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Remote work is more common than ever now, as employers are starting to realize the many advantages. Today’s employees are looking for flexibility in their employers. They want to be recognized for their productivity at the time and location that allows them to complete their best work. Gone are the days when good work meant arriving in the office early and staying late. And employers get it.
However, while remote workers are often appreciated for the talent that they bring, standing out in a crowded job market can be challenging. Today, there are often hundreds of people vying for the same position. So, how do you stand out and make sure you can be found by employers who are looking for the very talents that you offer?
The answer? LinkedIn.
What is LinkedIn?
If you haven’t yet heard of LinkedIn, or if you have heard of it but don’t have a profile set up, we’ll be straight with you—you’re missing out. Think of LinkedIn as Facebook but for professional interactions. On Facebook, a popular social media platform with an estimated 3.065 billion monthly active users (MAUs), you set up a profile and interact with family and friends. Facebook users share everything from the latest and greatest things happening in their lives to reaching out when they need help.
LinkedIn takes a similar approach, but interactions are on a professional level. Rather than sharing what is going on in their personal lives, users share snippets about their work environments, news in their related industry, and guidance for others. And while LinkedIn doesn’t quite have the same following as Facebook, it does have 310 million monthly active users. That’s 310 sets of eyeballs that could be paying attention to what you have to say.
The message? If you want to see or be seen in the professional environment, LinkedIn is the place to be. So, how do you get set up? Read on for ten tips from the team at Remote People to help you create a LinkedIn profile that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Getting Started on LinkedIn
Getting started on LinkedIn takes far less time than you think. If you already have a polished resume, setting it up can be super easy. And the best news of all? For most users, LinkedIn is completely free. Here’s what you need to do.
Visit LinkedIn.com or download the app, click “Join Now,” and enter your email and password. Follow the prompts to provide basic details like your name, location, and professional title, then verify your account through the confirmation email.
We recommend that you use your personal email address. While many people choose to use the email address provided by their employer, we discourage this practice. Remember that your place of employment can change, and your LinkedIn account is your asset, not your employer’s.
Once signed in, start setting up your profile:
- Name and Headline: Use your full name and a professional headline like “Remote Marketing Specialist” to highlight your expertise.
- Location: Add your city or region to appear in employer searches. Even though you may be seeking remote positions, employers will want to know where you reside.
- Photo and Background Image: Choose a clear, professional profile photo and a background image relevant to your industry. And please, do not underestimate the background image. Though LinkedIn will provide a basic image, we encourage you to add one that complements your image. This will also give the algorithm a bit of a boost to help people find you easier—more on that later.
Explore LinkedIn’s Layout
Take a moment to explore LinkedIn’s layout:
- Feed: View and engage with posts from your network.
- Profile: This is your professional showcase, including your experience and skills.
- Messaging: Connect directly with others.
To improve visibility, job seekers can use LinkedIn’s free tools like job alerts, the “Open to Work” feature, and skill assessments. With your basics complete, you’re ready to create a profile that helps you stand out in the remote job market.
Creating a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile
So you have your account set up. But are you done? Nope! There’s still some work to do to get your LinkedIn profile working in your favor. As you move through these next steps, remember that LinkedIn works as a search engine. This means that employers, recruiters, and other industry professionals can use it to search for individuals. If you want to be found, especially for remote job opportunities, you need to make sure your profile is worth a gander.
1
Write a Strong Headline
Many people misunderstand the importance of a strong headline but trust us that this is one of the first things that people will see aside from your image. Your LinkedIn headline is a snapshot of who you are professionally. It appears right below your name and should quickly convey your expertise and the value you bring.
Avoid generic titles like “Freelancer” or “Consultant.” Instead, be specific and concise.
For example, use phrases like “Content Marketer Specializing in Remote Strategies” or “Customer Success Manager | SaaS & Remote Collaboration.”
Think of your headline as a hook—it’s your chance to make a strong first impression and encourage people to click on your profile. Update your headline regularly to reflect new roles, skills, or goals that align with remote opportunities.
2
Add a Professional Photo and Background Image
We talked about this a bit earlier, but it is so important that it is worth digging in a bit deeper. But before we do, hop onto LinkedIn and start perusing some of the profiles you see. What stands out to you?
If you’re like most people, you’ll notice that some images look super professional, and others look like they were an afterthought. Here’s the message—don’t let your image be an afterthought. Your image should be professional. This is not the place to use a zoomed-in screenshot of you at your sister’s wedding. The image should represent you in the workplace. So, invest some time, and maybe some money, into getting a headshot that you will be proud of.
And that background image? You likely noticed that LinkedIn gave you an image to use automatically. But we implore you not just to leave that image as your new background. Updating your background image to complement your primary image will help your profile stand out. And it’ll help you show up a bit higher in search results, too. Background images that match your primary image’s color are a great place to start.
3
Craft a Compelling Summary
Your LinkedIn summary allows you to tell a story about your professional journey. Instead of listing roles and achievements like a resume, use this space to share what motivates you, the skills you bring to the table, and the problems you love solving.
