The most sought-after, highest-paid candidates? They’re not just lucky. They’re intentional.

They know who they are, what they bring, and how to communicate it – so well, in fact, that people want them before they even apply.

The candidates at the top of their game? They’ve built a reputation, a body of work, and a presence that speaks for itself.

Reading this thinking, “But I don’t really have much to showcase…”? Then start doing more great work so you can.

Worried about being judged? The reality is people are judging you anyway.

You might as well be judged for who you are, instead of blending in with every other “motivated professional” on LinkedIn.

And remember, it’s always the people doing the least who have the most to say about others. The ones actually excelling? They’re too busy building their next big thing to be critiquing yours.

Now, let’s fix your LinkedIn.

Your LinkedIn Profile is Not Your CV

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital resume, it’s your billboard in a world where attention spans are shorter than a TikTok video.

Did you know that over 70% of hiring managers check LinkedIn before deciding if you’re interview-worthy?  (Source: LinkedIn)

The biggest mistakes people make.

1. They don’t brand themselves at all.

2. They haven’t put in the work to figure out who they are, so they end up sounding like ChatGPT’s long-lost twin.

The fix? First. Do the work. Second. Strategic visibility.

Showcase Wins.

Profiles with quantifiable achievements receive 40% more recruiter messages. (Source: LinkedIn Business Insights)

Most people treat their LinkedIn profile like a digital resume with a list of responsibilities that tells recruiters what they were assigned to do, but not what they accomplished. The truth is no one hires based on responsibilities. They hire based on impact.

If your profile reads like a job description, it’s time to rethink how you present yourself. Instead of stating what you did, focus on what changed because of your work.

How to frame your experience effectively:

• Instead of “Managed day-to-day operations,” say: “Revamped workflow by implementing x, cutting turnaround time by 35% and increasing client retention.”
• Instead of “Handled social media strategy,” say: “Grew engagement by 250% in six months through a data-driven content refresh with a focus on x.” 

Know What You Stand For (And What You Don’t)

Great brands are clear, consistent, and unapologetic. The same goes for your personal brand.

Think about some of the brands you admire – Nike, Apple. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. They know exactly what they stand for.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want to be known for? (Hint: It must be more than “hardworking.”)
• What am I not about? (Clarity comes as much from what you reject as what you embrace.)
• What’s my unique edge? (Your insight, skill, or experience that others don’t have.)

Craft a Summary with a Hook

80% of LinkedIn users skim profiles, not read them. If your first two lines don’t hook them, they’re gone. (Source: LinkedIn Engagement Report)

Your LinkedIn Summary is your pitch. It should tell who you are, what you bring to the table, and why it matters.

1. Keep it punchy
2. Write like you speak. If your summary sounds like an AI-generated cover letter, rewrite it.
3. Make your value obvious. How obvious? Test it on your kids, your parents, your friends. If they can read it and explain the value you bring without their eyes glazing over, you’ve nailed it.

Let Other People Brag for You

Profiles with strong recommendations are three times more likely to get hired. (Source: LinkedIn Placement Insights)

Strong LinkedIn recommendations are the social proof that elevate your profile.

Ask for recommendations strategically—from managers, clients, or colleagues who can back up your skills.

Final Thoughts.

Step one: Be damn good at what you do. Build the skills. Get the wins. Have something real to show for it. No amount of LinkedIn fluff can cover for a career that isn’t built on actual impact.

Step two: Make sure people know about it. Not in a desperate “look at me” kind of way, but with clarity, confidence, and proof. If you don’t talk about your achievements, who will?

Do this right, and you won’t be chasing jobs. Jobs will be chasing you.

And if you’re the one hiring instead of job hunting? Same rules apply.

The best candidates don’t just pick a company, they pick a leader. Someone who’s visible, respected, and worth working for.

So, whether you’re after your next role or your next great hire, your brand should be doing the heavy lifting for you