If you have searched how to optimise your LinkedIn profile, how to get noticed by recruiters on LinkedIn, or why recruiters are not finding me, you are not alone. Thousands of professionals update their profiles every day, yet many still struggle to generate meaningful recruiter engagement.

At Vallum Associates, we work closely with hiring managers and talent across energy, infrastructure, technology and professional services. One consistent pattern is clear. Strong candidates are often overlooked simply because their LinkedIn profiles are not built to be found.

This guide explains how to optimise your LinkedIn profile strategically so it ranks in recruiter searches and positions you for new opportunities.

Understand how recruiters use LinkedIn

LinkedIn functions as a talent search engine. Recruiters do not browse randomly. They use filters, keywords and specific job titles to narrow down candidates quickly.

When hiring managers search, they use precise terms. For example Senior Project Manager renewable energy, Financial Controller multi site operations, Grid Connection Engineer HV infrastructure, or ESG Consultant sustainable finance. If those exact phrases are not reflected in your profile, you are unlikely to appear in the results. The key principle is alignment. Your profile must mirror the language used in the roles you want, not just describe your current position.

Optimise your headline for search visibility

Your headline is one of the most searchable sections of your profile. Many professionals only list their job title, which limits reach. Instead, structure your headline to include your role and specialisms. For example

• Project Manager Renewable Energy Grid Infrastructure Stakeholder Management

• Financial Analyst Financial Modelling Forecasting Business Partnering

This approach improves keyword density while remaining clear and professional. Recruiters searching multiple related terms are more likely to find you.

Write an about section that answers search intent

Think about what someone might type into a search engine such as Google:

• Experienced construction project manager commercial fit out

• Senior data analyst Python SQL Power BI

• Business development manager energy sector strategic partnerships

If these phrases reflect your expertise, they should appear naturally within your About section. This is where SEO and answer engine optimisation intersect. Your profile should clearly answer the question who are you and what do you specialise in. Avoid generic adjectives such as motivated or dynamic. Focus instead on measurable evidence.

Strengthen your experience and skills sections

Recruiters frequently filter candidates by skills before reviewing profiles in detail. If you want to be discovered for contract management, grid infrastructure, financial modelling, regulatory compliance or digital transformation, those skills must be listed clearly.

Ensure each role description includes:

• Clear responsibilities

• Sector specific terminology

• Quantifiable achievements

Fully completed profiles consistently perform better in search visibility than incomplete ones. Add certifications, professional memberships and relevant training.

Recommendations are also powerful. When colleagues reference your leadership, stakeholder engagement or technical expertise, they provide third party validation while reinforcing search terms.

Increase visibility through engagement

LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards active users. Sharing industry insight, commenting thoughtfully on sector updates and engaging with relevant organisations increases exposure.

For example, engaging with developments from companies such as Siemens in engineering or Microsoft in digital transformation demonstrates awareness and keeps your profile active within relevant networks. Consistency matters more than frequency. Professional engagement signals relevance to both recruiters and hiring managers.

Use market insight to position yourself strategically

Optimising your LinkedIn profile is not about stuffing keywords. It is about positioning. The most effective profiles align with market demand.

At Vallum Associates, we understand what employers are actively searching for because we speak to them daily. We see which skills are gaining traction, which sectors are investing and how hiring language evolves. If you are exploring new opportunities, your profile should reflect the direction you want your career to move in. If you are open to conversations but not actively applying, there are ways to signal availability discreetly while maintaining professionalism.

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Optimise your profile, align it with the roles you actually want, and make yourself searchable.

Once you have done that, we can find you. And when we find you, we can place you.

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Take a look​