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How To Craft a Standout LinkedIn Profile

August 15, 20243 min read

A standout LinkedIn profile is essential in today's competitive job market. Recruiters spend countless hours scouring profiles for potential candidates, and you want to ensure yours catches their eye.

Here’s a comprehensive guide, packed with expert-approved steps, to help you craft a standout LinkedIn profile.

1. Professional Photo

Your profile photo is the first impression you make. Ensure you use a high-quality, recent headshot that looks professional. Aim for a clean background, good lighting, and a friendly, approachable expression. This small detail can make a big difference in how recruiters perceive you.

2. Compelling Headline

Go beyond your job title in your headline. This space is prime real estate for showcasing your value. Instead of simply stating "Software Engineer," try "Innovative Software Engineer Specialising in AI and Machine Learning Solutions." This approach highlights your role and your unique strengths and specialities.

3. Engaging Summary

Your summary is your elevator pitch. In 3-5 punchy paragraphs, tell your career story. Highlight your passions, key achievements, and what drives you. This section should give a sense of who you are professionally and personally. Use first-person narrative to make it more engaging and relatable.

4. Experience Section

When detailing your experience, focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments, metrics, and impact. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of developers," say "Led a team of 10 developers to deliver a major project 2 months ahead of schedule, improving process efficiency by 20%."

5. Skills & Endorsements

List relevant skills that reflect your expertise and the roles you’re targeting. Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and clients to add credibility. Endorsements serve as social proof, enhancing your profile’s attractiveness to recruiters.

6. Recommendations

Request and give meaningful recommendations. These testimonials provide third-party validation of your skills and work ethic. When requesting a recommendation, be specific about what you’d like the person to highlight. Similarly, write thoughtful recommendations for others, focusing on their strengths and contributions.

7. Education & Certifications

Showcase your learning journey by listing your education and any relevant certifications. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Include any courses, workshops, or training that are pertinent to your field.

8. Volunteer Experience

Highlight your volunteer experiences to demonstrate your values and soft skills. Volunteering shows that you’re community-oriented and have interests outside of work. It also offers a chance to highlight additional skills such as leadership, project management, and teamwork.

9. Custom URL

Create a personalised LinkedIn URL for easy sharing. A custom URL not only looks professional but also makes it easier for people to find you. Edit your LinkedIn profile URL to something simple, like LinkedIn.com/in/yourname

Here's how to personalise your LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a542685/manage-your-public-profile-url?lang=en#:~:text=Click%20the%20Me%20icon%20at,to%20your%20public%20profile%20URL.10.

10. Regular Activity

Engage with your network regularly by sharing industry insights, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions. Regular activity keeps your profile visible and shows that you’re active in your professional community. It’s a great way to build relationships and stay updated on industry trends.

Implement these tips and take your LinkedIn profile to the next level. Once you’ve made some improvements, comment below with your biggest profile enhancement! 👇

Need some support with your LinkedIn profile? Book a free discovery call!

#LinkedInTips #CareerAdvice #PersonalBranding #JobSearch #NetworkingStrategy

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Lisa Howe

Career Coach and CV/Resume Writer

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LHCVSolutions Ltd
Career Coaching and Productivity Solutions
https://lhcvsolutions.com/]
[email protected]
Assessment
Theories
Frameworks
Science
Self-Care
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Neurodiversity
Journal
Planning
Resources
Time
Management Mastery
A Comprehensive Guide & Journal for Busy Professionals
Welcome to Your Productivity Journey
[CUSTOMIZE THIS WELCOME MESSAGE] This comprehensive guide combines evidence-based time management theories, productivity frameworks, and inclusive strategies designed for diverse professional needs. Whether you're managing ADHD, dealing with imposter syndrome, or simply looking to optimize your productivity while maintaining work-life balance, this guide adapts to your unique situation.
Start Your Journey
Personal Assessment
Productivity Style Quiz
When do you feel most productive?
Select your peak time
Early Morning (5-8 AM)
Morning (8-11 AM)
Midday (11 AM-2 PM)
Afternoon (2-5 PM)
Evening (5-8 PM)
Night (8 PM+)

