LinkedIn Tips & Best Practice

Index

1. LinkedIn best practice guide

2. LinkedIn is a business tool (and not "just social media!)

3. The importance of you network

4. Help recruiters and hiring managers find you

5. The hidden job market of LinkedIn

6. Remember LinkedIn is your public brand

7. How the algorithm can be your friend

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1. LinkedIn best practice guide

​Follow the link below to open a document which has the core details about how to establish an effective LinkedIn profile.​

Click HERE​​ for the LinkedIn best practice guide.

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2. LinkedIn is a business tool (and not "just" social media!)

LinkedIn shouldn’t be viewed as just another social media platform; it’s a professional public profile and a sales board that represents you in the job market. Unlike social media platforms focused on personal updates and casual interactions, LinkedIn is a space where you can showcase your expertise, achievements, and professional identity to a global audience. It acts as a platform for promoting your personal brand, highlighting your skills, and demonstrating your value to potential employers or collaborators. Every post, comment, and update contributes to how you are perceived professionally, making it an essential tool for positioning yourself as a credible and appealing candidate in your field. Instead of aimlessly scrolling, think of LinkedIn as a strategic tool for advancing your career and building meaningful professional connections.

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​3. The Importance of your network

Networking on LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for finding a job in today’s competitive market. It’s not just about who you know but who knows you, and LinkedIn allows you to showcase your skills, experience, and insights to a professional audience. Many job opportunities are never advertised publicly; instead, they are filled through referrals and recommendations. Building a strong network increases your visibility and access to these hidden opportunities. By connecting with the right people—whether they are recruiters, industry leaders, or peers—you can gain valuable insights, advice, and potential introductions that might otherwise be out of reach.

 

To build an effective LinkedIn network, focus on quality over quantity. Start by connecting with people you already know, such as colleagues, former classmates, or industry contacts. From there, expand your network strategically by reaching out to individuals in your target industry or role. Personalised connection requests can help —mention a shared interest, event, or reason for connecting to make a strong first impression. Engage regularly by commenting on posts, sharing relevant articles, or posting your own insights to keep your profile active and visible. Joining LinkedIn groups and participating in discussions can also help you connect with like-minded professionals. Over time, a well-nurtured network will not only enhance your job search but also support your professional growth.

 

In addition, when you are targeting companies you should see if you are connected to anyone who works there, who could give you insight into what the companies agenda is, its culture and priorities. Equally that person might also be able to ensure your CV is looked at and potentially prioritised due to their recommendation.​

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See Networking Tips & Benefits resource).

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4. Help recruiters and hiring managers find you

Recruiters use LinkedIn as a powerful tool to identify and approach potential candidates, and understanding how they operate can give you a significant advantage in your job search. Most recruiters use LinkedIn Recruiter, a premium tool specifically designed to help them find and engage with professionals who meet their hiring criteria. This software allows them to perform advanced searches based on a wide range of filters, including location, job titles, industries, skills, and even educational backgrounds.

 

Key words play a critical role in how recruiters find candidates. When conducting searches, recruiters rely heavily on Boolean search techniques—a combination of keywords and operators such as AND, OR, and NOT—to pinpoint the most relevant profiles. For example, a recruiter looking for a solicitor specialising in corporate law might search for terms like “corporate lawyer,” “commercial law,” and “contract negotiation.” If your profile doesn’t include these specific keywords, it is unlikely to appear in their search results.

Your LinkedIn settings also affect your visibility to recruiters. Ensuring your profile is set to “Open to Work” (or at least "Open to Recruiters") and specifying your preferred job titles, locations, and industries, increases your chances of being found. Additionally, listing relevant skills in the “Skills” section of your profile is essential, as recruiters often filter candidates by these attributes.

 

Having an active and optimised profile is equally important. Recruiters are more likely to engage with candidates who appear current and engaged on the platform. Regularly updating your profile, adding recent achievements, obtaining recommendations and interacting with content in your industry all contribute to making your profile more attractive. Understanding these mechanisms and tailoring your LinkedIn presence accordingly can significantly improve your chances of being approached by recruiters.

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Click HERE to watch a YouTube video to get a better understanding on how recruiters can find you on LinkedIn.

