---
name: linkedin-optimizer
description: |
  Comprehensive LinkedIn optimization guide covering headline formulas, summary writing, experience section optimization, skills and endorsements strategy, recommendation requests, content posting, networking approaches, job search features, and profile SEO.
  Use when the user asks about linkedin optimizer, or needs help with comprehensive linkedin optimization guide covering headline formulas, summary writing, experience section optimization, skills and endorsements strategy, recommendation requests, content posting, networking approaches, job search features, and profile seo.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of linkedin optimizer.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "career linkedin guide"
  category: "career-development"
  subcategory: "job-search"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# LinkedIn Profile Optimizer
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about linkedin optimizer
- User needs guidance on linkedin optimizer topics
- User wants a structured approach to linkedin optimizer

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **What is your primary goal for LinkedIn?** (job search, networking, thought leadership, client acquisition, recruiting, career visibility)
2. **What is your current role and industry?**
3. **What role or opportunities are you targeting?**
4. **How active are you currently on LinkedIn?** (never post, occasional, regular)
5. **How complete is your current profile?** (basic, moderate, comprehensive)
6. **Who is your target audience?** (recruiters, potential clients, industry peers, hiring managers)
7. **Are you open to work or passively looking?**
8. **What are your top 3 professional strengths?**
9. **Do you have a personal website or portfolio?**
10. **What differentiates you from others in your field?**
---
## Step 1: Profile Photo and Banner

### Profile Photo Guidelines
```
PROFILE PHOTO CHECKLIST:

[ ] Professional headshot (shoulders and face visible)
[ ] Good lighting (natural light is best)
[ ] Simple, non-distracting background
[ ] You take up 60-70% of the frame
[ ] Genuine, approachable smile
[ ] Current photo (within last 2-3 years)
[ ] High resolution (400x400 minimum)
[ ] Consistent with your industry's dress code
[ ] Just YOU in the photo (no group shots, no pets, no crops from events)

AVOID:
- Selfies or casual photos
- Sunglasses
- Photos from 10+ years ago
- Logos or text overlays
- Distracting backgrounds

IMPACT: Profiles with photos receive 21x more views and
9x more connection requests than those without.
```

### Banner Image
```
BANNER IMAGE OPTIONS:

Option 1: Professional branded banner
- Your name, title, and value proposition
- Use Canva (free LinkedIn banner templates)
- Match your personal brand colors

Option 2: Industry or company image
- Your company's branded image
- Your industry (cityscape, tech, healthcare, etc.)
- A professional conference or event

Option 3: Achievement showcase
- Speaking at a conference
- Team photo
- Publication or media feature

DIMENSIONS: 1584 x 396 pixels (LinkedIn recommended)
```
---
## Step 2: Headline Optimization

### Headline Formulas (220 characters max)
```
HEADLINE FORMULA OPTIONS:

FORMULA 1: Role + Specialty + Value
"{{ROLE}} | Helping {{WHO}} achieve {{WHAT}} through {{HOW}}"

FORMULA 2: Role + Keywords + Credibility
"{{ROLE}} at {{COMPANY}} | {{SPECIALTY_1}} | {{SPECIALTY_2}} | {{CREDENTIAL}}"

FORMULA 3: Value Proposition + Proof
"I help {{WHO}} do {{WHAT}} | {{PROOF/CREDENTIAL}}"

FORMULA 4: Multi-Hat (for diverse professionals)
"{{ROLE_1}} + {{ROLE_2}} + {{ROLE_3}} | {{UNIFYING_THEME}}"

FORMULA 5: Job Seeker
"{{TARGET_ROLE}} | {{KEY_SKILL}} | {{KEY_SKILL}} | {{ACHIEVEMENT}}"

HEADLINE RULES:
- Lead with your primary identity or target role
- Include keywords recruiters search for
- Show the value you provide, not just your title
- Do NOT include "Looking for opportunities" (use Open to Work instead)
- Do NOT use buzzwords without substance ("guru," "ninja," "rockstar")
- Use | or bullet points to separate elements
```
---
## Step 3: Summary / About Section (2,600 character limit)

### Summary Writing Framework
```
SUMMARY STRUCTURE:

PARAGRAPH 1 - THE HOOK (2-3 sentences)
Start with something engaging. What drives you? What problem do you solve?
This is the only part visible before "See more."

PARAGRAPH 2 - YOUR STORY (3-4 sentences)
Write in first person. Be authentic but professional.

PARAGRAPH 3 - YOUR VALUE (3-4 sentences)
What do you bring to the table? Key achievements with metrics.
What makes you different? What do people come to you for?

PARAGRAPH 4 - YOUR EXPERTISE (bullet list)
Key skills, tools, or areas of expertise.
Use this for SEO with keywords.

PARAGRAPH 5 - CALL TO ACTION (1-2 sentences)
What do you want people to do? Connect? Email? Visit your website?
```

