Best LinkedIn Strategies to Land Remote Work

I recently had the chance to catch up with two of my former LinkedIn colleagues—Omar Garriott and Jeremy Schifeling, also known as the LinkedIn Guys—on The Work Remix Podcast. We all used to work together during my LinkedIn consulting days, and in this episode, we break down how to use LinkedIn to land a job, even when the market’s tough.

Let me ask you this: Is your LinkedIn profile really working for you? Are you using those lesser-known tricks to show up higher in search results? Omar, Jeremy, and I share practical, actionable tips to help you make your LinkedIn profile stand out and grow your network. (These tips focus on LinkedIn specifically—if you’re after resume advice, check out my article with 15 tips.)

Write a standout LinkedIn headline.

Your headline is the #1 thing that affects how you show up in search results. Think of it like a tweet describing your dream job. You only have a few words to clearly and honestly show recruiters who you are and why you’re worth hiring.

Nail the first sentence of your summary.

The first line of your summary is the second most important part of your profile. It’s all most recruiters see before they decide to click for more. If it’s boring or unclear, they’ll scroll past. Be direct—if you’re looking for a job in sales, just say so. Skip the gimmicks.

Talk about where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Even if you haven’t worked in a certain role yet—say, nonprofit director—mention that it’s your goal. Words like “aspiring,” “future,” or “passionate about” show where you’re headed. Focus your profile on the job you want, not just the jobs you’ve had.

Tell your story.

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a job history—it’s your chance to tell a story. What makes you unique? Why should someone hire you? Share real experiences, skills, and projects that show you’ve got what it takes. Even if your experience is mostly internships or volunteer work, include it! It all counts.

Reconnect with people in your life.

Think you’re not “connected” enough for LinkedIn to work? Think again. You probably know someone—through school, community, volunteering, or even your yoga class—who knows someone who can help. Reach out, say hi, ask what they’re up to, and let them know you’re job hunting. Don’t ask for a job outright—just start the conversation.

Also Read: How to Write a Resume for Remote Jobs?

Build new connections.

Along with reconnecting, reach out to new people too—especially those working in your dream field. Try the LinkedIn Alumni Tool: go to your school’s LinkedIn page, scroll to the bottom, and you’ll find alumni working in roles or companies you’re targeting. It’s a goldmine.

Message hiring managers directly.

Skip the middleman and go straight to the source. Many hiring managers now put “I’m hiring!” in their headline. Search that phrase on LinkedIn to see who’s looking. Don’t be afraid to message them—politely and professionally, of course.

Set your location to where you want to work.

Even with remote work on the rise, many companies still want local candidates. If you’re in college in a small town but plan to move to a big city, update your location on LinkedIn to reflect that. Recruiters often filter by location—don’t get left out.

Also Read: Best Remote Jobs for Introverts in 2025

Let the world know you’re job hunting.

There were over 750,000 jobs posted in just the first week of May. Let people know you’re looking! Post about it. Change your profile settings to show you’re open to work. You never know who might pass your info to someone hiring—even your friend’s cousin’s roommate might lead to something great.

Keep it professional.

LinkedIn isn’t Facebook. Skip the selfies and memes. Keep your posts focused on your work, your industry, or your career journey.

Share articles and insights.

Use LinkedIn’s article feature to share your thoughts, advice, or even case studies. It’s a great way to show off your knowledge and help others in your field. Plus, articles appear at the top of your profile—right where recruiters will see them.

Also Read: Entry‑Level Remote Jobs that Require No Degree

Use LinkedIn to apply for jobs.

Yes, LinkedIn is for networking—but it’s also a huge job board with over 20 million jobs posted. Set up job alerts so you get notified the moment a new position pops up. Early applicants (within the first 72 hours) often get more attention from recruiters.

Bonus tips for job hunting in a post-COVID world:

• Don’t wait too long.
  Job markets tend to lag. Omar and Jeremy studied the 2008 crash and found that hiring didn’t hit bottom until six months after the big banks collapsed. In other words, now might be your best shot—don’t wait until things get worse.
• Master your digital job-hunting skills.
  Forget in-person interviews for now—focus on Zoom, recording video answers, and writing solid follow-up emails. Practice talking to a camera and being comfortable online.
• Follow where the growth is.
  Some companies are booming right now—think Zoom, Netflix, or Citrix. Research fast-growing industries, talk to people who work there, and find out if your skills might fit. Go where the opportunities are.

Job hunting online is tough—but hiring online can be just as tricky. If you’re a manager or executive hiring Millennials or Gen Z employees, understanding what makes them tick is key.

For even more tips, check out my book Getting from College to Career. It’s full of advice to help you take your next step with confidence.

And if you’re a leader looking to grow your skills, my new course How to Manage Millennials and Gen Zs in the Workplace will help you support and empower your team. Join the waitlist to be first in line when it launches!