LinkedIn has become an invaluable tool for recruiters to source, identify, and attract qualified candidates. With over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn provides access to the world’s largest professional network and a rich database of detailed member profiles.
One of the key ways recruiters leverage LinkedIn is through keyword searches to pinpoint candidates with specific skills, experience, expertise, and other attributes. Mastering the use of keywords enables recruiters to cut through the noise and discover candidates who are a good match for open positions.
In this article, we’ll explore how recruiters strategically use keywords when searching profiles on LinkedIn. We’ll cover:
- Why keywords are important for recruiter searches
- Common keywords recruiters search for
- Tips for selecting effective keywords
- Optimizing your profile with keywords
- Tools to identify the best keywords
Understanding keyword basics is key for job seekers looking to stand out in LinkedIn searches. Whether you are actively seeking new job opportunities or open to being discovered by recruiters, keywords can help your profile get found.
Why Are Keywords Important for Recruiter Searches?
Keywords are the core of any LinkedIn search. When recruiters are looking to fill an open position, they rely on keyword searches to surface profiles of qualified candidates from the hundreds of millions of members on LinkedIn.
Keywords help recruiters narrow down profiles to those that contain the specific qualifications, skills, job titles, expertise, and other attributes they are screening for. Some key advantages of using keywords for recruiter searches include:
- Save Time: Keywords help recruiters filter profiles efficiently so they don’t have to browse through irrelevant profiles.
- Pinpoint Relevant Candidates: Using niche, descriptive keywords enables recruiters to cut through the noise and discover candidates who are more likely to be a match for the position requirements.
- Surface Non-Active Candidates: Even candidates who aren’t actively job searching could have profiles containing relevant keywords that get picked up by recruiters.
- Learn About Candidate Capabilities: The keywords in a candidate’s profile convey what they have experience, knowledge and expertise in.
Rather than relying on basic searches by job title or company, savvy recruiters use strategic keywords to uncover candidates who have the exact qualifications they are seeking but may not be visible through a general search.
Common Keywords Recruiters Search For
The keywords recruiters search for will vary depending on the open position they are looking to fill. However, some common types of keywords that are frequently used in LinkedIn searches include:
Skills
Technical skills for roles like software engineering, data science, design, etc. For example: JavaScript, Tableau, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
Soft skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, etc.
Certifications like PMP, CPA, Six Sigma Black Belt, etc.
Job Titles/Departments
Current or previous job titles like Project Manager, Sales Director, Social Media Manager, etc.
Specific departments like Marketing, IT, Finance, HR, etc.
Seniority levels like manager, director, coordinator, analyst, etc.
Employers
Current or past employers, especially well-known companies
Specific divisions or locations of large companies
Expertise
Areas of specialization like cybersecurity, blockchain, robotics, 3D printing
Industry expertise in fields like healthcare, education, aerospace, construction
Product/technology expertise like Slack, AWS, Oracle, ChromeOS
Education
Degrees like B.S. in Computer Science, MBA, etc.
Academic concentrations like artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering
Names ofacademic institutions like top universities or colleges
Other Attributes
Keywords for professional qualifications like PMP, CFA, PE
Security clearances like TOP SECRET
Languages like Fluent in Spanish, Conversational Japanese
Location keywords like New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, etc.
Tips for Selecting Effective Keywords
To maximize the chances of being discovered by recruiters, it pays to be strategic with selecting keywords to include on your LinkedIn profile. Here are some tips:
Use keywords recruiters are likely searching for
Focus on specifics over general terms. For example, “social media marketing” is better than just “marketing”.
Include keywords from recent job descriptions
Look at postings for the types of roles you are interested in and target those keywords.
Leverage LinkedIn’s Skills section
Populate your Skills section with relevant keywords recruiters search.
Sprinkle keywords naturally throughout profile
Avoid awkward repetition and overuse of keywords. Use them selectively where they fit naturally.
Include abbreviations/acronyms
Such as CPA, CSS, AWS.
Use nouns and technical terms
Keywords like “JavaScript” or “Tableau” are more searchable than phrases like “experience with”.
Include industry/niche keywords
Especially if you have expertise in a specific field.
Optimizing Your Profile with Keywords
To maximize your visibility in LinkedIn searches, it pays to strategically optimize your profile with relevant keywords. Here are some tips:
Headline
Your headline appears front and center at the top of your profile. Use this valuable real estate to include keywords like your current job title and function, industry expertise, certifications, etc.
Example: Certified Public Accountant | Financial Auditor | Risk Assurance Advisory
About section
Briefly summarize your background, experience, skills and goals. Work in keywords like key capabilities, achievements, specialties, etc.
Skills & endorsements
Thoroughly complete your Skills section with keywords for technical abilities, soft skills, languages, etc.
Experience descriptions
For each position, include keywords relevant to the responsibilities and accomplishments. Quantify results when possible.
Education
List degrees, majors/minors, certifications, etc. Mention any honors or involvement in groups/societies.
Additional sections
Volunteer experience, courses, projects, publications, patents and other profile sections offer more areas to organically incorporate keywords.
Tools to Identify the Best Keywords
Finding the most effective keywords to include on your profile requires researching terms commonly used and searched for within your target industry and job function. Here are some useful tools:
LinkedIn Skills Explorer
See the most in-demand skills based on member profiles for any industry, location, company size and more.
Job postings
Search listings on sites like Indeed, Monster, etc. for common keywords for your target role.
Google Adwords Keyword Planner
Research keywords people search in Google to describe jobs, skills, expertise, etc.
SEMrush
Enter target job titles into SEMrush to surface frequently used keywords in profiles.
Google autocomplete
Start typing job titles, skills etc. and see what Google autocomplete suggests based on common searches.
Conclusion
Keywords serve as the engine that powers recruiter searches on LinkedIn to surface qualified, relevant candidates for open positions. Maximizing your profile with strategic keywords tailored to your experience, skills and goals is key to being discovered by recruiters and hiring managers.
Keep your profile impactful and concise while organically weaving in the terms that matter most for your target opportunities. With some research and optimization, you can craft an effective profile that gets found by the right people at the right time to advance your career goals.