For example, describe how you transitioned into your field or what excites you most about remote work. Highlight your unique approach or tools you’ve mastered, and end with a friendly call for connection, like, “If you’re looking for someone who thrives in remote collaboration, let’s connect!” A compelling, conversational tone makes your profile memorable and engaging.
4
Show Off Your Skills
Now is your opportunity to share some of those professional skills that you have achieved along the way. And be sure to take some time here, as recruiters often type in these skills when they are looking for the best candidate for the job.
LinkedIn allows you to add up to 100 skills to your profile, giving you plenty of room to highlight what you bring to the table.
Think about skills that align with your profession, such as “Project Management,” “SEO Writing,” “Remote Team Leadership,” or “Graphic Design.” These skills are searchable, making it easier for recruiters to find you based on their needs.
Once you’ve added your skills, you can also request endorsements from colleagues or connections. Endorsements act as social proof, showing others that people who have worked with you recognize your expertise in these areas. Keep your skills updated regularly.
5
Add Your Work Experience
Your work experience section is where your resume can be super helpful. However, instead of simply listing job duties, focus on describing accomplishments, successful projects, and measurable outcomes. For example, share how you improved processes, led a team to meet a goal, or contributed to company growth.
If you’ve worked remotely, highlight that experience and mention tools you’ve mastered, such as Zoom, Slack, or Trello, to show your familiarity with remote collaboration. Keep your descriptions concise but impactful, using action verbs to start each point. This section is your chance to illustrate your value to potential employers.
6
Add Your Education and Credentials
Your education and credentials section is still an important part of your LinkedIn profile, as many employers value candidates who invest in their growth. This section isn’t just for listing college degrees; it’s also a space to share continuing education, certifications, and professional development courses from reputable providers.
Whether you’ve completed a specialized online course, earned an industry certification, or attended workshops, include these achievements here. Be specific about the program name, institution, and completion date. Sharing your commitment to learning demonstrates your readiness to stay current and engaged in your field, which is especially appealing in remote roles.
7
Request Recommendations
In addition to connecting with other people that you know, recommendations from others can help boost your LinkedIn algorithm in a big way. In fact, we recently read a statistic that suggested that 70% of hiring managers trust LinkedIn recommendations more than traditional references. They provide real-world insights into your abilities, work ethic, and professional relationships.
The best part? Recommendations don’t have to come from just previous bosses. You can request them from colleagues, clients, vendors, or anyone you’ve collaborated with professionally. When asking for a recommendation, personalize your request and remind them of specific projects or accomplishments you worked on together. A thoughtful recommendation from a diverse group of connections adds credibility to your profile and makes you stand out to potential employers. Be sure to add recommendations to your profile periodically.
8
Tailor Your LinkedIn URL
Next on the list is your LinkedIn URL. If you have clicked on your profile, you probably see that LinkedIn has generated a generic URL for you. While this is good, you can do better. Click on your profile, and you should see an option to the right of your screen for public profile & URL. Click on the pencil icon to access this section. Then, personalize your URL with your first and last name.
If you have a common name and the URL is already taken, experiment with options such as an underscore between your names or adding your middle initial. As a last resort, add a number to the end of the URL. The goal here is for your URL to align with who you are and be as simple (and professional) as possible.
9
Set Your Job Preferences
Setting job preferences on LinkedIn helps you target remote positions. Start by clicking the Jobs tab at the top of your screen and selecting your desired job titles, locations (choose “remote” as an option), and industries. You can enable job alerts to receive updates on new opportunities that match your criteria.
Consider using the “Open to Work” feature, which lets recruiters know you’re available. While some professionals prefer not to use the photo frame, studies suggest that members who add it are 20% more likely to receive messages about potential opportunities. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but keeping your preferences clear can make your search more productive.
10
Engage
With your profile set up, now it’s time to engage. Don’t simply set up your profile and walk away thinking that if you build it, they will come. Engaging on LinkedIn is just as important as setting up your profile. Aim to post two to three times a week, but no more than once daily, to stay active without overwhelming your network.
Share industry-relevant articles, blog posts from your website, or even thoughtful insights or advice. These posts demonstrate your knowledge and keep your profile visible. Engagement isn’t just about posting, though—take time to scroll through your feed and interact with others.
Like posts that resonate with you, and leave meaningful comments to join the conversation. Active participation builds your network, strengthens connections, and keeps you top of mind for opportunities.
Your LinkedIn Profile Can Help You Get Noticed
With the right setup and consistent engagement, your LinkedIn profile can act as a powerful tool, connecting you with opportunities that align with your skills and goals. By crafting a strong headline, adding thoughtful details about your experience, and actively participating on the platform, you make yourself visible to recruiters and potential employers.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is a living document—keep it updated and relevant. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next remote role, investing time in LinkedIn can help open doors to exciting career opportunities in the remote work landscape. And if you need a resume, check out our resume generator.
With these tips, we hope that Remote People can help you land your next remote job.