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Article:

LinkedIn Essentials for Job Seekers

• Make Your Headline Work For You
• Watch Out for Fake Recruiters
• Connection Request Etiquette

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LinkedIn Essentials for Job Seekers

Three quick tips to optimize your profile, stay safe, and connect strategically

After the holiday hibernation, many of us step into a new year with a “fresh start” mindset. One big change people often want to make is to their career—whether that's finding a new position, shifting to industry, or something else entirely.

If 2026 is your year for a career refresh, there's one tool you shouldn't ignore: your LinkedIn profile. By not having a profile that shines like a beacon on your behalf, working for you even when you’re offline, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

This month, we’re sharing three pieces of practical advice for job seekers on making the most of LinkedIn.

Tip #1: Make Your Headline Work For You

The problem: Not using your LinkedIn headline to the fullest advantage.

Why it matters: Besides your picture and your name, your headline is the first thing people see. It's prime real estate for keywords that recruiters search for and to tell people what you do!

Ideas for headline updates:

• Include your focus area and/or what you're seeking

• Showcase your key skills and specialties

• Describe why you do what you do

• Use industry keywords from job postings you're interested in

For example, instead of "Post-Doctoral Researcher," you could update your headline to:

Bioinformatics Researcher | Pipeline Development in Python/R | Open to Biotech & Pharma Opportunities.

Action item: Update your headline this week to include keywords about your skills or the position your looking for.

Tip #2: Watch Out for Fake Recruiters

The problem: Signaling you're open to work makes you visible to legitimate recruiters—and fake ones.

❌ Common scam tactics:

• Job offers via LinkedIn message without an interview

• Requests to move conversations to WhatsApp, Telegram, or text immediately

• Unrealistic salary for your experience level

• Early requests for personal info (SSN, bank details) or payment for "training"

• No real company website or LinkedIn page

• High-pressure urgency ("We need to fill this immediately!")

• Poor grammar or generic messages

✅ How to verify legitimacy:

• Google the company independently (not through links they send)

• Check the recruiter's profile for real work history and connections

• Verify the recruiter appears on the company's official website

• Legitimate recruiters welcome verification; scammers get defensive

On LinkedIn, you can turn on the "Open to Work" setting so it's visible only to recruiters. This gives you visibility without the public frame on your photo.

Action item: Action item: Review your privacy settings. If using the "Open to Work" frame, verify anyone who contacts you before responding.

Tip #3: Connection Request Etiquette

The problem: You aren’t including a personalized message on your connection requests.

Why it matters: People are more likely to accept your request when they understand the reason behind it. Sending a clear message also starts your professional relationship on a genuine note!

How to write a connection request:

Keep it short and include:

1. How you found them and/or what you have in common

2. Why you want to connect (be specific)

Helpful templates:

Template 1: You share a research interest:

"Hi [Name], I came across your work on [specific topic/paper] and really appreciated your approach to [X]. I'm working on something similar in my PhD and would love to connect and follow your research."

Template 2: You met them at an event:

"Hi [Name], great meeting you at [Conference/Event]! Really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Would love to stay connected!"

After they accept: Don't go radio silent or immediately pitch them, asking for a job or favor. Engage authentically through thoughtful comments and sharing relevant resources. If you want to take it further, wait a week or two before asking for an informational chat.

Action item: This week, send 1–3 personalized connection requests to people whose work you admire or who are in roles you're interested in.

Final Thoughts

If you're not using LinkedIn for professional connection and growth, you should be! But remember: you don't need to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one action item from this article, whether that’s updating your headline, reviewing your privacy settings, or sending a few connection requests. 

Small, consistent action builds up to big change, and with a little effort, your profile will work harder for you!

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1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

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3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

5. Fill out your job post details.

6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

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