Are you a C-suite leader (CEO, CFO, CTO, CRO, COO, etc.) in career transition? Whether you made this decision yourself or the decision was made for you, there is a delicate dance of career transition for C-level professionals. If you're looking for advice on what to do on your LinkedIn profile, you're in the right place. 

You want to signal your openness to new opportunities, but not at the expense of raising eyebrows at your current company. 

Here's how to strategically update your LinkedIn profile for maximum impact, while maintaining integrity and holding your head high. 

Photo: Get a New Headshot

If you're an "Experience Rich" candidate (aka, over the age of 40, 50, 60), it's more important than ever to look your best and look like YOU today in your photo. Executives who make the investment in a good headshot photographer will recoup that investment in their next role. Dated headshots send a signal that you're a dated candidate. And while we're on the subject of your photo, I typically don't recommend you signal that you're "Open to Work" to everyone in your network by enabling the green text on your headshot photo -- at least not right away and certainly not if you're still working while looking.

If you're actively in career transition (laid off, unemployed, "in between successes") and it's been 6-12 months, then it might be time to consider turning the "Open to Work" for everyone ON, but hold off for now. 

Headline: Subtlety is Key - But Look Marketable! 

Your headline is prime real estate. Delete your current employer from your headline, but keep your C-Suite title. You can add "Executive Leader" or "Strategic Advisor" to show experience without specifics. I also recommend adding in adjective or keywords that help describe how you are different than other C-Suite leaders with the same job title. 

Example: "Growth-Focused CEO | Building High-Performing Teams" or "Servant Leader | Focused on the Environment | Strategic CFO" 

About Section: Answer "Why Should We Hire You"

Want to know a secret? Your ABOUT section is not really about you. It's about how you can help your next organization. It's a slight variation on what most people do, but focus instead on the WIIFM, or "What's In It for Me" from the perspective of a hiring manager, executive search firm, or board search committee member seeking a C-Suite leader for their organization.

This is your elevator pitch! Write it in the first person and highlight how you help organizations achieve their goals without mentioning your current employer. Showcase the leadership qualities that make you a C-Suite rockstar. Read more about my recommend ABOUT statement formula here. 

 Example: "I am known as an inspirational marketing leader with a proven track record of driving digital innovation in competitive markets. I help companies build strong company cultures and fostering innovation in teams. I'm seeking my next full-time role as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in metro Detroit, and I'm also open to hybrid roles with up to 25% travel."

Experience Section: One Current, Everything Else is High Level

Your LinkedIn profile is like an appetizer. Your CV or Resume is the full meal. List your C-Suite positions, but don't copy and past everything from your resume. Also, LinkedIn will penalize you if you don't have a current role (you won't appear in as many search results). So, consider keeping your current role on your profile without adding an end date just yet. Or, if you're open to consulting work while in career transition, create a company page and link it here before adding an end date to your last employer. 

Pro Tip: Emphasize transferable skills and impactful projects across your career, without including ALL the details. 

Keywords & Endorsements: Attract Recruiters & Executive Search Firms

Research the skills and experience in-demand for your target C-Suite role. Sprinkle those terms throughout your profile and update your skills section accordingly. Encourage colleagues and past connections to endorse you with relevant skills. If it feels awkward asking them, they are not the right person to ask. 😎

Engagement & Activity: Stay Visible and Positive

Continue to share industry insights, engage with relevant discussions, and connect with other executives or others in your industry. However, avoid posting anything negative about your current company or hinting at dissatisfaction.

Stealth Mode Bonus Tip:

You can adjust your privacy settings to control who can see when you look at their profile. This allows you to discreetly do research on employers. You may also wish to disconnect or block people from viewing your profile. 

Remember: Your LinkedIn profile tells your brand story. If you neglect your LinkedIn, you're dating yourself and you could be reducing your chances to find that next dream job. 

Even small changes on your LinkedIn profile can have a BIG impact in your future as a leader. 

Want Help Updating Your LinkedIn Profile?

Schedule a consultation with me, Brenda Meller today!

• I work discretely with executives in the C-Suite, including those who are working but looking, those who have been laid off (but the announcement isn't public yet), and those who are actively in career transition (unemployed, in between successes). 
• I have worked with hundreds of C-Suite executives on their LinkedIn profiles over the years
• I do not work for LinkedIn. I am an independent marketing consultant.
• I come from a corporate marketing background. I "speak corporate" and can translate your strengths into marketability on your LinkedIn profile.
• I offer 1-to-1 LinkedIn coaching services. Visit this to learn more: https://www.mellermarketing.com/1-to-1-linkedin-coaching and pick an option to get started. Or, email me at [email protected] 

Thank you for reading. 🙂