Optimize Your Linked In profile
Sharing tips and tricks to optimize your linked in profile
Linked in the best way to apply for jobs. It is also the most widely used. Which means the entire world is probably using LinkedIn. Now, when I was applying for a job, I applied to over 800 jobs and barely got any interviews. And it was at this time, I shared my frustration with a friend. He had just received a job offer and he also mentioned he got it through Linked In. I told him how I had been unsuccessful using linked in. He heard me patiently and then looked over the resume lying on my table. Giving it an approval, he then opened his phone and looked at my LinkedIn profile. And then he spoke. “Your LinkedIn profile is in shambles. We need to improve this.” And over the course of next half an hour, he mentioned all the things I should do to optimize it. He said every bit counts. So, after he shared his insights, I immediately updated my profile. And what happened next was quite surprising for me (but not for him). I received 6 calls in my next 200 applications and eventually ended up getting my first offer. So, for someone whom this advise has worked, I am sharing the below :
Job title & Headline:
This is your most important filter. Use the most common / transferable job title to describe your position, even when your official title is different. Avoid over-complicated or long titles.
If your title is too generic, you can add a specialization or vertical.
Example: “Account Manager, Payments” or “Software Engineer, Machine Learning”. Your goal with your title like everything else is to catch as many searches as possible
Skills :
Skills help refine searches by highlighting specific areas of expertise. These can include core functional skills (e.g., Business Development, Project Management), languages, software and programming skills (e.g., Python, Illustrator), as well as soft skills (e.g., Communication, Problem Solving).
I recommend listing all skills relevant to your background. Be sure to include languages, even if you only speak English — some searches apply a "must speak English" filter, and missing this detail could unintentionally exclude you.
Years of graduation
Sorting by this is a trick recruiters use to figure out your approximate age & seniority. Even if you haven’t completed a degree, listing-up an educational background keeps you in play when years of graduation is a filter in their search. If you don't have years of graduation filled in here, you will be excluded from every search that includes it
Finally your jobs section
A LinkedIN profile is not a resume. It should allow recruiters what your strongest technologies and job titles are. Don't list out all of your accomplishments or a bunch of percentages etc. Make it strategic. Sharing example below :
Integrate Cedar Pay - (Python. Django, SQLAlchemy , AWS tools , Celery , Docker , Jenkins )
1. Integrated two medical providers (12 hospitals combined) enabling them to use Cedar Pay as the primary payment tool improving collections for the medical providers by 27%. Cedar Pay is used by almost 400,000 patients for these 2 providers.
2. Standardized Cedar ETL process to speed up integrations achieving go-live earlier than expected for both projects.
3. Achieved a CSAT rating of 97% for the live integrations also resulting in upselling of other Cedar products like Cedar Pre-visit and Optics.
Sample Profiles :
Software Engineer :
I am currently working as a Software Development Engineer at __ in the ___ Org. I hold a Master's Degree in Software Engineering from ___ University. While pursuing my Master's, I interned at ___ as a Software Engineer where I worked on automating & improving the release process of ___ internal Telemetry packages.
Prior to this, I worked at __ as an ____ for the ___ module of ___ , a premium banking product catering to the world’s top-tier banks. I steered the module's frontend & backend development activities for incorporating multiple new features & was also the contingent Single Point of Contact (SPoC) of the module.
Consultant :
I am strategy consultant with a background in optimizing business processes, supporting product innovation, and aligning technology initiatives with strategic objectives.
Trained in structured problem-solving and process improvement through advanced academic work in software engineering and real-world experience supporting enterprise operations across financial services and digital platforms.
Experience includes leading cross-functional initiatives, improving internal workflows, driving product releases ahead of schedule, and acting as a liaison between technical and business teams to ensure successful project delivery.
Skilled at identifying growth opportunities, creating scalable solutions, and building partnerships that contribute to long-term success.
Passionate about helping organizations innovate, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Data Engineer :
I am Data Engineer with a foundation in designing, building, and optimizing data pipelines and systems that support business-critical insights and scalable applications.
Graduate training in software engineering combined with hands-on experience in data integration, automation, and backend system enhancement across diverse industries.
Skilled in building end-to-end data workflows, supporting high-volume transactional systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven solutions that improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
Core Competencies:
Data Pipeline Development
ETL/ELT Processes
Database Management (SQL, NoSQL)
Cloud Platforms (AWS)
API Integration and Automation
Committed to leveraging data architecture and engineering best practices to drive smarter business outcomes and enable innovation.
LinkedIn Hacks :
Linked in is the ultimate go to for job search. So, I decided to find all the tips and tricks which could enhance your job search. I already mentioned two in my video. So, sharing more on the URL hack first.
The URL for linked in offers some cool insights.
URL Breakdown:
Lets say you have a URL :
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=4185657072&distance=25&f_TPR=r3600&geoId=103644278&keywords=director%20sales%20operations&origin=JOB_SEARCH_PAGE_JOB_FILTER
currentJobId=4185657072Indicates the job currently being viewed.
This does not impact the search results.
distance=25Defines the search radius in miles.
Example: Change to
distance=50to search within 50 miles.
f_TPR=r3600Filters jobs by how recently they were posted.
Common values:
r3600→ Last 1 hourr86400→ Last 24 hoursr604800→ Last 7 daysr2592000→ Last 30 days
geoId=103644278Represents the geographic location (e.g., United States).
To search in a specific region, use the geoId for that location.
keywords=senior%20operations%20managerSpecifies job title or keyword(s).
%20is used in place of spaces.Example:
keywords=Director%20of%20Operations
location=United%20StatesDefines the general location.
You can change this to any region (e.g.,
location=Florida).
origin=JOB_SEARCH_PAGE_JOB_FILTERRefers to how the search was initiated (from filter panel). Typically not needed to change.
sortBy=RControls how results are sorted.
Options:
R→ RelevanceDD→ Date Posted
Boolean Search in the LinkedIn Search Bar
Use Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to fine-tune your search:
“sales operations” AND director“user research” NOT internship
This works for people, jobs, and content.
Find Alumni in Specific Companies
Go to your university’s LinkedIn page → Click Alumni tab → Filter by:
Company
Job title
Location
Custom Profile URL
Edit your LinkedIn URL to look clean and professional:
Go to profile → “Edit public profile & URL”
Change to something like:
linkedin.com/in/veeraj-gadda
Search by Past Company for Referrals
Use the “Past Company” filter on the People tab to find employees who previously worked at a target company—less loyalty, more likely to help.