Why Your LinkedIn Profile Is Underselling You (And How to Fix It)

You’ve got experience, skills, and results — but your LinkedIn profile? It reads like a dry CV from five years ago. If you’ve ever cringed at your own “About” section or wondered why recruiters aren’t noticing you, you’re not alone.

The truth is, most LinkedIn profiles massively undersell the person behind them. And if you’re ready to move forward in your career, that’s something you can’t afford.

In this post, we’ll explore why your profile might be falling flat — and how to bring it up to date with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Why LinkedIn Still Matters

Even if you’re not actively job hunting, your LinkedIn profile works for you 24/7. It’s your digital handshake — the first place people look when:

• They’re considering working with you
• You apply for a new role or promotion
• You speak at an event or contribute to an article

An outdated or vague profile can quietly close doors. But a strong, intentional profile builds trust, boosts your visibility, and makes you easier to recommend.

5 Reasons Your LinkedIn Profile Might Be Underselling You

1. Your Headline Says Very Little

Your headline is prime real estate — yet so many professionals waste it on job titles alone.

Instead of: “Marketing Manager at XYZ”
Try: “Strategic Marketer | Brand Storyteller | Growth-Focused Team Leader”

This small shift instantly says more about how you work, what you’re great at, and how you add value.

2. Your Summary Reads Like a CV

The “About” section is your chance to connect, not just list responsibilities. If yours sounds like a copy-paste of your CV intro, it’s time to refresh.

Use a more human, conversational tone. Focus on:

• What drives you
• Who you help
• What problems you solve
• What you’re known for

Let people get a sense of your voice, your values, and your trajectory.

3. Your Experience Lacks Context and Results

Job descriptions are helpful — but they’re not enough.

Add context by highlighting:

• Key projects
• Results or impact
• Challenges you overcame
• What you learned

Numbers help too. “Increased engagement by 42%” or “Managed a team of 8 across 3 regions” is far more powerful than “Responsible for social media.”

4. You’re Not Using the Featured Section

This underused area lets you showcase:

• Posts or articles you’ve written
• A talk, podcast, or webinar
• A downloadable resource
• A link to your personal website

Use it to back up your story and give visitors an immediate sense of your expertise.

5. It’s Not Aligned with Where You’re Going

Many profiles focus only on the past. But if you’re pivoting or growing, you need to align your profile with your next chapter.

Start with your headline and summary. Shift your language from “what you’ve done” to “what you bring to the table.”

For example:

“I’m passionate about helping fast-growing teams build healthy cultures — and I’m looking for new opportunities in people and culture leadership.”

Quick Fixes That Make a Big Impact

You don’t need to overhaul your whole profile overnight. Start here:

• Update your headline with keywords that reflect your strengths and direction
• Refresh your photo — ideally professional, recent, and friendly
• Rewrite your summary in the first person, with clarity and warmth
• Add 2–3 bullet points of outcomes under each job
• Request 1–2 recommendations from recent colleagues or clients

Even small changes can dramatically boost your confidence and visibility.

A Real Example: Turning Visibility Into Opportunity

One of my coaching clients, a mid-career HR leader, felt stuck in a niche she’d outgrown. Her LinkedIn profile was technically accurate — but flat.

We rewrote her headline and summary to highlight her strengths in conflict resolution and team transformation. She added a featured post from a leadership webinar she had recently led.

Within weeks, she’d been approached for a panel opportunity and was invited to interview for a role that aligned with her new direction. The best part? She felt proud to share her profile again.

Final Thoughts: Your Profile = Your Career Narrative

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital CV. It’s a tool for clarity, connection, and career growth.

When you take time to align it with who you are and where you’re heading, you:

• Build trust faster
• Attract aligned opportunities
• Feel more confident in your voice and value

Want help getting your LinkedIn profile in shape?
Book a free call and let’s upgrade your career narrative — starting with the way the world sees you.

© Glen Rogers, All rights reserved, 2025.