How do you prefer to organize tasks?
Select your style
Visual (boards, colors, charts)
Lists and checkboxes
Calendar-based
Digital apps and tools
Paper and analog methods
Combination of methods

What's your biggest productivity challenge?
Select your challenge
Procrastination
Feeling overwhelmed
Maintaining focus
Prioritizing tasks
Managing interruptions
Perfectionism
Estimating time accurately

Get My Recommendations
Energy & Focus Tracker
Track your energy levels throughout the day for one week to identify your optimal working hours.
Today's Date:
Morning Energy (1-10):
5
Afternoon Energy (1-10):
5
Evening Energy (1-10):
5
Focus Quality (1-10):
5
Save Today's Data
Core Time Management Theories


Eisenhower Matrix
Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance.
Urgent + Important
Do First
Important + Not Urgent
Schedule
Urgent + Not Important
Delegate
Not Urgent + Not Important
Eliminate
Best for:

Decision-making under pressureReducing reactive behavioursStrategic thinking development



Getting Things Done (GTD)
David Allen's comprehensive productivity system.
5 Steps:

Capture everythingClarify what it meansOrganise by categoryReflect and reviewEngage with confidence


Best for:

Complex, multi-project workflowsReducing mental clutterBuilding trusted systems



Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks.
Process:

Choose a taskSet timer for 25 minutesWork until timer ringsTake 5-minute breakRepeat, longer break after 4 cycles


Best for:

Maintaining focus and energyOvercoming procrastinationADHD-friendly time management



Time Blocking
Assign specific time blocks to different activities and tasks.
Types:

Task blocking: Specific tasksTimeboxing: Fixed durationDay theming: Daily themesBuffer blocks: Unexpected tasks


Best for:

Preventing overcommitmentBatch processing similar tasksProtecting deep work time



Eat the Frog
Tackle your most challenging task first thing in the morning.
Implementation:

Identify your "frog" the night beforeStart with it first thingNo email/distractions firstCelebrate completion


Best for:

Overcoming procrastinationUsing peak morning energyBuilding momentum for the day



Two-Minute Rule
If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Applications:

Email responsesQuick phone callsFiling documentsBrief status updates


Best for:

Preventing small task buildupMaintaining workflow momentumReducing decision fatigue


Advanced Productivity Frameworks
PARA Method
Organize information into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives.
Projects
Things with a deadline and specific outcome
Areas
Ongoing responsibilities to maintain over time
Resources
Topics of ongoing interest for future reference
Archives
Inactive items from the other three categories
Deep Work Principles
Cal Newport's framework for focused, high-value work.
Four Philosophies:

Monastic: Eliminate shallow work entirelyBimodal: Alternate between deep and shallow periodsRhythmic: Establish regular deep work habitsJournalistic: Switch to deep work when possible


Implementation Rules:

1. Work deeply with rituals and routines2. Embrace boredom and resist distraction3. Quit social media that doesn't add value4. Drain the shallows with time blocking


Energy Management
Manage your energy, not just your time, for sustainable productivity.
Four Types of Energy:
Physical: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, recovery
Emotional: Positive feelings, enjoyment, motivation
Mental: Focus, attention, creative thinking
Spiritual: Purpose, meaning, values alignment
Energy Audit Exercise:
Track your energy levels hourly for a week to identify patterns and optimise your schedule.
Personal Agile/Scrum
Apply agile methodologies to personal productivity.
Key Concepts:

Sprints: 1-2 week focused work periodsBacklog: Prioritized list of tasks/goalsDaily Standups: Quick progress check-insRetrospectives: Regular process improvement


Personal Implementation:

Weekly sprint planning sessionsDaily 5-minute progress reviewsBi-weekly retrospectivesKanban board for task visualisation


Science-Based Approaches
Flow State
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's research on optimal experience.
Conditions for Flow:

• Clear goals and immediate feedback• Balance between challenge and skill• Merge of action and awareness• Loss of self-consciousness


How to Achieve:

• Eliminate distractions• Set clear, challenging goals• Focus on the process, not outcome• Practice regularly


