5 Ways to Look Good on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is often the first impression you make on a recruiter or prospective employer. Reputations matter and networks are tight, so what you put out there counts.

Here are five simple ways to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward, with tips from our experts.

1. Update Your Photo

Joel’s big one? Your profile photo.

If it’s more than two years old, update it. People want to see who they’re actually meeting. It doesn’t need to be corporate-glossy, just clear, recent and professional.

2. Use Real Titles and the Right Keywords

Joel also pointed out that LinkedIn is essentially a search engine. Recruiters search by titles and keywords every day.

If you’ve created a “creative” job title instead of using something standard like Civil Engineer, Project Manager or Site Supervisor, you’re harder to find. The same goes for industry buzzwords — rail, roads, renewables, TMR, TfNSW, drainage, structures, etc.

Accurate titles + relevant keywords = more visibility.

3. Be Careful What You Post and Comment On

“People will judge based on what you like and post,” Joel says, and Paulina agrees.

Strong opinions on politics, religion or controversial topics can quietly cost you opportunities. A simple rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it at a work dinner, maybe think twice.

4. Don’t Hide Your Details

Sharon’s biggest frustration? A profile with no CV or contact details.

Even if you’re only casually open to roles, make it easy for recruiters to reach you. And as Sarah points out, not listing your full name can come across as odd or overly guarded.

If we can’t contact you, we can’t represent you.

5. Be Active, But Be Smart About It

LinkedIn activity can show engagement and interest in your industry.

But Joel also flagged that if you’re constantly active during work hours, and you’re not in marketing or BD, it can raise eyebrows.

Be thoughtful about what you engage with and how often. Professional presence beats constant presence.

At the end of the day, LinkedIn is part CV, part reputation, part digital handshake. Australia’s infrastructure space is a small world, and impressions travel fast. A few small tweaks can make a big difference.