As we move into 2026, LinkedIn continues to be one of the most powerful career platforms for South African professionals and job seekers. Recruiters, employers and hiring managers rely on LinkedIn daily to find talent, verify experience and connect with potential candidates.
Whether you’re searching for a new job, applying for internships, or building your professional brand, an updated LinkedIn profile is essential. This practical guide will take you through the exact steps you need to refresh, optimise and improve your LinkedIn profile for better visibility and opportunities in 2026.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile in 2026 – Step by Step
1. Refresh Your Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is one of the most important parts of your profile. It appears in searches, connection requests and recruiter results, so it needs to be more than just your job title.
Tips for a Catchy Headline:
- Go beyond job titles – highlight your skills and value
- Include keywords recruiters are searching for
- Mention your career focus or speciality
Example:
Instead of: “Administration Assistant”
Try: “Administration Professional | Office Management | Customer Service & Data Administration”
Think about what you want to be found for, not just what you currently do.
2. Update Your Profile Photo and Banner
Visuals are crucial for first impressions on LinkedIn. A professional, inviting appearance sets the tone for how others perceive you.
Profile Photo:
- Use a high-quality, professional headshot.
- Ensure good lighting and a neutral background.
- Wear attire appropriate for your industry.
Banner:
- Customize your banner to reflect your personal brand or industry.
- Include brand colors, a tagline, or images representing your field.
Need help choosing the right image? Read our guide: Choosing the Perfect LinkedIn Profile Picture
3. Revamp Your About Section
Your About section is your personal introduction, think of it as your digital elevator pitch.
How to improve your About section:
- Start with a strong opening line
- Explain who you are and what you do
- Highlight key achievements and skills
- Keep it authentic and easy to read
- End with a call to action
Example CTA:
“Feel free to connect with me to discuss career opportunities, collaborations or industry insights.”
For many recruiters, this section determines whether they keep reading or move on.
4. Highlight Key Skills and Endorsements
Skills-based hiring is growing fast, especially in South Africa. Your Skills section helps recruiters quickly understand what you bring to the table.
How to optimise your skills section:
- Add relevant, up-to-date skills
- List technical and soft skills
- Pin your top three most important skills
- Ask colleagues, classmates or managers for endorsements
Focus on skills that match the jobs you want, not just the jobs you’ve had.
5. Optimize Your Experience Section
Your LinkedIn Experience section should not be a copy-and-paste of your CV. It should tell your professional story clearly and confidently.
Tips for improving this section:
- Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
- Focus on achievements, not duties
- Use numbers where possible
Example:
Instead of:
“Responsible for managing social media accounts”
Try:
“Managed company social media platforms, increasing engagement by 40% over six months.”
You can also add:
- Project links
- Presentations
- Portfolio samples
This makes your profile more credible and engaging.
6. Add New Certifications and Courses
Continuous learning is highly valued in 2026. If you’ve completed short courses, online training or certifications – make sure they appear on your profile.
Popular platforms to showcase:
- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera
- Google Certificates
- Udemy
- SETA-accredited courses
For students and graduates, this section can help compensate for limited work experience.
Read more: From Personal Details to References: Building a Professional CV in 7 Easy Steps
7. Use the Featured Section
The Featured section is one of LinkedIn’s most powerful tools – and many users ignore it.
Use it to showcase:
- Your CV
- Portfolio projects
- Articles you’ve written
- Certificates
- Links to personal websites
This section allows you to control what recruiters see first.
8. Grow Your Network Strategically
LinkedIn works best when you actively connect with others.
Smart networking tips:
- Personalise connection requests
- Connect with classmates, colleagues and industry professionals
- Follow companies you want to work for
- Join career-related LinkedIn groups
Networking is often the key to finding hidden job opportunities.
9. Share Content Consistently
An inactive profile can look outdated. Posting and engaging regularly increases your visibility.
Ideas for LinkedIn content:
- Career lessons learned
- Internship or job updates
- Industry news
- Achievements and milestones
- Helpful tips for others
Even one post a week can make a big difference.
10. Use LinkedIn’s Latest Features
LinkedIn continues to evolve, and 2026 brings even more useful tools for job seekers.
Features worth using:
- Creator Mode for personal branding
- AI-assisted profile writing tools
- Job alert settings
- Services page for freelancers
- Open to Work feature
These tools can help you stand out in a crowded job market.
11. Update Contact Info and Settings
Make it easy for the right people to reach you.
Check that you’ve added:
- A professional email address
- Portfolio or website links
- Correct location details
- Updated phone number (optional)
Double-check your privacy settings so recruiters can find and contact you.
12. Track Your LinkedIn Performance
LinkedIn analytics help you understand how well your profile is performing.
Keep an eye on:
- Profile views
- Search appearances
- Engagement on your posts
Learn more here: How to See Who Viewed Your LinkedIn Profile
Use this data to improve your headline, keywords and activity.
Final Tips for a Standout LinkedIn Profile:
- Regularly review and update your profile.
- Proofread for errors or outdated information.
- Seek feedback from peers or mentors.
By investing time in updating your LinkedIn profile, you’ll not only stay competitive but also position yourself as a leader in your field. Start today and let your profile work for you!
Recommended for you: How to Effectively Follow Up After a Job Interview: Best Practices
Updating your LinkedIn profile in 2026 is more than just a routine task – it’s an investment in your future career. A well-optimised profile increases your chances of being discovered by recruiters, building meaningful connections and accessing new opportunities.
Take time to review your profile regularly, keep your information current, and showcase your unique strengths.
Want more LinkedIn tips?
Explore our full LinkedIn Career Guide Hub for step-by-step advice on profile pictures, networking, recruiter outreach and more.
Start updating your profile today, and let LinkedIn open new doors for your career!
