What Recruiters Really Want to See on LinkedIn - A Guide for Students and New Grads

Let’s be real—LinkedIn can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. You’ve probably heard it’s important, but no one really tells you what to do once you’ve made an account. As someone who spends hours each week searching for early-career talent, let me give you an inside look at what actually gets noticed—and what doesn’t.

Whether you’re graduating next month or just trying to land your first internship, here’s how to stand out on LinkedIn.

Step 1: Optimize Your Profile Like a Pro

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake. Here’s what matters most to recruiters:

Headline: This isn’t just your current title. Use it to show who you are and what you’re interested in. Try: “Marketing Student | Passionate About Brand Strategy & Storytelling”

About Section: A short paragraph (3–5 lines) sharing what you’re studying, what excites you professionally, and what you’re looking for next. Think of it as your elevator pitch.

Experience & Projects: Even if you don’t have “real” jobs yet, list class projects, volunteer work, internships, or part-time gigs. Focus on what you learned and the skills you used.

Skills: Add 5–10 relevant skills. Recruiters filter by these!

Profile Photo: It doesn’t need to be a professional headshot—just a clear, friendly photo with good lighting. (Most Career Services Centers at colleges/universities offer this to students for FREE!)

Step 2: What to Post (Even If You’re New)

You don’t need to be an influencer. You just need to be visible. A few post ideas:

• Share a class project you’re proud of
• Reflect on a recent learning experience
• Highlight an industry event or webinar you attended
• Shout out a mentor, professor, or classmate
• Talk about your job search process authentically

Pro tip: Use a simple format—what you did, what you learned, and what it means for your career goals.

Step 3: Start Building Your Personal Brand

Think of your personal brand as your professional vibe. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent and clear.

Ask yourself:

• What am I curious about?
• What kind of roles or industries excite me?
• What do I want people to think of when they see my name?

Then align your posts, comments, and profile with those themes. The goal is to become recognizable for something, even if it’s just “the finance student who always shares great insights.”

Step 4: Reach Out—Without Being Awkward

Yes, you can message strangers on LinkedIn. In fact, we appreciate it—when it’s done right.

Here’s a message template you can use:

Hi [Name], I’m a [student/recent grad] studying [major] and exploring opportunities in [industry]. I came across your profile and found the article you posted about [topic] very insightful. I'd love to add you to my network and chat further!

Keep it short. Be specific. And always say thank you. Even if someone doesn’t reply, don’t take it personally. Try again with someone else.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn isn’t just for seasoned professionals. It’s one of your best tools as someone starting out—because it lets you get in front of people who are literally looking for you.

So start showing up. Post something. Send that message. Your future self will thank you.

Want more tips like this? Follow me for weekly insights into early-career recruiting, resume tips, and how to stand out as a new grad in today’s market.