How a strong LinkedIn profile can open doors to new jobs

What is LinkedIn, and why is it important?

LinkedIn has become one of the most important platforms for job seekers and employers in recent years. The platform is used daily by hundreds of thousands of Norwegians for networking, recruiting, and staying professionally updated. According to Statistics Norway, the use of digital tools in the workplace has seen significant growth, and LinkedIn plays a central role in this development.

The benefits of a strong LinkedIn profile

A well-designed LinkedIn profile offers you many advantages. Not only does your profile serve as a digital business card, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personality. More and more employers are actively searching for candidates on LinkedIn, and a strong profile can ensure that you stand out among many applicants.

1. Increased visibility to employers and recruiters

When recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn, they often use keywords related to specific roles, education, or skills. By optimizing your profile with the right keywords and clear information, you increase your chances of being found. Experience shows that candidates with completed profiles are more often contacted for relevant positions. Therefore, it is smart to describe your job responsibilities concretely and fill out all sections – not just the job title.

2. Networking creates opportunities

LinkedIn makes it easy to stay in touch with former colleagues and build new professional relationships. Through your network, you can gain insight into hidden positions, recommendations, and tips directly from industry insiders. Often it is not advertised positions, but connections that get your foot in the door.

3. Better first impression

An updated and professional LinkedIn profile gives a good first impression to future employers. Your profile should therefore include a clear profile picture, a catchy headline, and a summary that showcases who you are and what you can offer. By standing out with both professional and personal text, you lay the foundation for a successful job-seeking journey.

How to strengthen your LinkedIn profile

Here are some concrete tips to maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile – whether you are actively job-seeking or just want to be available if the right opportunity arises.

1. A professional profile picture and cover photo

Your profile picture is the first impression many will have of you. Choose a clear, friendly, and professional image. Avoid distracting backgrounds, and ensure your face is clearly visible. The cover photo can also be used strategically, for example, with an image that tells something about your industry or who you are.

2. An engaging headline

The headline under your name should clarify what you do and what you can contribute. Don’t settle for just your current job title – briefly show who you are and what makes you unique, for example: "Analytical economist with experience in sustainability and technology".

3. A summary that sells

In your summary, you should tell who you are, what you have achieved, what you are passionate about, and what values you bring to the workplace. Write in a friendly, yet professional tone, and be specific about what you desire moving forward in your career.

4. Fill out all experience, education, and courses

Don't be shy when listing previous jobs, degrees, and relevant courses. The chances of being found by recruiters increase dramatically the more complete your profile is. Also, remember voluntary roles and project work – everything counts!

5. Ask for recommendations

Feel free to request recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients. Genuine feedback from former collaborators adds extra credibility and boosts your chances in a recruitment process.

6. Update skills and take skill tests

On LinkedIn, you can highlight key skills, such as project management, Excel, leadership, or customer service. Skill tests and recommendations from known contacts give you added weight.

7. Be active

Share professional content, engage in discussions, and support others in your network. An active user profile makes you more visible in the feed and shows that you keep up with developments and trends in your industry.

How LinkedIn can open new doors

The job market has never been more dynamic than it is now. Increasingly, recruiters are actively using LinkedIn – both to find new talents and to assess candidates' digital footprints. Many vacant positions are never publicly advertised but filled through networks and proactive inquiries. Here, LinkedIn serves as both a platform to showcase yourself and to find the right contacts. According to Statistics Norway (SSB), there will still be high demand for candidates with digital skills and industry experience in 2025.

Examples from the workforce

There are many stories of individuals who have landed their dream job through LinkedIn – either via an inquiry from a recruiter or thanks to their network. Some also find themselves being approached for exciting projects, board positions, or collaboration opportunities. In an increasingly competitive market, it may be your profile that makes the difference.

How Lønna.no helps you – from LinkedIn profile to new job interview

Lønna.no offers services that assist you throughout your job journey. Here, you can search for available positions with salary information, compare salary levels in different industries, write applications, design professional CVs, and keep track of your applications. Do you want to know what is the average salary in your industry before the interview? Lønna.no provides you with updated figures based on public data from sources including SSB.

We recommend updating both your LinkedIn profile and CV simultaneously – and using keywords and descriptions that reflect what employers are looking for. A seamless digital presentation increases the chances of being noticed both on LinkedIn and when applying directly through Lønna.no.

Summary

A well-crafted LinkedIn profile is an invaluable tool for being discovered, building networks, and staying visible for new opportunities in the job market. By combining this with the services offered by Lønna.no, you enable an effective journey from the first click to a new interview.

Sources

• Statistics Norway (SSB): Work and salary
• SSB: Labour Force Survey