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5. The hidden job market of LinkedIn

The “hidden” LinkedIn job market refers to opportunities that are not publicly advertised or listed on job boards. Instead, these roles are filled through networking, direct referrals, or internal recommendations. Accessing this market involves:

1. Building relationships: Connect with professionals in your field and engage in meaningful conversations.

2. Engaging with content: Share insights, comment on posts, and participate in discussions to increase visibility.

3. Reaching out: Message hiring managers or recruiters directly with tailored introductions and value propositions.

4. Leveraging recommendations: Ask connections to refer you to potential opportunities.

Networking effectively can unlock this hidden market. (See LinkedIn Tips & Best Practice resource).

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6. Remember LinkedIn is your public brand

LinkedIn is far more than just a digital CV—it’s the cornerstone of your personal brand in today’s professional landscape. In a competitive job market, where first impressions are often made online, your LinkedIn profile acts as your personal storefront. It provides potential employers, recruiters, and industry peers with a holistic view of your professional identity, showcasing not only your experience and skills but also your personality and values. A well-crafted profile is your opportunity to convey your unique value proposition: what makes you different from others in the same field, why you excel, and how you can bring value to an organisation.

 

Standing out from the competition requires more than listing qualifications; it’s about creating a narrative that aligns with your career aspirations. On LinkedIn, you can demonstrate your expertise through thoughtful content, insightful posts, and active engagement with your network.

 

By consistently sharing your achievements, opinions, or reflections on industry trends, you position yourself as a thought-leader and someone who is proactive, informed, and enthusiastic about their field. In a crowded job market, this level of visibility and distinction can make all the difference, helping you to not only catch the eye of recruiters but also leave a lasting impression.

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Also see Branding Matters resource.

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7. How the algorithm can be your friend

Understanding how the LinkedIn algorithm works is essential for job seekers, particularly professionals looking to enhance their visibility and engagement on the platform. Here’s why it matters and how you can take full advantage of it:

 

Importance of understanding the algorithm

1. Increase profile visibility
   The LinkedIn algorithm prioritises profiles that are active and optimised. If your profile isn’t easily discoverable, recruiters and hiring managers won’t come across your expertise, no matter how qualified you are.

2. Attract relevant opportunities
   By understanding how LinkedIn recommends profiles, you can tailor your content and activity to attract recruiters searching for specific skills, industries, or job titles.

3. Engage effectively with the right network
   LinkedIn promotes content that receives engagement. If your posts resonate with your audience (e.g., hiring managers, industry peers), your profile becomes more prominent, increasing your chances of being approached for roles.

 

Strategies to take full advantage of the algorithm

1. Optimise your profile for search

   • Use industry-relevant keywords in your headline, summary, and job descriptions (e.g., "Corporate Lawyer | Expertise in Commercial Law").

   • Ensure your skills section aligns with the roles you’re targeting.

2. Post regularly to stay active

   • Share insights, comment on industry news, or post thought leadership content.

   • Consistent activity signals the algorithm to boost your visibility.

3. Engage with content strategically

   • Comment thoughtfully on posts from recruiters, hiring managers, or industry leaders.

   • Share or react to posts that are relevant to your field to encourage engagement from others in your industry.

4. Use the featured section

   • Highlight key achievements, portfolio work, or articles that showcase your expertise.

   • This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

5. Expand and curate your network

   • Connect with individuals in your target industry or companies.

   • The algorithm favours content with higher engagement from your network, so having a relevant and active network is key.

6. Leverage LinkedIn groups and hashtags

   • Join groups related to your profession and actively participate in discussions.

   • Use hashtags strategically in posts to reach wider audiences.

7. Update your profile consistently

   • The algorithm highlights profiles that have been recently updated, so regularly refresh your profile (e.g., skills, certifications, projects, recommendations).

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Why it works

LinkedIn's algorithm is designed to connect professionals with opportunities and meaningful connections. By working in harmony with its priorities—engagement, relevance, and activity—you increase your chances of securing your desired role. Recruiters frequently use LinkedIn’s tools to search for candidates, and an optimised profile ensures you rank higher in those searches.

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