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LinkedIn Profile Optimization: What Recruiters Actually Search

Apr 12, 2026 7 min read By Dezzify AI Team

How recruiters search LinkedIn

Recruiters use Boolean search with specific keywords: job titles, skills, companies, locations, and years of experience. Your profile is indexed like a search engine — if your keywords don't match their search, you won't appear.

Headline formula that works

Your headline is the highest-weighted text on your profile. Don't waste it on your job title alone.

  • Formula: [Target Role] | [Key Skill 1] · [Key Skill 2] · [Key Skill 3] | [Proof point]
  • Example: 'Product Manager | B2B SaaS · Growth · User Research | Shipped 3 products to 1M+ users'
  • Include keywords recruiters search for your target role

Pro tip

Dezzify AI's LinkedIn Optimizer scores your profile and suggests headline variants ranked by recruiter search relevance.

About section structure

Write in first person. Hook in line one, value proposition in lines 2–4, proof points as bullets, and a clear CTA at the end.

  • Line 1: Hook — what you do and who you help
  • Lines 2–4: Your unique approach or specialty
  • Bullets: 3–4 quantified achievements
  • Close: 'Open to [type of opportunities]' + contact preference

Skills and endorsements strategy

List 15–25 skills, ordered with your top 3 pinned. These appear in recruiter searches. Endorsements add social proof but matter less than keyword placement.

Put this into practice

Apply these tips inside Dezzify AI

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