The 90-Second Screen
Before a recruiter picks up the phone, they've already formed an opinion. LinkedIn does the shortlisting before you even know you're being considered.
Here's what they actually check:
1. Your Headline
Not your job title — your value proposition. "Product Manager" is forgettable. "Product Manager helping SaaS companies reduce churn through data-driven decisions" is memorable.
2. Your Profile Photo
A clear, professional photo (not a holiday snap) increases profile views by 21x. No photo is an immediate red flag for most recruiters.
3. Your About Section
The first two lines are visible without clicking "see more". Make them count. Lead with what you do and who you help — not "I'm a passionate professional".
4. Job Titles and Tenure
They're scanning for gaps, short stints, and career progression. If something looks odd, add a one-line context note (e.g., "contract role", "company acquired").
5. Recommendations
Even one or two solid recommendations from former managers or clients signals trust. If you have none, reach out to a former colleague this week.
The Quick Fix
Block 30 minutes this weekend. Update your headline, add context to any short roles, and message one former colleague asking for a recommendation. Small changes, big impact.
