Strategies to Create an Eye-Catching Profile

As a former corporate recruitment leader and a managing partner at several executive search firms, I have done hundreds of interviews and seen thousands of resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles throughout my career. Many times, I found myself thinking, “I wish applicants would include X” or “this would be so much stronger if they shared Y.”

Before starting my company in 2012, I was a partner at two leading executive search firms and spent a decade at Tribune Company as managing director, national recruitment, leading a team of recruiters across the country.

At a time when the job market is tight and competition is fierce, you want to ensure you stand out in the crowd. I’m delighted to share below my comprehensive list of ways you can stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, highlight your strengths, and shine brightly.

• Craft a compelling headline: Your headline is the first thing that recruiters will see. Make your value-add clear and compelling in the headline.

• Shine a light on your key achievements: Showcase specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact and what sets you apart from others. Use quantitative data or metrics when possible (for example, “Increased sales by 30 percent in Q3 of 2024”).

• Strengthen your summary: Write your summary or objective in the first person. Your summary should be concise, authentic, and reflect your key strengths as a team member.

• Optimize your skills for the role: Ensure your skills list reflects what is conveyed in the job for which you are applying and reflects what recruiters seek.

• Soft skills selling: In addition to hard skills, highlight your “soft” skills, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, patience, and empathy. Provide examples of how these skills have made you a better team member.

• Board service, side gigs, and volunteer roles: Anything that helps demonstrate your relevant skills can set you apart from your competitors.

• “Say Cheese”: A professional photo on your LinkedIn profile gives recruiters a sense of who you are.

• Bring your energy: Show the recruiter your enthusiasm and excitement about the role and the company.

• Be the eternal student: Show recruiters that you are always learning—whether through formal or informal learning. Add relevant professional development opportunities to your profile so recruiters know that you are intentional about your growth.

• Be authentically YOU: There is only one you—be authentic, be sincere, and be yourself.

By following these simple tips, you can create a way to stand out from the crowd. Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. It takes time and patience. So please make sure your job search toolbox is well-stocked with the necessary tools to help get you where you want to go!