With so many layoffs making headlines lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how professionals can protect our visibility and confidence during uncertain times. Whether you’ve been affected directly or just feeling uneasy, your LinkedIn profile can be more than a digital résumé it’s your professional anchor.
That’s why I wanted to revisit this post as one of my most practical self-development tools: building a LinkedIn profile that quietly attracts recruiters and opportunities, even in an era of layoffs.
I first joined LinkedIn back in 2014 because everyone in college said to. But honestly? I barely touched it. For years, it just sat there, half-filled, while I worked jobs that didn’t offer much growth, as I mentioned in my post What Corporate Taught Me About Studying posted below.
That changed around 2018–2019 when I started volunteering at Dress for Success. They hosted evening professional talks, and at one event, I met a woman who encouraged me to connect with her on LinkedIn. I did and that small action sparked everything that came next.
🎥 Prefer a quick overview?
Here’s the short video where I share how I quietly rebuilt my LinkedIn presence focusing on consistency, clarity, and soft strategy instead of loud self-promotion.
The Shift: Making LinkedIn Work For Me
From that one connection, I began updating my profile and connecting with people I met through volunteering, professional associations, and my jobs. Slowly but surely, my network grew to over 750 connections not “huge,” but deeply valuable because they’re mostly relevant to my professional and educational journey.
One connection stands out: a recruiter I met during a phone interview. I didn’t get the role, but she offered me honest advice to stay flexible in my search and not to only chase the most competitive positions. I took that to heart, added her on LinkedIn, broadened my search, and updated my skills.
Two years later, I saw a LinkedIn post from that same recruiter about a career fair. I went, met her in person, and she introduced me to hiring managers. I landed two offers from that one connection.
The Full-Circle Moment
While waiting for my interview, I met a woman who had just passed the CPA exam. We connected on LinkedIn afterwards, but during that wait, she told me about a Pre-CPA program at my alma mater something I didn’t even know existed. Today, I’m in that program, building skills that align perfectly with my next career step.
What’s Working for Me (and Could Work for You)
Update as you grow (Skill Development): I add new skills as I gain them. Recently, I used ChatGPT to help me name three new skills from a task I completed at work and added them immediately.
Engage meaningfully (Community & Connection): I don’t really post but I connect with people I meet through volunteering, alumni events, and work. My profile reflects my skills and values, not just a job title.
Model off success (Creativity & Expression): I study profiles of people in roles I want. Seeing their paths gives me a roadmap without guesswork.
Now, recruiters reach out to me monthly sometimes even asking if I “know someone” for a role. That’s when you know your profile speaks for itself.
FAQ
How to grow on LinkedIn for free?
Everything I’ve done so far has been free. Completing my profile, connecting with people I actually meet (through work, volunteering, or alumni events), and engaging in meaningful ways has grown my network steadily.
How to grow on LinkedIn without being cringe?
Keep it authentic. I don’t post often my last post was a role update which was nearly three years ago. What I do instead is like and comment on content related to my college, workplace, or people I’ve connected with. If they share something meaningful, I’ll add a short comment or at least give a like.
If you’d like to start posting, think of it as building in steps:
- Begin with commenting on things related to you.
- Then, repost articles or posts from people in your field.
- Finally, work your way up to writing your own reflections when you’re ready.
This approach keeps your presence consistent and genuine showing your real work and values.
How to grow your network on LinkedIn as a student?
Start with what’s right in front of you: classmates, professors, internship and alumni network. Many professionals are open to connecting with students.
Here’s what you can do:
- Make your profile detailed (skills, volunteer work, education) so LinkedIn’s suggested connections actually fit you.
- Connect immediately with people you meet in class, organizations, or campus events don’t wait.
- Add alumni from your school. Most are happy to help if they see you’re a student walking a path they’ve been on.
Think of it as building while you go. Every time you meet someone new, you’re adding a small but valuable piece to your professional foundation.
🌿 Updated Takeaway
You don’t have to be loud on LinkedIn just intentional. Your professional value isn’t tied to a job title; it’s reflected in your skills, your growth, and how you show up for opportunities. Start where you are, connect genuinely, and let your profile tell that story for you.
📝 Updated Journal Prompt
What’s one small way you can show your professional value now even outside of work? Try updating your skills section, commenting thoughtfully on a post, or connecting with someone whose career path inspires you.
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