How to Use LinkedIn to Stand Out in a Tough Job Market

The job market is shifting fast. By 2026, economists predict the toughest hiring climate in 45 years. Today, many roles posted online attract hundreds--or even thousands--of applicants. Companies are flooded with resumes, recruiters are overwhelmed, and the traditional “apply and wait” approach often goes nowhere.

It can feel discouraging, especially if you’re doing everything you were told to do and still not hearing back.  And this is exactly why tools like LinkedIn matter more than many job candidates realize today. Recruiters aren’t only using job boards anymore. They’re actively searching LinkedIn. Looking for people who seem like someone they’d want on their team.

When I was looking for a job for the first time in 18 years, someone told me about LinkedIn. But when you're already feeling stressed about applying for jobs, it feels like one more thing you're going to fail at.

Had I used LinkedIn back then, maybe I would have landed a job sooner. But I really thought applying to jobs on job boards was the way to go, so I applied to 88 jobs and heard nothing back.

Today, LinkedIn is an even more important tool because applicants flood the job boards. If you feel like your resume is in a good place but you haven't paid much attention to your LinkedIn profile, December is a great time to work on it.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s what I suggest:

1. Add a friendly profile photo
Adding a professional photo to your profile makes you 11 times more likely to be found on LinkedIn. Ideally, this is a photo of you with a plain background. It doesn’t have to be professionally taken, but it does need to be current. Some people use an old photo so they don’t look as old, but recruiters expect your LinkedIn photo to look like you. Showing up looking noticeably different can create a trust gap.

2. Update your headline
This section tells recruiters who you are. If you’ve never been in the workforce, your headline can include:

• A future-facing role or function
• Transferable skills you’ve developed
• A learning path you’re on (courses, certifications, training)
• The type of work environment or impact you’re seeking

Example:

“Skilled in Organization, Scheduling & Communication | Exploring Entry-Level Business or Operations Roles”

3. Write a short ‘About’ section
This is a short explanation of who you are, what you’re good at, and what you’re looking for next. When someone reads this section, they’re asking:

• Can I understand this person quickly?
• Do they communicate clearly?
• Do they seem thoughtful and capable?
• Can I imagine them in a professional setting?

4. Add something to the Experience section, even if it’s not a job
If you’ve never been in the paid workforce, you can still list experiences that show responsibility, judgment, and skills.

Examples:

• Household & Family Operations (Career Break)
• Volunteer Coordinator – School / Church / Community
• Freelance or Project-Based Work (even if unpaid)

Under each, describe what you did--not why you did it.

5. Follow a few companies or leaders you admire
You don’t have to post yet. Just start getting familiar with the conversations happening in your field.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before the new year. Showing up now can help you be seen when it matters most. While you’re doing everything for everyone else this month, consider doing this one small thing for you.

And if you haven’t already joined the free Elavare RETURN Community, learn more here. Get support from other women, ask questions, and feel less alone. If you've already joined, consider actually participating in it!

Read additional blog posts here.