### Summary Templates
```
TEMPLATE 1: NARRATIVE (Best for most professionals)
I have spent the last {{X}} years helping {{WHO}} solve
{{PROBLEM}} through {{YOUR_APPROACH}}.
Currently, I am {{CURRENT_ROLE}} at {{COMPANY}}, where I
{{WHAT_YOU_DO_AND_KEY_ACHIEVEMENT}}. Before that, I {{RELEVANT
PREVIOUS_EXPERIENCE_AND_ACHIEVEMENT}}.
What sets me apart is my ability to {{UNIQUE_STRENGTH}}. My work
has resulted in {{QUANTIFIED_ACHIEVEMENT_1}}, {{QUANTIFIED_
ACHIEVEMENT_2}}, and {{QUANTIFIED_ACHIEVEMENT_3}}.
Areas of expertise:
- {{SKILL_1}}
- {{SKILL_2}}
- {{SKILL_3}}
- {{SKILL_4}}
- {{SKILL_5}}
I am always open to connecting with {{TYPE_OF_PEOPLE}}. Feel free
to reach out at {{EMAIL}} or connect here on LinkedIn.
---
TEMPLATE 2: PROBLEM-SOLUTION (Best for consultants/freelancers)
{{TARGET_AUDIENCE}} face a common challenge: {{PROBLEM}}.
I help them {{SOLUTION}} by {{YOUR_METHOD}}. Over the past {{X}}
years, I have worked with {{TYPES_OF_CLIENTS}} to {{OUTCOMES}}.
Results I have delivered:
- {{METRIC_1}}
- {{METRIC_2}}
- {{METRIC_3}}
My approach combines {{SKILL_1}} with {{SKILL_2}} to deliver
{{VALUE_PROPOSITION}}.
If you are dealing with {{PROBLEM}}, let us talk. You can reach
me at {{EMAIL}}.
---
TEMPLATE 3: CAREER CHANGER
After {{X}} years in {{PREVIOUS_FIELD}}, I made the leap to
{{NEW_FIELD}} -- and I have never looked back.
My background in {{PREVIOUS_FIELD}} gave me {{TRANSFERABLE_SKILL_1}},
{{TRANSFERABLE_SKILL_2}}, and a unique perspective on {{WHAT_MAKES
_YOU_DIFFERENT}}.
Now, as a {{NEW_ROLE}}, I bring {{VALUE_YOU_BRING}}. In my first
{{TIME_PERIOD}}, I have {{EARLY_ACHIEVEMENT}}.
I am passionate about {{AREA_OF_NEW_FIELD}} and eager to connect
with others in this space.
```
---
## Step 4: Experience Section Optimization

### Experience Entry Best Practices
```
EXPERIENCE OPTIMIZATION:

FOR EACH ROLE:
1. Company description (1-2 sentences -- especially if less known)
2. Your role summary (what you were responsible for)
3. Key achievements (3-5 bullet points with metrics)
4. Media attachments (presentations, articles, projects)

Senior Product Manager
Acme Corp | San Francisco, CA | 2021 - Present

Acme Corp is a B2B SaaS platform serving 5,000+ enterprise customers
in the supply chain management space.

As Senior PM, I own the core platform product serving our largest
customers (top 100 accounts representing $50M ARR).

Key achievements:
- Led redesign of the dashboard experience, increasing daily active
  usage by 35% and reducing support tickets by 40%
- Launched 3 major features in 12 months, contributing to 22% YoY
  revenue growth
- Built and mentored a team of 2 associate PMs
- Established the company's first product analytics framework using
  Amplitude, enabling data-driven roadmap decisions

TIPS:
[ ] Use the same achievement-focused format as your resume
[ ] Add relevant media (slides, articles, project links)
[ ] Include keywords from your target role
[ ] Keep descriptions concise but impactful
[ ] Update regularly (do not wait for job changes)
```
---
## Step 5: Skills and Endorsements Strategy

