Let’s talk about the one mistake I see over and over again with LinkedIn profiles.

People treat LinkedIn like it’s their “online resume.”

Spoiler alert: It’s not.

Your LinkedIn profile is NOT your resume.

Sure, using your resume as a starting point to fill out your LinkedIn profile is a great idea. But if you stop there, you’re missing the whole point of what LinkedIn is meant to be.

Here’s why:

When a recruiter or hiring manager reads your resume, they’re in “qualification mode.” They’re looking for things like your experience, your skills, your credentials—checking boxes to see if you’re a potential fit for the job.

But when they check out your LinkedIn profile, they’re in a completely different mindset.

They’re not just qualifying you—they’re evaluating your reputation.

That’s what LinkedIn is all about: your reputation.

It’s your chance to show the professional world who you really are, beyond the bullet points on your resume. It’s where hiring managers, recruiters, and even peers go to get a sense of your presence, your credibility, and your professional story.

What Are They Looking For on LinkedIn?

1. Your Professional Brand
   Your LinkedIn profile is your platform to showcase not just what you do but how and why you do it. It’s about sharing your unique value, what sets you apart, and what you bring to the table.
2. Social Proof
   Recruiters and hiring managers want to know how you’re regarded by your colleagues. Recommendations, endorsements, and even comments on your posts are like reviews of your professional life. They demonstrate that you’ve made an impact, built trust, and earned respect from others.
3. A Sense of Personality
   LinkedIn isn’t just a tool for job searching—it’s a social platform. People want to see the human side of you. Are you passionate about your field? Do you have interesting insights to share? Are you someone they’d enjoy working with?
4. Engagement and Activity
   A stale profile isn’t going to impress anyone. If you’re regularly posting, commenting, or engaging with others on LinkedIn, it shows that you’re active in your industry and care about staying connected.

How to Turn Your LinkedIn Profile Into a Reputation Builder

So, how do you make your LinkedIn profile stand out and work for you? Here are some practical steps:

1. Write a Powerful Headline
   Your headline is the first thing people see, and it shouldn’t just be your job title. Think of it as your tagline. Use it to sum up what you do and what you’re passionate about in one or two punchy lines. For example:
   • "Helping businesses grow through innovative marketing strategies"
   • "Turning complex data into actionable insights for better decision-making"
2. Craft an Engaging About Section
   Your About section is your chance to tell your story. Think of it like the “highlight reel” of your career. Share why you do what you do, what drives you, and what value you bring to others. Keep it conversational and authentic.
3. Highlight Achievements (Not Just Job Duties)
   Instead of listing your responsibilities under each job, focus on your achievements. Use metrics and results to show the impact you’ve made. For example:
   • Instead of “Managed a team of 10,” say, “Led a team of 10 to achieve a 25% increase in productivity within six months.”
4. Show Social Proof
   Ask for recommendations from colleagues, clients, or managers who can vouch for your work. Be specific when requesting them—let them know which projects or skills you’d like them to highlight.
5. Be Active
   Don’t just create a profile and leave it there. Share articles, post updates, comment on other people’s content, and engage in conversations. This shows that you’re not just present on LinkedIn—you’re an active participant in your professional community.
6. Add Media and Projects
   Did you lead a project, write a whitepaper, or speak at a conference? Add links, presentations, videos, or documents to your profile to show your expertise in action.
7. Tailor Your Skills Section
   Keep your skills relevant to your current career goals. Endorsements are great, but make sure the skills listed on your profile reflect where you’re headed, not just where you’ve been.

The Bottom Line

Your LinkedIn profile is the professional version of your digital handshake. It’s not just a list of your past jobs or achievements—it’s a snapshot of your professional identity, your reputation, and your career potential.

Remember: Everyone with honest work experience has enough of a track record to build an impressive LinkedIn profile. It’s just a matter of knowing how to showcase it.

So, take the time to polish your profile, tell your story, and show the world what you’re all about. You never know who might be watching—or what opportunities might be waiting for you just around the corner.

Let me know how you’ve made LinkedIn work for you in the comments!