Attention Restoration
Rachel and Stephen Kaplan's theory on mental fatigue recovery.
Two Types of Attention:

• Directed: Effortful, gets depleted• Fascination: Effortless, restorative


Restoration Methods:

• Nature exposure (even photos help)• Meditation and mindfulness• Engaging hobbies• Physical exercise


Circadian Optimisation
Align work with your natural biological rhythms.
Typical Energy Patterns:

• 9-11 AM: Peak alertness• 1-3 PM: Natural dip• 3-6 PM: Second peak• 9 PM+: Wind down time


Optimisation Strategies:

• Schedule demanding tasks at peaks• Use dips for routine tasks• Light exposure in morning• Consistent sleep schedule


Cognitive Load Theory
John Sweller's research on working memory limitations.
Three Types of Load:

• Intrinsic: Task complexity• Extraneous: Poor presentation• Germane: Learning/processing


Practical Applications:

• Break complex tasks into chunks• Remove unnecessary distractions• Use external memory aids• Practice to automate skills


Dual Coding Theory
Allan Paivio's theory on visual and verbal information processing.
Two Systems:

• Verbal: Language-based processing• Visual: Image-based processing


Productivity Applications:

• Combine text with visuals• Use mind maps and diagrams• Colour-code information• Create visual reminders


Habit Formation
BJ Fogg's Behaviour Model and Charles Duhigg's Habit Loop.
Habit Loop (Duhigg):

• Cue: Environmental trigger• Routine: The behaviour• Reward: The benefit


Fogg's B=MAP Model:

• Motivation: Want to do it• Ability: Can do it• Prompt: Trigger to do it


Self-Care Integration
Sustainable Productivity Mindset
True productivity isn't about squeezing every minute out of your day—it's about creating sustainable systems that support your well-being while achieving your goals.
Burnout Prevention
Early Warning Signs

• Chronic exhaustion despite rest• Cynicism toward work• Reduced sense of accomplishment• Physical symptoms (headaches, insomnia)


Prevention Strategies

• Regular energy audits• Proactive boundary setting• Stress management techniques• Support system cultivation


Work-Life Integration
Boundary Types

• Temporal: When you work• Spatial: Where you work• Technological: How you're reached• Emotional: Mental separation


Integration Strategies

• Transition rituals• Dedicated spaces• Communication protocols• Recovery time protection


Recovery Protocols
Micro-Recovery (2-15 minutes):

• Deep breathing exercises• Brief meditation• Gentle stretching• Hydration break


Macro-Recovery (15+ minutes):

• Physical exercise• Nature walks• Creative activities• Social connection


Recovery Ratio: For every 90 minutes of focused work, take 15-20 minutes of recovery.
Stress Management
Physiological Techniques:

• 4-7-8 breathing technique• Progressive muscle relaxation• Cold water face immersion• Vagus nerve stimulation


Cognitive Techniques:

• Reframing negative thoughts• Mindfulness practices• Gratitude journaling• Perspective taking


Emergency Protocol: When overwhelmed, use the STOP technique: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully.
Physical Wellness
Movement Integration:

• Standing desk options• Walking meetings• Desk exercises• Movement reminders


Nutrition for Productivity:

• Stable blood sugar• Hydration tracking• Brain-healthy foods• Meal timing optimisation


Sleep Hygiene: Consistent sleep schedule, limited screen time before bed, cool dark room, and caffeine cutoff 6 hours before sleep.
Imposter Syndrome & Confidence Building
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome affects up to 70% of people at some point in their careers. It's the persistent feeling that you're not as competent as others perceive you to be, and that you'll be exposed as a "fraud." This can severely impact productivity through procrastination, over-preparation, and self-sabotage.
Common Manifestations

•Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic standards to avoid "being found out"•Over-preparation: Excessive research/preparation due to fear of inadequacy•Attributing success to luck: Dismissing achievements as fortunate circumstances•Fear of failure: Avoiding challenges to prevent exposure of "inadequacy"•Downplaying expertise: Minimising knowledge and experience


