Having a LinkedIn profile is easy. Getting noticed on LinkedIn is the real challenge.
Millions of South Africans have profiles, but only a small percentage use LinkedIn strategically enough to attract recruiters and employers. This guide is not about how to fill in your LinkedIn sections. It’s about how to position yourself so recruiters actually stop, click, and contact you.
Here are five smart strategies to help you do exactly that.
1. Think Like a Recruiter, Not Like a Job Seeker
Most people build their profiles based on what they want to say. Recruiters look at LinkedIn with one question in mind:
“Can this person solve my problem?”
Practical Example
Job Seeker Mindset
“I’m looking for any job where I can grow.”
Recruiter-Focused Mindset
“Entry-level administrator with hands-on experience in data capturing, filing systems, and customer support.”
The second version speaks directly to employer needs.
Mini Exercise for Readers
Do This Right Now:
- Open your profile
- Read your headline and About section
- Ask: “Does this talk about me, or about what I can do for an employer?”
If it’s all about you, rewrite it from the recruiter’s perspective.
2. Position Yourself as a Solution, Not Just a Candidate
Recruiters don’t hire CVs. They hire people who can make their lives easier.
Practical Example
Weak Positioning
“Recent graduate looking for opportunities.”
Stronger Positioning
“Public Management graduate ready to support government and NGO offices with administration, reporting, and client service.”
3. Show Proof – Don’t Just Make Claims
Everyone says they are:
- Hard-working
- Motivated
- Passionate
Those words mean nothing without evidence.
Practical Example
Claim-Based
“I have strong communication skills.”
Proof-Based
“Assisted 50+ customers daily during retail internship, handling queries and resolving complaints.”
That is specific, believable, and impressive.
4. Build Credibility Beyond Your CV
Recruiters judge more than just your experience.
They also look at your overall LinkedIn behaviour.
Practical Example
| Aspect | Candidate A | Candidate B |
|---|---|---|
| Profile activity | No activity | Actively follows industry pages |
| Content | No posts shared | Shares career-related posts |
| Network | Few connections | Growing professional network |
| Recommendations | None | Has 2 recommendations |
| Engagement | No engagement | Engages with relevant content |
| Overall impression | Passive and incomplete | Active and professionally visible |
Who looks more employable?
5. Present Yourself as Workplace Ready
Your LinkedIn profile is a professional first impression. Small details can make or break how recruiters see you.
Practical Example
Unprofessional Signals
- Selfie profile photo
- Slang language
- Spelling errors
- Incomplete sections
Professional Signals
- Clear head-and-shoulders photo
- Proper grammar
- Focused career direction
- Consistent information
Related: LinkedIn Profile Picture Best Practices in 2026
Mini Challenge: 7-Day LinkedIn Profile Boost
Follow this plan for seven days. Complete one task per day.
Day 1
Follow 10 companies in your industry.
Day 2
Send connection requests to 5 professionals you admire or work with.
Day 3
Share one career-related article or post.
Day 4
Comment thoughtfully on 3 posts from your network.
Day 5
Add 5 relevant skills to your profile.
Day 6
Request one recommendation from a colleague, manager, or client.
Day 7
Post about your career goals and what opportunities you are working towards.
Small actions. Real visibility.
Final Takeaway
Standing out on LinkedIn isn’t about luck.
It’s about:
- Thinking like a recruiter
- Showing value
- Proving your abilities
- Building credibility
- Looking professional
Do these five things well and you’ll already be ahead of most job seekers.
