimized. When your profile is searchable, keyword-rich, and visually professional, recruiters find you, not the other way around.

A strong LinkedIn profile also complements your resume. In fact, your LinkedIn profile should be built from the same foundation as your resume to create consistency and credibility.

Want to Make LinkedIn Optimization Easier?

If you want a simple, step-by-step way to apply all these tips, I’ve created the Skilled Job Starter Kit for international students and migrants in Australia.

It includes:

• A LinkedIn profile checklist
• A proven resume template
• Interview prep tips to boost your confidence

👉 Get it free here: theaho.co/free

FAQs

What is LinkedIn profile optimization?
It’s the process of improving your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can find you, trust you, and contact you. It involves optimizing your photo, headline, About section, experience, and skills.

Do I need LinkedIn if I’m still studying?
Yes. Recruiters often check LinkedIn even for graduate roles to verify candidates and learn more about their strengths.

How do I stand out without local experience?
Highlight your transferable skills, achievements from overseas or volunteer work, and measurable results. Focus on what you can do rather than what you lack.