Reframing Strategies

•Normalise learning: Everyone is continuously learning and improving•Focus on growth: Emphasise progress over perfection•Collect evidence: Document achievements and positive feedback•Separate feelings from facts: Acknowledge emotions without accepting them as truth•Mentor others: Teaching reinforces your own competence


Confidence Building
Daily Practices:

• Morning affirmations• Success journaling• Skill inventory updates• Progress photo documentation


Weekly Exercises:

• Achievement review sessions• Feedback compilation• Comfort zone expansion• Mentorship conversations


Confidence Bank
Keep a running list of your accomplishments, positive feedback, and skills learned. Review regularly, especially before challenging situations.
Healthy Perfectionism
Perfectionism vs. Excellence:
Perfectionism:
• All-or-nothing thinking
• Fear-driven
• Paralysis
• Self-criticism
Excellence:
• Continuous improvement
• Growth-driven
• Action-oriented
• Self-compassion
Practical Strategies:

• Set "good enough" standards• Time-box perfectionist tasks• Celebrate iterations• Embrace feedback loops


Support Systems
Professional Networks:

• Mentorship relationships• Peer support groups• Professional associations• Industry communities


Feedback Systems:

• Regular check-ins with supervisor• 360-degree feedback• Client testimonials• Peer reviews


Impostor Syndrome Support
Share your feelings with trusted colleagues. You'll often find that others have similar experiences, normalising the feeling and reducing its power.
Neurodiversity-Friendly Strategies
Inclusive Productivity Approaches
Neurodiversity encompasses various neurological differences, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others. Traditional productivity methods often assume neurotypical cognitive patterns. These adaptive strategies recognise different thinking styles and provide alternatives that work for diverse brains.
Key Principles

• Flexibility over rigidity: Adaptive systems that can be modified• Strengths-based approach: Leverage natural abilities and interests• Sensory considerations: Account for sensory processing differences• Executive function support: External structures for internal challenges• Multiple modalities: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic options


Universal Design Benefits

• Clarity and structure: Benefits everyone, essential for some• Multiple ways to engage: Accommodates different learning styles• Reduced cognitive load: Simplifies complex processes• Customisation options: Personal adaptation capabilities• Progress tracking: Visual feedback and motivation


ADHD-Friendly Approaches
Time Management Challenges:

• Time blindness and estimation difficulties• Hyperfocus vs. distractibility• Difficulty with transitions• Procrastination and overwhelm


Adaptive Strategies:

• Time Boxing: Visible timers and shorter intervals• Body Doubling: Working alongside others for accountability• Gamification: Points, rewards, and competition elements• Movement Integration: Standing desks, fidget tools, walking meetings• Dopamine Regulation: Immediate rewards and novel approaches


ADHD-Specific Tools:

• Visual schedules and calendars• Multiple reminders and alarms• Task breakdown into micro-steps• Distraction-blocking apps• Noise-cancelling headphones


Autism-Friendly Approaches
Common Considerations:

• Sensory processing differences• Need for predictability and routine• Detail-oriented thinking• Communication and social challenges


Supportive Strategies:

• Routine Building: Consistent daily structures• Sensory Accommodations: Lighting, sound, texture modifications• Clear Instructions: Explicit, step-by-step guidance• Special Interests: Incorporating motivating topics• Transition Warnings: Advance notice of changes


Autism Strengths to Leverage:

• Attention to detail and quality• Systematic and logical thinking• Deep focus and expertise• Honest and direct communication• Pattern recognition abilities


Executive Function Support
Core Functions:

• Working memory• Cognitive flexibility• Inhibitory control• Planning and organisation


Support Strategies:

• External memory aids• Checklists and templates• Visual organisers• Regular review systems


Sensory Considerations
Environment Modifications:

• Lighting adjustments• Sound management• Texture considerations• Spatial organisation


Sensory Tools:

• Weighted items• Fidget tools• Noise-cancelling headphones• Comfortable seating


Communication Adaptations
Clear Communication:

• Specific, concrete language• Written follow-ups• Visual supports• Time for processing


Alternative Methods:

• Email over phone calls• Structured meetings• Advance agenda sharing• Multiple communication channels


