Polish Your Online Profile
Eighteen easy tips to polish your online profile, so employers who search for you find a friendly, clear page.
Look clear online. Make it match.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why a good profile matters
Many employers look you up before an interview. A clear, friendly profile builds trust before you meet.
Polish yours.
Use a friendly, recent photo
Smile gently and use good light. People trust faces.
Update it.
Write a clear headline
Say who you help and what you do. Short and simple is best.
Rewrite it.
Write a warm About section
Tell your story in short paragraphs. End with how people can contact you.
Write it.
List your top skills
Add the skills you want to be known for. Match them to job ads.
Add ten.
Ask for recommendations
Ask a past manager or colleague for a short note. Be specific about what you hope they mention.
Ask two.
Add projects or links
Show examples of your work, such as a portfolio or post. Evidence helps.
Add one.
Check privacy and old posts
Clean up posts that do not fit your goals. Keep your online voice kind.
Review posts.
Script: recommendation request
Would you be willing to write a short recommendation about our work together? Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: headline
Friendly customer care specialist who loves solving problems. Write it clearly.
Use it.
Script: about
I help people feel heard and supported, and I love learning new tools. Write it simply.
Use it.
Mistake: leaving an empty profile
Empty profiles look careless, so fill key parts.
Fill it.
Mistake: using a casual party photo
Choose a photo that fits work, so keep it clean.
Change it.
Mistake: listing every small skill
Too many skills dilute your message, so pick the best.
Pick the best.
Troubleshoot: when you have little experience
Show projects, volunteering and learning. Growth matters.
Show growth.
Troubleshoot: when you worry about privacy
Hide private details and share only what you wish. You control it.
Check settings.
Drill: update one section today
Update one section of your profile today and ask a friend to look.
Update one.
Add a custom link to your profile
A short link looks neat on your CV.
Set a link.
Turn on the open-to-work setting privately
Some sites let recruiters see it without telling everyone. Check settings.
Check settings.
Share a post about your learning
Posting once a month shows you are active.
Plan a post.
Follow companies you like
Follow a few. It brings news and ideas.
Follow five.
Example: the polished profile
After updating her headline and photo, Kia received three recruiter messages in a month.
Update yours.
Example: the endorsement
Joe asked two managers for short notes. They helped him get interviews.
Ask two.
Mistake: leaving old job titles unclear
Explain what you did in each role in two lines.
Add two lines.
Troubleshoot: when you worry about being seen
Use privacy settings and share only what you want.
Check privacy.
Drill: ask a friend to view your profile cold
Ask what they think you do in ten seconds.
Ask a friend.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“A friendly photo helps.”
“My headline is clear.”
“My About tells my story.”
“My skills are listed.”
“I have recommendations.”
“My profile is ready.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Update photo
Update headline
Update About
Add skills
Ask for recommendations
Check privacy
Share
Further reading
- What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
- The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Finding the Job You Want”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Write a Cover Letter That Gets ReadNext: Use Your Network to Find Jobs →
- Find Your Strengths and Interests
- Describe Your Ideal Job
- Research Roles and Companies
- Write a Clear CV
- Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
- Polish Your Online Profile
- Use Your Network to Find Jobs
- Talk to People in Jobs You Like
- Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
- Handle Rejection in a Job Search
- Keep a Weekly Job-Search Plan
- Look After Your Energy
