LinkedIn Is Where Jobs Are Found
87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates. An optimized profile can bring opportunities to you instead of chasing them. This guide shows you exactly how to set up your profile after a layoff.
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Recommended LinkedIn & Interview Tools
When to Update Your Profile
Timing matters. Don't rush to update LinkedIn in the first hours after a layoff when emotions are high.
Recommended Timeline
- Day 0-1: Don't change anything publicly. Process your emotions first.
- Day 2-3: Update your profile settings (Open to Work, job preferences)
- Day 4-5: Refresh your headline, About section, and recent experience
- Day 5-7: Consider posting about your transition (if comfortable)
Don't Post Angry
Wait until you can write something positive and forward-looking. Bitter posts about your former employer will hurt your job search. Recruiters see everything.
Crafting the Perfect Headline
Your headline is the first thing people see. It needs to communicate who you are and what you're looking for.
Headline Examples
More Good Headlines
Headline Formula
[Title/Role] | [Key Skills or Experience] | [Signal You're Open]
Open to Work: Visible or Hidden?
LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature lets you signal to recruiters. You have two options:
Option 1: Visible to Recruiters Only
Your employer (or anyone at your company using LinkedIn Recruiter) won't see the green badge. Recommended if you have any concern about discretion.
- Shows in recruiter search results
- No public badge on your profile
- Best for most job seekers
Option 2: Visible to Everyone (Green Badge)
The green #OpenToWork photo frame is visible to your entire network.
- Signals urgency to your network
- Some recruiters have mixed feelings about it
- Good if you want maximum visibility
Our Recommendation
Start with "Recruiters Only" visibility. Add the public badge only if you're comfortable with full visibility and want to maximize reach. The badge doesn't hurt as much as some people claim—it's increasingly normalized.
Rewriting Your About Section
Your About section should tell your story and make clear what you're looking for.
Structure That Works
- Hook: Compelling opening that captures attention
- Career narrative: Brief story of your career journey
- Key strengths: What you're known for
- What you're seeking: Clear statement of your goals
- Call to action: How to reach you
About Section Example
"I build products that users love and businesses need.
Over 12 years in product management, I've led teams at startups and Fortune 500 companies, launching products used by millions. My specialty is taking complex B2B problems and creating intuitive solutions that drive adoption and retention.
Key wins: Led the product that grew from $0 to $50M ARR in 3 years. Built and mentored a team of 8 PMs. Reduced churn by 40% through customer-driven product improvements.
I'm currently exploring new opportunities where I can combine strategic product leadership with hands-on execution. Particularly interested in AI/ML, developer tools, and climate tech.
Let's connect: [email] or DM me here."
Updating Your Experience
Your Most Recent Role
You have options for how to handle the role you just left:
- Option A: Keep the end date as present until you've announced your departure
- Option B: Update to show end date immediately
- Option C: Add dates like "Jan 2022 - Dec 2024" without specifying "present"
Focus on Accomplishments
Now is the time to flesh out your accomplishments while they're fresh. Use metrics wherever possible:
- "Increased revenue by 35% through..."
- "Managed team of 12 engineers..."
- "Reduced customer churn from 8% to 5%..."
The Layoff Announcement Post
A well-crafted layoff post can generate tremendous support and job leads. But it needs to be done right.
Elements of an Effective Post
- Gratitude: Thank your former employer and colleagues
- Brief context: Explain what happened (layoff, restructuring)
- Forward-looking: Focus on what you're excited about next
- Specific ask: Tell people exactly how they can help
- Contact info: Make it easy to reach you
Sample Layoff Announcement
"After 4 wonderful years at [Company], my role was eliminated as part of a company-wide restructuring. While unexpected, I'm grateful for the incredible colleagues, challenging problems, and growth I experienced there.
Now I'm looking for my next chapter. I'm seeking Senior Product Manager roles in B2B SaaS, particularly in fintech or developer tools.
If you know of opportunities or would be open to a quick chat, I'd love to connect. You can reach me at [email] or DM me here.
And to my former team: it was an honor. I'll miss working with you.
#OpenToWork"
What to Avoid
- Blaming your employer or leadership
- Oversharing details about the layoff
- Sounding desperate or bitter
- Being vague about what you want
LinkedIn Networking Strategies
Reaching Out to Your Network
- First-degree connections: Personal message, reference your relationship
- Second-degree: Ask for introduction from mutual connection
- Cold outreach: Lead with value, be specific about your ask
Sample Networking Message
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! We worked together briefly on the [Project] at [Company] a few years back.
I recently transitioned out of my role at [Company] and am exploring product management opportunities in the fintech space. I noticed you're now at [Their Company]—I've been really impressed by what you're building.
Would you have 15-20 minutes for a quick call? I'd love to hear about your experience there and get any advice you might have for my search.
Either way, hope you're doing great!"
Using LinkedIn for Job Search
Job Search Settings
- Turn on job alerts for target roles and companies
- Set location preferences (include "Remote" if open to it)
- Use the "Easy Apply" filter to quickly apply to multiple roles
- Save jobs you're interested in to track them
Applying Through LinkedIn
- After applying, find the hiring manager or recruiter and send a brief note
- Reference something specific about the company or role
- Keep it short—they're busy
Getting Found by Recruiters
Keywords That Get You Found
- Use job title variations (Product Manager, PM, Product Lead)
- Include tools and technologies you use
- Add industry-specific terms
- Use acronyms AND spelled-out versions (ML, Machine Learning)
Skills Section
- Add at least 20-30 relevant skills
- Ask colleagues to endorse your top skills
- Reorder so your most important skills appear first
Content Strategy While Job Searching
Stay Visible
- Comment: Engage thoughtfully on posts in your industry
- Share: Share articles with your insights added
- Post: Share what you're learning, industry observations, helpful content
Content Ideas
- Lessons learned from your career
- Industry trends and your perspective
- Book or article recommendations
- Celebrating former colleagues' wins
- Questions that spark discussion
Consistency Matters
Aim to engage on LinkedIn daily during your job search. Even just 15 minutes of commenting and connecting keeps you visible to your network and the algorithm.
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