Interactive Journal Pages
Daily Planning Template
Date:
Top 3 Priorities:


Energy Level (1-10):
5
Scheduled Breaks:
Evening Reflection:
Save Daily Plan
Weekly Review Template
Week of:
Biggest Wins:
Challenges Faced:
Lessons Learned:
Next Week's Focus:
Productivity Method Rating:
Effectiveness (1-10): 5
Satisfaction (1-10): 5
Save Weekly Review
Habit Tracker
Add New Habit:
Add


Time Audit
Activity:
Time Spent (minutes):
Value Rating (1-10):
5
Log Entry


Goal Progress
Goal:
Progress (%):
0%
Target Date:
Save Goal


Action Planning & Goal Setting
SMART Goals Framework
Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for maximum effectiveness.
Goal Planning Worksheet
Goal Statement:
Specific (What exactly?):
Measurable (How will you know?):
Achievable (Is it realistic?):
Relevant (Why does it matter?):
Time-bound (When will you complete it?):
Action Steps
Break down into steps:


+ Add Step
Potential Obstacles:
Solutions/Strategies:
Accountability Partner:
Save SMART Goal
Quarterly Planning
Quarter & Year:
Theme for this Quarter:
Top 3 Objectives:


Skills to Develop:
Success Metrics:
Save Quarterly Plan
My Productivity System
Primary Method:
Select your main approach
Getting Things Done
Pomodoro Technique
Time Blocking
Eisenhower Matrix
Personal Agile
Hybrid Approach

Secondary Methods:
Tools & Apps:
Daily Routine:
Weekly Review Process:
What's Working Well:
Areas for Improvement:
Save My System
Resources & References
Essential Books
Getting Things Done
by David Allen
Deep Work
by Cal Newport
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
The Power of Full Engagement
by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown
Key Research
Attention Restoration Theory
Kaplan, R. & Kaplan, S. (1989)
Pomodoro Technique Study
Cirillo, F. (2006)
Cognitive Load Theory
Sweller, J. (1988)
Habit Formation Research
Fogg, B.J. (2009)
Circadian Rhythm & Productivity
Monk, T.H. (2005)
Imposter Syndrome Studies
Clance, P.R. & Imes, S.A. (1978)
Recommended Tools
Task Management:
Todoist, Things 3, Notion, Asana
Time Tracking:
RescueTime, Toggl, Forest
Focus & Blocking:
Freedom, Cold Turkey, Focus
Note-taking:
Obsidian, Roam, Logseq
Calendar Management:
Calendly, Reclaim.ai, Motion
ADHD-Specific:
Tiimo, Habitica, Body Doubling apps
Neurodiversity Resources
ADHD:
ADDitude Magazine, How to ADHD (YouTube), Russell Barkley research
Autism:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Temple Grandin resources
Executive Function:
Smart but Scattered books, Executive Function coaching
General:
Neurodiversity Hub, Understood.org
Wellness Resources
Burnout Prevention:
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
Meditation Apps:
Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer
Sleep Optimisation:
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Stress Management:
The Stress-Proof Brain by Melanie Greenberg
Professional Development
Productivity Courses:
Building a Second Brain, GTD courses
Time Management Training:
Franklin Covey, David Allen Company
Leadership & Management:
Manager Tools podcast, Harvard Business Review
Coaching & Mentoring:
International Coach Federation resources
LHCVSolutions Ltd
At LHCVSolutions Ltd, we specialise in personalised career coaching, executive CV writing, and AI training for professionals ready to elevate their careers. With over 20 years of experience, we support mid-to-senior level professionals and executives through career transitions, job search strategy, LinkedIn optimisation and future-focused digital tools. Our approach blends psychology, productivity science and innovative AI solutions to help you move forward with confidence.
Our Mission
To empower high-achieving professionals with the clarity, tools and strategies needed to thrive in a changing world of work - through expert coaching, career development resources and smart use of AI.
[email protected]

+44 7877781745
https://lhcvsolutions
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Additional Services
• One-to-One Career Coaching
• AI Skills Training (Career Focused)
• LinkedIn Optimisation
• Business and Personal Branding Coaching
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