LinkedIn 101: What It’s For, How It Works, and What You Need to Know
Spoiler: If you’re job hunting and not on LinkedIn—or not using it right—you’re leaving opportunities on the table. This tool can catapult your career. Here’s how to use it.
If you’re in the market for a new job, you’ve probably heard this more than once: You need to be on LinkedIn.
But what does this statement actually mean? What’s the point of being there? And how does it help your job search?
LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a highly effective tool for visibility, positioning, and connection. Whether you're actively looking for a job or staying open to new opportunities down the road, your LinkedIn profile is your online career brand.
Here’s what you need to know—and what to do to make the platform work for you.
What LinkedIn Actually Does (and Why You Should Care)
LinkedIn is more than just a digital version of your resume. And it’s not just a place to network or post when you’re between jobs. It's a powerful tool for professional development, networking, and career advancement.
It’s how you get:
Found by recruiters using keyword-based search tools
Vetted by employers after you apply to a job
Introduced to connections and decision-makers in your industry
Credibility for your career story, especially during transitions
Visibility in your market—even when you’re not seeking a new position
And it does all of that while you’re sleeping, working, or binge-watching Netflix.
How LinkedIn Works Behind the Scenes
Here’s what’s going on under the hood:
📌 Recruiters search LinkedIn using keywords, job titles, locations, and filters
📌 The algorithm ranks profiles by relevance
📌 Hiring managers check your profile as part of their evaluation process
📌 Your network sees your updates, which boosts visibility and engagement
LinkedIn is a live, searchable database of professionals. The stronger and more aligned your profile is, the more you’ll show up—and stand out.
What Makes a Great LinkedIn Profile
You don’t have to post constantly or become an influencer. But you do need a profile that works. You’ll need…
A CLEAR & COMPELLING HEADLINE
Your LinkedIn Headline is the line of text (up to 220 characters) that appears directly under your name and photo. It’s one of the most visible parts of your profile—and it travels with you everywhere on the platform. When you comment, post, apply for a job, or even browse, your Headline follows you.
That makes it prime real estate for branding yourself with clarity and confidence.
Don’t just use your job title. That’s the default LinkedIn pulls from your current role—and it doesn’t tell anyone what makes you different.
Instead, use your Headline to share what you do, what you bring, and what you’re aiming for.
Here are a few examples:
Operations Leader | Cross-Functional Strategy | Helping Teams Deliver Results in Record Time
Cybersecurity & Investigations Professional | 15+ Years of Global Experience
On-the-Job Trainer with 10+ Years of Experience Building Better, Stronger Organizations
Fortune 500-Ready Executive | MBA | Fluent in Spanish & Japanese
AN INTERESTING, EASY-TO-READ ABOUT SECTION
The About section is your LinkedIn summary—and it’s one of the most underused (and misunderstood) parts of the profile.
This isn’t a biography. It’s your career story, told in a way that positions you for where you’re going next.
Here’s how to make it work:
Start strong. Your opening line should be clear, confident, and attention-grabbing. Imagine the reader skimming quickly—what’s the one thing you want them to remember?
Speak directly to your audience. If you’re targeting leadership roles in tech, speak the language of tech leadership. If you're pivoting into corporate operations, show how your skills translate into business outcomes.
Write in first person—or at least like a real human. This section builds trust. “Mr. Smith is a results-oriented professional…” won’t cut it. You don’t have to over-share, but you do need to sound like you.
Focus on results. This isn’t about listing job duties—it’s about highlighting the impact you’ve made. Use this space to show your value.
End with direction. Let people know what you’re interested in, open to, or looking forward to doing next.
A simple structure you can use:
1–2 lines of positioning (who you are + what you bring)
2–3 short paragraphs of career highlights, strengths, and value
1 line about what’s next or what kinds of roles interest you
JOB DESCRIPTIONS THAT SHOW IMPACT
Your Experience section isn’t the place to paste in your resume or a USAJOBS paragraph.
Instead, use this section to highlight what you led, built, improved, or delivered in each role. Focus on:
Leadership: Who did you lead or influence?
Scope: Budgets, teams, programs, or regions you oversaw
Metrics: Time saved, cost reduced, impact driven
Wins: How did the organization improve because of your work?
Use short, results-focused statements that are easy to skim and hard to forget. Start with action. End with outcomes.
❌ Toss this boring content to the curb: Managed cross-functional teams and supported operations.
✔️ Try this instead: Led a 12-person team through an operations redesign, reducing delays by 38% and cutting overhead by $500K annually.
SKILLS THAT ALIGN WITH YOUR GOALS (NOT PAST)
LinkedIn allows up to 100 skills, but 25–50 well-chosen, relevant ones are ideal.
Use this section to support your job search and feed the algorithm:
Think like a recruiter: What words would they type to find someone like you?
Include hard skills, tools, certifications, and methodologies
Align your skills with the kinds of roles you’re targeting
💡 Pro tip #1: Look at job postings you’re interested in. If a skill appears more than once, make sure it’s on your profile.
A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO & BANNER
According to LinkedIn’s own statistics, profiles with photos are 14x more likely to be viewed. This makes it a ton more likely you’ll receive connection requests—and get noticed by recruiters.
Your photo is often the first impression, so make it count.
Use a clear, well-lit image
Face the camera and smile naturally
Wear professional or business-casual attire, unless you’re targeting more informal roles
Avoid distracting backgrounds, filters, or selfies
The banner (background) image is bonus space. Use it to support your brand:
A cityscape, a subtle abstract, or keywords in your field
Something that feels you, but professional
Avoid using the default blue LinkedIn image—it’s a missed opportunity.
Bonus Moves That Boost Your Profile
✔️ Turn on the “Open to Work” setting (“Recruiters Only,” if you prefer)
✔️ Share occasional updates (articles, projects, wins)
✔️ Engage with people in your industry (comment, connect, or message with purpose)
Final Word: LinkedIn Helps You Get Hired—and Get Ahead.
Whether you’re actively job searching or simply open to what’s next, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools in your career toolbox.
It’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up strategically.
So if your profile is blank, outdated, buried in government jargon, or a copy-paste of your latest resume…it’s time for a refresh. Because the right people are looking. Let’s make sure they find you.
For 20+ years, I’ve been helping professionals move from federal service to corporate roles with resumes and LinkedIn profiles that make an impact.
📄 Need help creating a powerhouse LinkedIn profile?
👉 View Packages or contact me here.