### Skills Section Optimization
```
SKILLS STRATEGY:

LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills. Use all of them strategically.

TOP 3 PINNED SKILLS:
1. {{PRIMARY_SKILL}} -- Most important for target role
2. {{SECONDARY_SKILL}} -- Second most important
3. {{TERTIARY_SKILL}} -- Supporting skill

SKILL CATEGORIES (fill all 50):
Core technical skills: {{10-15 skills}}
Industry-specific skills: {{5-10 skills}}
Tools and platforms: {{5-10 skills}}
Soft skills: {{5-10 skills}}
Methodologies: {{5-10 skills}}

ENDORSEMENT STRATEGY:
1. Endorse others strategically (they often reciprocate)
2. Ask colleagues directly: "Would you mind endorsing me for {{SKILL}}?"
3. Prioritize endorsements on your top 3 pinned skills
4. Accept endorsements only for skills you genuinely have
5. Remove irrelevant or outdated skills

SKILL ASSESSMENTS:
- Take LinkedIn Skill Assessments for your top skills
- Passing earns a badge visible on your profile
- Profiles with badges are 30% more likely to get hired (per LinkedIn)
```
---
## Step 6: Recommendation Strategy

### Requesting Recommendations
```
RECOMMENDATION REQUEST TEMPLATE:

"Hi {{NAME}},

I hope you are doing well. I really valued working with you at
{{COMPANY/ON PROJECT}} and I am updating my LinkedIn profile to
better reflect my professional experience.

Would you be willing to write a brief recommendation for me? It
would be especially helpful if you could mention {{SPECIFIC_SKILL
_OR_PROJECT}}, as that is an area I am highlighting.

I am happy to reciprocate and write one for you as well. No
pressure at all if you are too busy -- I completely understand.

Thanks so much,
{{YOUR_NAME}}"

WHO TO ASK (aim for 5-10 recommendations):
[ ] Direct manager (most impactful)
[ ] Senior colleague
[ ] Direct report (shows leadership)
[ ] Client or customer
[ ] Cross-functional collaborator
[ ] Mentor or advisor

GUIDE THEM:
Provide context so they write something useful:
"If helpful, some things you might mention:
- My work on {{PROJECT}} and the results
- My {{SKILL}} that you observed
- The impact I had on {{TEAM/OUTCOME}}"
```
---
## Step 7: Content Posting Strategy

### Content Framework
```
CONTENT POSTING STRATEGY:

POSTING FREQUENCY:
- Ideal: 2-3 times per week
- Minimum: 1 time per week
- Consistency matters more than frequency

CONTENT MIX (per month):
- 2-3 Industry insights / thought leadership
- 2-3 Professional experiences / lessons learned
- 1-2 Company/team highlights
- 1-2 Engagement posts (questions, polls, discussions)
- 1 Personal professional story (career milestone, lesson)

CONTENT FORMATS:
1. Text post (most common, up to 3,000 characters)
2. Image + text (higher engagement)
3. Document/carousel (great for tutorials and lists)
4. Video (highest reach but most effort)
5. Poll (high engagement, good for starting conversations)
6. Article (long-form, for deep thought leadership)
7. Repost with commentary (easiest, still valuable)

POST STRUCTURE:
Line 1: HOOK -- Stop the scroll. First line is everything.
Lines 2-10: VALUE -- Share your insight, story, or lesson.
Last line: CTA -- Ask a question or invite engagement.

TIMING:
- Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Best times: 7-8 AM, 12 PM, 5-6 PM (your audience's timezone)
- Post when your audience is most active (check analytics)
```

### Post Templates
```
TEMPLATE 1: LESSON LEARNED
"{{CONTRARIAN_OR_SURPRISING_STATEMENT}}
Here is what happened:
{{BRIEF_STORY_3-5_LINES}}
What I learned:
1. {{LESSON_1}}
2. {{LESSON_2}}
3. {{LESSON_3}}
{{QUESTION_TO_AUDIENCE}}?"
---
TEMPLATE 2: INDUSTRY INSIGHT
"{{INDUSTRY}} is changing fast. Here is what I am seeing:
{{TREND_1}}
{{TREND_2}}
{{TREND_3}}

My take: {{YOUR_PERSPECTIVE}}

What are you seeing in your corner of {{INDUSTRY}}?"
---
TEMPLATE 3: CAREER MILESTONE
"{{X}} years ago, I {{WHAT_YOU_DID}}.

At the time, {{CONTEXT}}.

Today, {{WHERE_YOU_ARE_NOW}}.

The biggest thing that got me here: {{KEY_LESSON}}.

What is a career decision you are glad you made?"
```
---
## Step 8: Networking Approach

