LinkedIn Profile Checklist

• 31 real LinkedIn items

  Every item is a real LinkedIn feature — including Featured, top skills, verification, and Services — with old or retired features removed.

• Why & how for every item

  Open any item to see why it matters, where to click on LinkedIn, and which free LinkedinForge tool helps.

• Priorities & weighted score

  Each item is High, Medium, or Low priority, and your completion is weighted so the important ones count most.

• Your next 3 steps

  We always show the three most important things left to do — quickest high-priority items first.

• Goal-based checklist

  Pick job seeker, freelancer, student, or founder, and the checklist shows the items that matter for you.

• Auto-check from your analysis

  Tick items automatically from your Profile Analyzer results — only where we can actually verify them.

• Time estimates

  Every item shows roughly how long it takes, plus the total time left to finish your profile.

• Copy your to-do list & sync

  Copy what's left as a plain-text to-do list. Progress saves automatically and syncs when you sign in.

More likely to receive opportunities with a complete profile (LinkedIn)

40x

More profile views with a photo (LinkedIn)

21x

More messages with a photo (LinkedIn)

36x

More profile views with 5+ skills (LinkedIn)

17x

Characters in your headline

220

Characters in your About section

2,600

Maximum skills on your profile

100

Banner size in pixels

1584×396

1. 01

   Pick Your Goal

   Job seeker, freelancer, student, founder, or everyone — the checklist shows the items that matter for you.

2. 02

   Tick What's Done

   Check off what you've already completed, or auto-check items from your Profile Analysis.

3. 03

   Follow Your Next 3 Steps

   Open each item for why it matters and where to click — and use the linked free tool if you need help.

4. 04

   Reach 90%+

   Your weighted score updates as you go. Copy your remaining to-do list and come back anytime — progress is saved.

• Profile Photo

  Critical

  Your photo is the first thing people see. LinkedIn has said profiles with photos get 21x more views and 9x more connection requests. Use a professional headshot — face fills 60-70% of frame, good lighting, clean background, smile.

  Use a recent photo (within 2 years). LinkedIn's photo filter tool can enhance it.

• Banner Image

  High

  The 1584x396 pixel banner is prime real estate most people waste. Use it to showcase your value proposition, brand, or portfolio. It is the largest visual on your profile — make it count.

  Include text overlay with your specialty or a call-to-action.

• Headline

  Critical

  220 characters that appear everywhere — search results, comments, messages, connection requests. A custom headline does far more than the default job title. Include your role + value + keywords.

  Formula: [Role] | [Value Proposition] | [Key Skills/Industry]

• About / Summary

  Critical

  2,600 characters of searchable, keyword-rich content. This is your elevator pitch. Write in first person, tell your story, include measurable achievements, and end with a call-to-action.

  First 3 lines show before 'See more' — make them compelling.

• Featured

  High

  Pin your best posts, articles, links, or files right below your About. Visitors see proof of your work before they scroll to your experience.

  Pin 2-4 items: a portfolio, a case study, a strong post, or a talk.

• Experience

  Critical

  Your work history with descriptions. Use bullet points with measurable results: 'Increased revenue by 35%' beats 'Responsible for revenue growth.' Include keywords from your target job descriptions.

  Add media (presentations, articles, projects) and skills to each role.

• Education

  High

  Degrees, schools, relevant coursework, honors. Even without a degree, add certifications, bootcamps, or online courses. Education helps LinkedIn connect you with alumni networks.

  Add activities, societies, and relevant projects under each entry.

• Skills (100 max)

  Critical

  Skills are used directly by recruiter searches and job matching. Add every relevant skill you can back up, feature your top 5 in your About section, and link skills to the jobs where you used them.

  Match skills to job descriptions for your target role.

• Recommendations

  High

  Written testimonials from colleagues, managers, and clients — the strongest social proof on LinkedIn. Aim for 3-5 diverse recommendations.

  Write a recommendation first — people often return the favour.

• Licenses & Certifications

  Medium

  Professional certifications, licenses, and credentials. These add authority and are searchable keywords. Include credential ID and expiry date when applicable.

