Dusting off your LinkedIn profile as a covert job seeker

Many of my clients are looking for a new job while they are still working at the current one. It’s a common occurrence for many of us - but the challenge arises when you are trying to network for a new role/industry, but don’t want the current employer to know your plans.

How do you update your LinkedIn profile without spooking your manager? Here are 4 steps to take: 

1. Turn off the feature that broadcasts your profile updates to your network! 

While it can be a useful feature when you want everyone to know about your promotion or job change, it’s not helpful at this stage of your job search. Here are directions on how to find & turn off that feature. 

2.  Turn on the ‘Open to Work’ feature - but *only* for Recruiters. 

LinkedIn added a feature called ‘Open to Work’ - you’ve likely seen some profile pictures with this hashtag surrounding the picture. That is visible if you have indicated you want ALL of LinkedIn to view your job-seeking status. If you only want Recruiters to know you’re seeking, make sure to select that option. Here are directions on how to turn on/off the Open To Work feature. 

3. Consider what skills your new roles(s) will find relevant

If you are pivoting to a new industry or new type of role, you need to update the content & messaging of your LinkedIn profile for both humans AND algorithms. Browse a few job descriptions for the role(s) you want to pivot into. Then write down the keywords & skills they emphasize to give you a solid list of words you should be including somewhere on your profile. 

4. Change these 3 items now: Headline, About Me/Summary, and Skills. 

• Your headline should reflect what you want to do (not just what you currently do). It may also reflect your personality or the way you interact on a team. Here are a couple of sample headlines to help guide you: Product Manager, Data | Musical Prodigy in my mind | Extroverted Introvert OR Product Marketing Manager | ECommerce Nerd | Marathon Runner
• Your ‘About Me’ section should at a minimum include a 3-line summary of your bio. Make sure to include the keywords for the role(s) you want to pivot into (as they are searchable too). 
• Think of your Skills section as the keywords that recruiters will be searching for to find candidates like you! Make sure to select the Skills you want to appear at the top of your profile. 

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This post was originally shared on the Digital Orchards blog on December 30, 2021