How Do I Make a Recruiter Notice Me??
<div class="user-question">Hi Frich! I'm currently preparing to change jobs (I've been working at the same company for a few years now) because I want something new and exciting (and a higher salary). My question is - how do I make myself stand out to recruiters and employers when they view my LinkedIn profile? How do I build the perfect LinkedIn profile, when I'm still early in my career?</div>
Hey there!
Congratulations on starting your journey to level up in your career with a new job and a bigger salary. Changing companies and moving up to higher positions is a key way to ensure you’re maintaining your relevance and competitive advantage in the job market.
As the founder and CEO of Fintech Is Femme, I run a media company, write a newsletter and host events that have helped thousands of women break through barriers, level up their careers, and become visible leaders in the space.
With years of experience coaching professionals, building personal brands, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong online presence can transform a career.
These days, your LinkedIn profile is nearly more important than your resume. It’s the first place many recruiters will go when they see or hear your name. It's also an essential part of your personal branding—helping recruiters see who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and how you’ll fit into a potential new role.
Job seekers with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview.
That’s a significant stat, right?
Yet, so many people overlook the value of building a strong LinkedIn presence. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
💻 87% of recruiters find LinkedIn most effective when vetting candidates during the hiring process.
💻 Employers are increasingly searching for candidates online - LinkedIn often ranks at the top of Google searches for your name.
💻 They're looking for signs of professionalism, personality, and culture fit - all of which can be showcased through a thoughtful LinkedIn profile.
So, what are you communicating to employers through your LinkedIn profile? If you're still early in your career, don't worry - there's plenty you can do to set yourself apart.
Here's how to start ⬇️
💻 Step 1: Perfect Your Headline & Summary - This Is Your Digital Elevator Pitch!
Your headline and summary are the first things a recruiter or employer sees when they view your profile. You don’t want them to gloss over these sections!
1️⃣ Headline: Instead of just listing your job title (e.g., “Marketing Assistant” or “Software Engineer”), get specific about your skills, accolades, passion and value. A strong headline gives a glimpse into what you do and what makes you stand out. Add some personal elements. Here’s mine, for example:

And another example:

This gives a clear idea of who you are and what you bring to the table. People want to know what you're passionate about, and how you can bring innovation and new ideas to the table through your passions.
2️⃣ Summary (i.e. your About section): Your summary should highlight key achievements and goals, but don't just list them. Tell a story. Share what excites you about your career and the impact you want to have. Keep it concise, but compelling. For example:

Here's my story, for example:

In other words, make it clear why someone should care about your profile.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich Tip: Be sure to have a clear profile picture, too! Think professional, think approachable, but think you. A great photo will give a personal touch and ensure your profile stands out. People want to know who they're connecting with - so let them see the real you!</div>
💻 Step 2: Highlight Your Achievements with Quantifiable Results
Employers want to know what you've accomplished, especially early in your career. But don't just say you "helped increase sales" - show them how.
If you've worked on specific projects, showcase those with measurable results! For example:

Data-driven results like these make your profile much more attractive to recruiters and show that you're not just "doing your job" - you're excelling at it.
💻 Step 3: Get Strategic About Skills & Endorsements
Your skills section is like the keyword search engine for LinkedIn. Recruiters often search for candidates by skills, so make sure yours are up-to-date and aligned with the roles you’re targeting.
💻 Include both hard skills (like coding, data analysis, or financial modeling) and soft skills (like leadership, communication, or problem-solving).
💻 Don’t be afraid to ask for endorsements from colleagues or mentors. The more endorsements you have for a skill, the more credible your profile looks.
Skills and endorsements are like social proof—the more proof you have, the more confident a recruiter will feel about your expertise.
💻 Step 4: Post Regularly and Showcase Your Work
One of the most effective ways to stand out on LinkedIn is by sharing your thoughts and insights regularly.
Don’t just wait for the perfect job opportunity to come knocking—take a proactive approach and showcase your expertise!
Whether it’s commenting on a trending news article, sharing your take on a new development in your field, or even posting an original thought on something new you learned or you’re passionate about, posting regularly shows recruiters that you’re engaged and up-to-date on the latest happenings in your niche.
This isn’t just about self-promotion—it’s about positioning yourself as a thought leader.
It proves that you’re plugged into the industry, that you have a voice, and that you understand what’s going on in your space. This will also help grow your network and following – the more you post, the more likely you are to find your peers!
<div class="frich-tip">Frich Tip: If you come across an article or a new trend in your industry, don’t just like it or share it—add your thoughts! Offer insights, ask questions, and invite discussion. This will not only spark conversations but also demonstrate that you’re knowledgeable, passionate, and continuously learning.Commit to sharing a new insight or learning on LinkedIn 1-2 times a week to get started.</div>
By sharing thoughtful posts, you not only demonstrate your expertise but also enhance your visibility, showing recruiters that you’re not just a passive participant in your industry—you’re an active voice shaping the conversation.
💻 Get Inspired
Take a look at the profiles of professionals in your field—especially those who are a few steps ahead of you. What are they doing that you can emulate? Don’t copy them, but use their profiles as inspiration.
Notice their headlines, the way they structure their summaries, and the kinds of media they add. These are people who have mastered the art of standing out on LinkedIn.
Here are a few LinkedIn profiles that I recommend you check out for inspiration:
- Gabby Beckford
- Brandon Smithwrick
- Jenny Stojkovic
- Nicole Casperson (of course, you can always use my profile as a reference, I’d also love to connect with you!)
BTW - here's how others are doing 👀
How do you think your income compares to your peers?
💸 42% I think I make more
🫂 35% I think I earn similar to my peers
😓 23% I think I earn less
Building the perfect LinkedIn profile takes a little effort, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in your career.
By creating a standout profile, you’re telling recruiters and employers that you’re serious about your career and committed to continuous growth.
So, go ahead—give your LinkedIn profile the love and attention it deserves. After all, you never know who might be checking it out next!
Cheers to landing that next big opportunity.
Nicole Casperson
Author of Fintech Feminists, Founder & CEO, Fintech Is Femme