  LinkedIn Learning certificates count — complete relevant courses.

• Volunteer Experience

  Medium

  Around 4 in 10 hiring managers in LinkedIn's research value volunteer work as much as paid experience. It shows character, fills employment gaps, and adds keywords.

  Include your role, organization, and what you accomplished.

• Publications & Projects

  Medium

  Research papers, articles, blog posts, and projects you have worked on. These demonstrate thought leadership and add unique keywords that differentiate your profile.

  Link to live URLs so visitors can see your work directly.

• Honors & Awards

  Low

  Industry awards, company recognitions, academic honors. Even small awards add credibility. Include the issuing organization and a brief description of what you won.

  Any recognition counts — employee of the month, hackathon wins, dean's list.

1. 01

   Step 1: Upload a Professional Photo

   Use a high-resolution headshot (400x400px minimum). Your face should fill 60-70% of the frame. Good lighting, clean background, and a natural smile are essential. LinkedIn says profiles with photos receive 21x more views — this is the single highest-impact change you can make.

2. 02

   Step 2: Design Your Banner Image

   Create a 1584x396 pixel banner — our free Banner Maker or Canva both work. Include your job title, value proposition, or portfolio highlight. This is the largest visual element on your profile — do not leave the default background. Your banner tells visitors what you are about before they read a word.

3. 03

   Step 3: Craft a Keyword-Rich Headline

   Replace the default ‘Job Title at Company’ with a custom 220-character headline. Formula: [Your Role] | [What You Do/Value] | [Key Skills]. Example: ‘Senior Product Manager | Building AI-Powered SaaS Products | Strategy, Growth, Data-Driven Decisions’. Include words recruiters actually search for.

4. 04

   Step 4: Write a Compelling About Section

   Use the space well — up to 2,600 characters. Write in first person. Structure: Hook (what you do), Story (how you got here), Achievements (measurable results), Skills/Expertise, Call-to-Action (how to reach you). The first 3 lines must be compelling — they show before the ‘See more’ button. Then pick your top 5 skills to show there.

5. 05

   Step 5: Optimize Your Experience Section

   For each role: start with a 1-2 sentence overview, then 3-5 bullet points with measurable achievements. Use action verbs: Led, Launched, Increased, Reduced, Built, Managed. Include numbers: ‘35% revenue growth’ not ‘grew revenue’. Add media files and the skills you used in each role.

6. 06

   Step 6: Fill Out Education & Certifications

   Add all degrees, relevant coursework, honors, and activities. Include professional certifications — AWS, PMP, Google Analytics, HubSpot, etc. Each certification is a searchable keyword. LinkedIn Learning completions also count as certifications.

7. 07

   Step 7: Build Your Skills Section

   Add every relevant skill you can back up across hard skills, soft skills, industry skills, and trending skills — LinkedIn allows up to 100. Feature your 5 most in-demand skills in your About section and link skills to your experience. Endorse colleagues for skills you've seen them use.

8. 08

   Step 8: Get Recommendations & Customize URL

   Request 3-5 recommendations from managers, colleagues, and clients. Write one first — people often return the favour. Customize your profile URL to linkedin.com/in/yourname (Me → View profile → Edit public profile & URL). Add your location, industry, and contact info to finish the job.

• Just starting

  0-39%

  Only the basics are in place. Start with the high-priority items — photo, headline, About, experience, and skills make the biggest difference.

  Sections needed: Photo, custom headline, contact info

• Getting there

  40-69%

  The basics are done and you're appearing in more searches. Work through the remaining high- and medium-priority items.

  Sections needed: + About, experience descriptions, skills, education

• Strong

  70-89%

  A strong profile that works for you in searches. Finish proof sections like recommendations and Featured.

  Sections needed: + achievements with numbers, recommendations, Featured

• All set

  90-100%

  Every section that matters for your goal is complete. Keep it fresh — review monthly and update after every big change.

  Sections needed: Everything for your goal, plus custom URL and an active network

LinkedIn itself used to show a profile-strength meter from Beginner to “All-Star”. It's no longer shown prominently, but the sections it measured — photo, headline, experience, education, skills, location, and connections — are all part of this checklist.

