10 Steps to Building a Professional LinkedIn Profile
How to Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile That Attracts Employers
LinkedIn is no longer just a digital CV. It is a professional network, a space to showcase your skills and a platform to connect with employers. Whether you are beginning your career or aiming for progression, your profile plays an important role in how you are discovered and how you are perceived.
At ICON, we know from experience that strong LinkedIn profiles help candidates stand out. Recruiters, hiring managers and colleagues all use the platform to identify talent. A well-structured profile increases your visibility, highlights your expertise and demonstrates that you are invested in your career development. Here are ten practical ways to strengthen your LinkedIn profile.1. Use a Professional Photo
Profiles with photos are viewed more often, according to LinkedIn. Your picture is often the first impression, so choose one that reflects professionalism.
Use natural light and a neutral background.
Dress as you would for an interview.
Aim for a confident but approachable expression.
A good photo creates trust and sets the right tone. There are a range of AI-powered graphic design and image editing tools which can be used to touch-up the quality of your image, including Canva and Pixlr.
2. Write a Headline That Goes Beyond Your Job Title
The headline is one of the most visible parts of your profile. Rather than only stating your role, add details that reflect your skills or career focus.
Instead of: Research Associate3. Craft a Compelling ‘About’ Section
Your ‘About’ section is your professional story. It is a chance to explain not just what you do, but why you do it.
Effective summaries often include:- Career achievements.
- Technical skills and areas of expertise.
- Professional interests and motivations.
I am dedicated to advancing patient care through clinical research. My experience includes supporting oncology and rare disease trials, where I have developed expertise in monitoring, compliance and patient engagement.
4. Present Your Experience with Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers want to understand the impact you have made. Instead of listing responsibilities, explain your contributions and outcomes.
Instead of: Responsible for managing clinical sites.
Try: Managed 12 clinical sites across Europe, achieving 100 per cent audit compliance and reducing query resolution times by 20 per cent.
Specific examples demonstrate value and show what you can deliver.
5. Select Skills Carefully
LinkedIn allows you to list up to 99 skills, but focus on those that are most relevant. Your top three appear most prominently, so choose strategically.
If you are pursuing a role in data management, highlight skills such as SAS programming, data cleaning and clinical data standards. For clinical operations, consider site monitoring, GCP and trial management.
Endorsements add weight to your profile. Request endorsements from colleagues who have seen these skills in action.
6. Request Recommendations
Recommendations are testimonials that provide credibility. A short note from a manager, peer or mentor can highlight your strengths from another perspective.
When asking for one, be specific. For example: Would you feel comfortable writing a recommendation about my contribution to the XYZ study? This makes it easier for the person to write something meaningful.7. Stay Active on the Platform
A strong LinkedIn profile is not just about content, it is about activity. Regular engagement shows that you are interested in your field and helps to increase your visibility.
Practical ways to stay active include:
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Sharing articles or research that are relevant to your sector.
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Posting reflections on professional milestones or training.
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Commenting thoughtfully on updates from colleagues or organisations.
According to LinkedIn data, members and companies who post weekly see double the engagement compared to those who post less often.
8. Build Your Network & Engage with Others
LinkedIn is designed for professional connection. Start with colleagues, classmates and professional contacts, and expand your network by joining industry groups and following organisations that interest you.
When sending connection requests, add a short personal note to explain why you would like to connect. Once connected, engage with your network by congratulating people on achievements, joining discussions and showing support through likes or comments.
Networking is not about the number of connections, but the quality of the relationships you build. Thoughtful engagement helps you to be seen, remembered and considered for opportunities.
9. Customise Your Profile URL & Contact Details
By default, LinkedIn assigns a long and complex URL. Customising it, for example linkedin.com/in/yourname, looks professional and is easier to share on your CV or email signature.
You can also add contact information, such as a professional email address, so that recruiters can reach you directly.10. Showcase Certifications, Volunteering and Projects
Use LinkedIn’s additional sections to display experiences that sit outside of your main work history. Certifications, volunteer roles and projects often highlight transferable skills such as leadership, collaboration and problem solving.
For clinical research professionals, adding certifications like ICH GCP or specialist training signals credibility and commitment to ongoing learning.
Final Thoughts
A LinkedIn profile is more than a professional summary. It is a way to demonstrate your expertise, connect with peers and share your career journey. By investing time in building and maintaining your profile, you make it easier for employers and colleagues to recognise your strengths.
At ICON, we encourage candidates and colleagues alike to see LinkedIn as a valuable tool for professional growth. A profile that combines skills, achievements and active engagement can open the door to exciting new opportunities.Explore live job openings at ICON and follow with us on LinkedIn.
The connections you build today may lead to your next opportunity tomorrow.
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