# Why you need to optimize your LinkedIn profile today _This article was updated March 17, 2026._ Written by[Elizabeth Exline](/blog/authors/elizabeth-exline.html) Reviewed by[Jessica Roper, MBA](/blog/authors/jessica-roper.html), director of Career Services at University of Phoenix ## What is Linkedin? [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/)® is that rare, mythical-like creature of the networking world. Not quite social media and more than a job board, it attracts established professionals, aspiring students and everyone in between. The platform had [upward of 1.3 billion worldwide members](https://news.linkedin.com/about-us#Statistics)in 2026, which makes two things clear: There’s no ignoring this professional networking powerhouse. And you need to optimize your LinkedIn. That means that[posting selfies on Instagram](https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2017/06/22/not-getting-any-job-offers-your-social-media-activity-could-be-the-reason/?sh=634eeed6374b)with the hope of landing a great job is about as effective as ignoring online networking altogether. Nowadays, all competitive candidates in the job market need a solid resumé, strong interviewing skills and, yes, a LinkedIn profile. ## Why use LinkedIn? LinkedIn launched in 2003; by 2005, it had grown to offer job listings and search capabilities. By 2007, it was profitable, and the rest, as they say, is history. Except that it isn’t: LinkedIn continues to play a vital role in the professional networking sphere. Users rely on it for a variety of reasons, from keeping in touch with colleagues (past and present), to networking, to staying in the loop on industry trends. Kinsta.com reports that [40% of frequent LinkedIn users access the platform daily](https://kinsta.com/blog/linkedin-statistics/), while LinkedIn itself reports that roughly[10,000 job applications](https://news.linkedin.com/about-us#Statistics)are submitted every minute on the platform. It’s the hope of a happy ending to a job search that may motivate people most effectively to visit LinkedIn’s homepage and click on that promising blue button containing the words, "Get Started." It’s what drives people to slog through the writing and refining of the small-but-mighty "About" section. It’s what keeps people coming back (daily, apparently) to check their feed, send messages and click "Celebrate" or "Insightful" or one of the four other response options that tell the world you are an engaged user. LinkedIn, in other words, is an easy and powerful tool to leverage in your job search. But first, you have to know how to optimize your LinkedIn profile. ## How to select an appropriate headshot Setting up your account can feel deceptively straightforward. Add a picture? No problem, you might think. "I’ve got one from that last girls’ weekend in Cabo." And that would be your first mistake. LinkedIn is a professional networking site; the emphasis being on "professional." Your photo should speak to both your credibility and your personal brand. Or, to put it another way, think about how you’d want to present yourself to your future boss. Your photo is your digital first impression. Consider using a headshot with a background that doesn’t distract from your smiling face. (Yes, you need to smile. Would you scowl at a job recruiter?) If you have a professional shot, use it. If not, keep it simple with just your face in the frame against a solid background. One more note to consider: If you've spent any time on the site, you've likely seen a fair number of AI-enhanced photos in your feed. That you can tell what is enhanced and what is not perhaps is its own caution. If you do use AI to spiffy up your photo, make sure it still closely resembles your real-life self. ## Establish your credentials Next, it's time to strategically beef up your profile. Consider where you want to go and how your experience relates. And keep an open mind throughout this process! For example, if that nanny gig is where you discovered your passion for child development — and it’s what led you to pursue a career in, say, psychology — include it. But if a job didn’t teach you a valuable skill, or it doesn’t enhance your brand or relate to the career you’re pursuing, leave it out. Next, optimize your LinkedIn by adding keywords that are relevant to your industry and experience. Doing so will make your profile that much easier to find. Finally, consider adding work-related media, such as videos and presentations, articles and publications that feature you. Including your personal website and portfolio is also a good idea because your profile is all about branding. In creating a fully formed picture of yourself, through well-written copy, appropriate imagery and media that speak to your accomplishments, you are (re-)introducing yourself to potential contacts and employers. ## How to stay engaged on LinkedIn The next step to optimize your LinkedIn profile is to stay engaged. Consider joining groups and connecting with your connections’ connections. Note: When you reach out to connect, especially with someone you don’t know very well, include a personalized message like, "I really liked the article you wrote/posted on such-and-such." Also, ask for recommendations and endorsements. The worst someone can say is no, and getting those honest evaluations on your profile makes a recruiter’s job a little bit easier when highlighting your skills to a potential employer. Again, be strategic. Think about which qualities or experience you want to highlight, find people who have worked with you in those areas and ask them to mention those things in their recommendations. For example, if you want to move into project management, request a recommendation from someone with whom you collaborated and ask that he or she specifically speak to your project management capabilities. Not only does this help you fine-tune your LinkedIn profile, but it also helps the person writing the recommendation know what to focus on. ## Stay prepared even if now is not the time for a new job Not exactly in the job market yet? That’s OK. According to TopUniversities.com, students can actually benefit from staying engaged on LinkedIn even while they’re in school. They can use the site to [research a company](https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/five-reasons-why-every-student-should-be-linkedin) ahead of an interview, for example, and to showcase themselves as committed job candidates. Eventually, they might even join this [LinkedIn statistic](https://kinsta.com/blog/linkedin-statistics/): Over 50% of U.S. adults with a bachelor's or advanced degree use LinkedIn. All these methods are great ways to expand your network and potentially find your next opportunity. After all, more than 71 million companies have a presence on LinkedIn — and you never know who’s looking for someone like you. _LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries._ **Need a step-by-step guide to setting up your LinkedIn profile? Check out our LinkedIn Guide!** Click on the image to download our step-by-step guide to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Read more articles like this: - [How to Deal with Different Personality Types in the Workplace](/blog/leveraging-personality-traits-in-the-workplace.html) — Career Support | November 02, 2022 • 5 minutes - [How to Develop Executive Presence](/blog/how-to-develop-executive-presence.html) — Career Support | December 27, 2023 • 2 minutes - [Unlocking the Potential of Mothers in the Workforce](/blog/unlocking-potential-of-mothers-in-workforce.html) — Career Support | December 08, 2023 • 3 minutes ### ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elizabeth Exline has been telling stories ever since she won a writing contest in third grade. She's covered design and architecture, travel, lifestyle content and a host of other topics for national, regional, local and brand publications. Additionally, she's worked in content development for Marriott International and manuscript development for a variety of authors. ### ABOUT THE REVIEWER Jessica Roper, University of Phoenix director of Career Services, is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in leadership within higher education. She has honed her expertise in student services and career development and is passionate about helping others discover and refine their skills. This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  [Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)