• No profile photo

  Fix: Add a professional headshot — LinkedIn says profiles with photos get 21x more views

• Using the default headline

  Fix: Write a custom 220-character headline with your role, value, and keywords

• Empty About section

  Fix: Write 1,500-2,600 characters covering your story, achievements, and skills

• Job descriptions instead of achievements

  Fix: Replace duties with measurable results: 'Grew team from 5 to 25' not 'Managed team'

• Fewer than 10 skills listed

  Fix: Add every relevant skill you can back up — LinkedIn allows up to 100

• No recommendations

  Fix: Request 3-5 recommendations. Write one first — many people return the favour

• Blank banner image

  Fix: Design a 1584x396 banner with your value proposition — try our free Banner Maker

• No custom URL

  Fix: Change to linkedin.com/in/yourname — looks professional on resumes and email signatures

• Skipping volunteer experience

  Fix: Many hiring managers value volunteer work as much as paid experience

• Never updating your profile

  Fix: Review monthly, full update quarterly — an outdated profile matches the wrong jobs

• Students & New Grads

  1. 1.Professional photo (NOT a selfie)
  2. 2.Custom headline with target role
  3. 3.Education with coursework & projects
  4. 4.Skills section with your real skills
  5. 5.Internship/volunteer experience
  6. 6.Projects that show what you can do

• Mid-Career Professionals

  1. 1.Achievement-focused experience descriptions
  2. 2.Keyword-rich About section
  3. 3.Top 5 skills featured, with endorsements
  4. 4.3-5 recommendations from managers
  5. 5.Certifications & licenses
  6. 6.Portfolio media attached to roles

• Senior Leaders & Executives

  1. 1.Executive branding headline
  2. 2.Thought leadership in About section
  3. 3.Board positions & advisory roles
  4. 4.Publications & speaking engagements
  5. 5.Strategic recommendations from peers
  6. 6.Industry awards & honors

• Career Changers

  1. 1.Headline focused on TARGET role
  2. 2.About section explaining your transition
  3. 3.Transferable skills highlighted
  4. 4.Relevant certifications for new field
  5. 5.Volunteer work in target industry
  6. 6.Projects demonstrating new skills

• LinkedIn Profile Makeover: Step by StepA full walkthrough of every profile section.
• How to Build a Complete LinkedIn ProfileFill every section that matters.
• LinkedIn Profile Tips That Get You HiredWhat recruiters look for first.
• LinkedIn Photo Guide: Do's and Don'tsTake a photo that builds trust.
• Write a LinkedIn About Section That ConvertsHooks, structure, and calls to action.
• LinkedIn Banner Design (Free)Design a 1584×396 banner in minutes.
• LinkedIn for Career Changers: Complete GuideReposition your profile for a new field.
• How Recruiters Actually Search LinkedInHow recruiters filter and find candidates.

Must-Read Articles on LinkedIn Profiles

Expert guides and official LinkedIn resources for profile optimization.

• Profile AnalyzerGet a detailed score for every section — then auto-check this list
• Headline GeneratorCreate a custom, keyword-rich headline in seconds
• About WriterWrite an About section with a strong hook and live score
• Skills AnalyzerAudit your skills section and find gaps for your target role
• Banner MakerDesign a 1584×396 LinkedIn banner for free
• Custom URL OptimizerFind a clean, professional LinkedIn URL

• Get verified — a verification badge adds trust when you message people who don't know you yet

• Add a pronunciation recording of your name — it adds a personal touch and helps people say your name right

• Use the Featured section to pin your best posts, articles, or portfolio links at the top of your profile

• Set your profile to Open to Work (visible only to recruiters) if job searching — you choose who sees it

• Add your contact email in the About section too — people often look for it there

• Making lots of small edits? Turn off 'Share profile updates with your network' first so your network isn't notified of each change

• Add a Services page if you are a freelancer or consultant — it helps clients find and contact you

• Use the Activity section strategically — post and comment regularly so visitors see you are active and engaged

Building your network? Our free Connection Request Generator writes personal notes for you.