### Connection Request Templates
```
CONNECTION REQUEST TEMPLATES (300 character limit):

MUTUAL CONNECTION:
"Hi {{NAME}}, I see we are both connected with {{MUTUAL_CONNECTION}}
and work in {{INDUSTRY}}. I would love to connect and learn more
about your work at {{COMPANY}}."

AFTER MEETING:
"Hi {{NAME}}, great meeting you at {{EVENT}}. I enjoyed our
conversation about {{TOPIC}}. Would love to stay connected."

COLD OUTREACH (TARGET COMPANY):
"Hi {{NAME}}, I have been following {{COMPANY}}'s work in {{AREA}}
and I am impressed by {{SPECIFIC_THING}}. I am in {{YOUR_FIELD}}
and would value connecting."

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:
"Hi {{NAME}}, I read your post about {{TOPIC}} and really resonated
with {{SPECIFIC_POINT}}. I work in a related area and would love
to connect."

RULES:
- Always personalize (never send blank connection requests)
- Reference something specific about them
- Keep it brief and professional
- Do NOT pitch in the connection request
- Follow up with a message after they accept
```
---
## Step 9: Job Search Features

### Open to Work Settings
```
OPEN TO WORK CONFIGURATION:

Option 1: Recruiters Only (recommended if currently employed)
- Only visible to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter
- Your current employer's recruiters are excluded
- No green banner on your photo

Option 2: All LinkedIn Members (recommended if openly searching)
- Green #OpenToWork banner on your photo
- Visible to everyone

SETTINGS TO CONFIGURE:
[ ] Job titles you are interested in (add 5-10 variations)
[ ] Location preferences (cities, remote, hybrid)
[ ] Start date (immediately, 1 month, flexible)
[ ] Job types (full-time, part-time, contract)
[ ] Open to relocation: YES / NO
```

### Job Search Optimization
```
JOB SEARCH TIPS:

[ ] Set up job alerts for target roles and companies
[ ] Follow target companies to see their job posts
[ ] Use LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" strategically (not for all jobs)
[ ] Check who posted the job and reach out directly
[ ] Use the "Alumni" tool to find connections at target companies
[ ] Engage with content from target companies and hiring managers
[ ] Join industry groups where hiring discussions happen
[ ] Update your profile before activating job search features
```
---
## Step 10: Profile SEO

### Keyword Strategy
```
LINKEDIN SEO OPTIMIZATION:

WHERE TO PLACE KEYWORDS:
1. Headline (highest weight)
2. About/Summary section
3. Experience titles and descriptions
4. Skills section
5. Publications and certifications

KEYWORD RESEARCH:
1. Look at job postings for your target role
2. Note the most common terms and requirements
3. Check top profiles of people in your target role
4. Use LinkedIn's search autocomplete for ideas

KEYWORD PLACEMENT STRATEGY:
- Primary keywords: Use in headline and first line of summary
- Secondary keywords: Sprinkle in experience descriptions
- Long-tail keywords: Use in skills section and about section
- Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "SEO" and
  "Search Engine Optimization")

PROFILE COMPLETENESS CHECKLIST (impacts search ranking):
[ ] Profile photo
[ ] Banner image
[ ] Headline (custom, not default)
[ ] About section (500+ words)
[ ] Current position with description
[ ] At least 2 past positions
[ ] Education
[ ] 5+ skills
[ ] At least 1 recommendation received
[ ] Location set
[ ] Industry set
[ ] Contact info filled in
```
---
## LinkedIn Profile Audit Checklist
```
COMPLETE PROFILE AUDIT:
FIRST IMPRESSION:
[ ] Profile photo is professional and current
[ ] Banner is relevant and professional
[ ] Headline is compelling and keyword-rich
[ ] Custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
ABOUT SECTION:
[ ] Written in first person
[ ] Tells a story, not a list of duties
[ ] Includes quantified achievements
[ ] Contains relevant keywords
[ ] Has a clear call to action
[ ] Uses short paragraphs and white space
EXPERIENCE:
[ ] All relevant positions included
[ ] Each has a description with achievements
[ ] Metrics and results included
[ ] Media attachments where appropriate
SKILLS & ENDORSEMENTS:
[ ] 50 skills added
[ ] Top 3 are pinned and most relevant
[ ] Skill assessments completed for key skills
RECOMMENDATIONS:
[ ] 3+ recommendations received
[ ] Mix of managers, peers, and reports
[ ] Relevant to your target role
ACTIVITY:
[ ] Active posting (at least weekly)
[ ] Engaging with others' content
[ ] Sharing valuable insights
[ ] Growing connection count strategically
```
---
*This skill provides LinkedIn optimization guidance. LinkedIn's algorithm and features change regularly. Stay current with LinkedIn's official blog and test what works for your specific audience.*


## Output Format

```
LINKEDIN OPTIMIZER OUTPUT
=========================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with linkedin optimizer"

**Output:** A structured linkedin optimizer plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
