Your Resume Isn’t the Problem. Your LinkedIn Might Be.
Why hiring managers check your profile before calling you
Hey job hunters!
We all know that one friend with an awesome resume who’s still struggling to get calls back. Spoiler: it’s usually their LinkedIn profile—or the lack of one. In 2025, having a LinkedIn isn’t just nice; it’s like your digital handshake and the first impression you make before anyone even sees your resume.
Here’s the scoop from us at RolePulse after looking at a ton of candidates. Let’s talk about why your LinkedIn matters and how to make it stand out.
Yes, Hiring Managers Are Checking Out Your LinkedIn
You’ve polished your resume and sent thoughtful follow-ups, but the first thing hiring managers will do is check your LinkedIn. They want to see if your story matches up, if you fit the company vibe, and if you seem like someone they’d want to chat with:
95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find or vet candidates
70% of hiring managers look at your social profile before calling you
A full LinkedIn profile can make you 40 times more likely to get job offers through the site
Having an empty or outdated profile? That’s a big red flag. It’s like showing up to an interview in flip-flops.
What Top Candidates Are Doing Right
The best candidates don’t just have a LinkedIn profile; they know how to make it work for them. Here’s their game plan:
Consistency: Their profile matches their resume—no weird gaps or mismatched job titles
Professional Photo: A clear headshot, not a party pic from last summer
Achievements: Specific wins like “Closed $500K in deals” or “Led a team to exceed quota by 150%”
Searchable Keywords: They include terms that recruiters care about, like “sales” or “project management”
Activity: They post and comment now and then, showing they’re engaged
Even if you’re just starting out, a solid LinkedIn can give you a big advantage over someone with a plain resume. It’s your chance to show off your personality and drive.
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Mistakes that Can Hurt Your Credibility
We’ve seen it all—great resumes paired with LinkedIn profiles that say “I didn’t even try.” Here’s what to avoid:
Barebones Profiles: Not filled out, no photo, and no summary
Inconsistencies: Job titles or dates that don’t match your resume
Old Info: Still listing a job from 2023 that you left
Generic Profiles: A cover letter praising a company’s mission while your LinkedIn has nothing on it
It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing you care. A little effort can really make a difference.
Your LinkedIn Revamp: 6 Easy Steps
Ready to make your LinkedIn a hiring manager’s dream? Here’s how:
Photo – Get a clear, professional headshot. Skip the sunglasses and group shots
Headline – Change “Seeking Opportunities” to something catchy, like “SaaS BDR | 120% Quota Crusher in 2024”
Summary – Write a couple of sentences about what you do and where you’re going. Keep it human
Experience – Use bullet points to highlight achievements, not just what you did
Activity – Like, comment, or post something weekly. Share a win, a lesson, or an interesting article
Sync It Up – Make sure everything matches your resume
Does LinkedIn Get You Hired?
Yes, absolutely. People are landing jobs through LinkedIn all the time. It’s not just luck; it’s about presenting yourself professionally.
In places like sales, marketing, or customer success, your LinkedIn is a way to show how well you can market yourself. If you can’t sell yourself, how will you represent a brand?
Summary
We see so many talented people miss out on jobs because their LinkedIn is an afterthought. That’s frustrating because it’s all in your hands. Your profile doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should exist—and show you’re serious.
Make it easy for hiring managers to go, “Yes, I want to speak with this person.”
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Want someone to take a look at your LinkedIn? Reply to this email or DM us for free profile feedback (we do this weekly). Or join our community for access to our private Slack, resume reviews, and job tips.
Let’s make your next career move the best one yet.
The RolePulse Team
Interview Burn Out?
If you’re feeling burned out from hunting for a GTM job, let me just say: you’re not alone, and you’re not crazy for being over it.