Linkedin 101: How to Make A Great Linkedin Profile

LinkedIn has transformed professional networking—and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. With over 1 billion users globally and more than 13 million members in Australia alone, it has become a non-negotiable platform for anyone looking to grow their career, attract job opportunities, or establish their personal brand.

It’s more than just a digital resume. LinkedIn is a dynamic space where hiring managers, recruiters, freelancers, and professionals build relationships, stay across industry news, and showcase their expertise.

So, whether you’re job hunting, building a side hustle, or simply expanding your professional network, here’s how to make the most of LinkedIn in 2025.

Why LinkedIn Still Matters

As workplaces become more remote, contract-based, and digitally driven, the need to build a visible, credible online presence has never been greater. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to:

• Build your professional identity
• Connect with peers and potential employers
• Get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers
• Share your knowledge and grow your influence
• Join industry groups and access career development content

According to McKinsey Global Institute, a growing share of service-based jobs can be performed remotely—making it even more important to network beyond geography and stand out online.

Recruiters and HR Teams Use LinkedIn Daily

Far from replacing traditional recruitment, LinkedIn enhances it. Many hiring managers now start their talent search on LinkedIn—using it to build “talent pipelines” before jobs are even advertised.

Michael Connell, Director of HR (Asia Pacific) at Survey Sampling International, puts it this way:

“LinkedIn helps us stay up to date with global HR trends. We use it to track employment law across regions and build relationships with future candidates. It’s an essential part of our recruitment strategy.”

For employers, LinkedIn offers visibility into soft skills, endorsements, thought leadership, and career progression—things that a traditional resume can’t always capture.

Common Mistake: Having a Profile But Not Using It

Many users set up a LinkedIn profile because they feel they “should”—but never complete it, upload a photo, or engage with the platform. This is a missed opportunity.

In fact, an incomplete or outdated profile can do more harm than good, signalling disinterest or a lack of professionalism. Optimising your profile doesn’t take much time, but it can have a lasting impact.

How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile in 2025

1. Upload a Professional Photo

Profiles with photos receive up to 21x more views. Use a clear, friendly headshot (no sunglasses, filters, or cropped party pics).

2. Write a Standout Headline

Don’t default to your current job title. Use your headline to highlight your specialisation or value proposition (e.g., “Digital Marketer | Helping Brands Scale with Paid Media” or “Aged Care Worker | Compassionate Support for Independent Living”).

3. Craft a Compelling Summary

Tell your career story in 3–4 short paragraphs. Include your motivations, achievements, industries you’ve worked in, and what you’re passionate about.

4. Add Keywords Strategically

Think like a recruiter—include the skills and terms they’re likely to search (e.g., “project management,” “Python,” “early childhood education,” etc.).

5. List Relevant Courses and Certifications

Completed a Certificate IV, diploma, or short course? Add it to your “Education” or “Licenses & Certifications” section. It can help your profile surface in industry-specific searches.

6. Build Your Network

Start by connecting with current and former colleagues, industry peers, and classmates. Then expand by joining relevant LinkedIn groups.

7. Share and Comment Thoughtfully

Engage with posts in your field, or publish your own content. Even a quick comment on someone’s success story or industry insight helps boost your visibility.

Looking for Career Support or a New Direction?

If you’re using LinkedIn to explore a career change, upskill, or rebrand yourself, you’re not alone. Thousands of professionals across Australia are doing the same—and Career FAQs is here to support you.

• Thinking about a pivot? Explore our career-relevant online courses.
• Need a new resume to match your profile? Read our guide to writing a modern resume.
• Not sure which path to take? Try our career quiz to explore your options.