LinkedIn Profile Optimization Guide
Section-by-section guide to creating a recruiter-ready profile
1 Profile Photo
Your photo is the first thing recruiters see. Make it count.
- Use a high-quality, recent headshot
- Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
- Face the camera with a natural smile
- Use a plain or uncluttered background
- Ensure good lighting (natural light works best)
- Your face should fill 60% of the frame
Free Tool: Use
remove.bg to clean up your background, or Photoroom for professional edits.
2 Banner Image
The banner is valuable real estate. Use it strategically.
- Dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels
- Show something related to your field (gym, sports, wellness)
- Include text with your specialty or tagline
- Use Canva's free LinkedIn banner templates
3 Headline (Most Important!)
Your headline appears everywhere—in search results, comments, and connection requests. Make it keyword-rich and compelling.
Weak Headlines
"Student at CSUSM"
"Looking for opportunities"
"Recent graduate"
Strong Headlines
"Kinesiology Graduate | Personal Trainer | Specializing in Strength & Conditioning"
"Exercise Science Professional | NSCA-CPT | Passionate About Sports Performance"
"Future Physical Therapist | Kinesiology BS | Rehabilitation & Wellness Enthusiast"
Headline Formula
[Role/Title] | [Credential or Education] | [Specialty or Passion]
4 About Section
This is your elevator pitch. Write in first person and make it conversational yet professional.
Structure (300-500 words ideal):
- Hook: Start with what drives you or a compelling statement
- Background: Your education and relevant experience
- Skills: What you're good at and can offer
- Goals: What you're looking for
- Call to Action: Invite connection
Example About Section
I believe everyone deserves access to quality fitness guidance, regardless of their starting point. This belief drove me to pursue a degree in Kinesiology at Cal State San Marcos, where I've combined classroom learning with hands-on experience.
During my internship at [Facility], I conducted fitness assessments, designed individualized exercise programs, and coached clients through their fitness journeys. I'm particularly passionate about working with beginner clients who need that extra encouragement and support.
I'm currently pursuing my NSCA-CPT certification and am eager to begin my career as a personal trainer. I'm especially interested in positions that allow me to work with diverse populations and continue growing as a fitness professional.
Let's connect! I'm always happy to discuss fitness, career opportunities, or share what I've learned along the way.
5 Experience Section
Include all relevant experience—paid, unpaid, and academic.
- Use bullet points with action verbs
- Quantify achievements when possible
- Include internships, volunteer work, and student positions
- Add media (photos, presentations, certifications)
6 Skills Section
Add at least 10 relevant skills. LinkedIn allows up to 50.
Recommended Keywords for Health & Fitness:
Personal Training
Exercise Prescription
Fitness Assessment
Strength Training
Program Design
Client Communication
Nutrition Guidance
Group Fitness
Corrective Exercise
Sports Performance
Rehabilitation
Wellness Coaching
CPR/AED Certified
Microsoft Office
EMR Systems
Pro Tip: Ask colleagues, classmates, and supervisors to endorse your skills. Profiles with endorsements appear higher in search results.
7 Education & Certifications
- Add your degree with expected graduation date
- List relevant coursework
- Add all certifications (CPR, fitness certs, etc.)
- Include honors and GPA if 3.0+
8 Recommendations
Request recommendations from:
- Internship supervisors
- Professors who know your work
- Colleagues or peers you've worked with
- Clients (if appropriate)
LinkedIn Profile Checklist
- ☐ Professional headshot uploaded
- ☐ Custom banner image
- ☐ Keyword-rich headline
- ☐ Compelling About section (300+ words)
- ☐ All experience listed with bullet points
- ☐ 10+ relevant skills added
- ☐ Education complete with details
- ☐ Certifications added
- ☐ Custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
- ☐ At least 2 recommendations
- ☐ Open to Work enabled (if job searching)
- ☐ 50+ connections