LinkedIn Profile in Australia: 5 Steps to Build One From Scratch
97% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and screen candidates, so a weak or empty profile quietly rules you out before you even apply. (Source: Zippia) Here’s how to build a LinkedIn profile in Australia that actually gets looked at, starting from a blank page.
1. Start with your headline, not your job title
Your headline shows up next to your name everywhere on LinkedIn, including in search results. Instead of just “Accountant” or “Software Developer,” add what you specialise in and where. Something like “Accountant | Financial Reporting & Payroll | Open to Roles in Sydney” gives recruiters more to search against and more reason to click through.
2. Write an About section that’s easy to skim
Skip the third-person bio style. Write two or three short paragraphs: what you do, what you’re good at, and what kind of role you’re looking for next. Recruiters skim this section in seconds, so put the most relevant information in the first two lines.
3. Fill in your experience with outcomes, not duties
For each role, list what you actually achieved rather than a copy of your job description. “Reduced invoice processing time by 30% by introducing a new approval workflow” tells a recruiter far more than “Responsible for invoice processing.”
4. Add skills that match the jobs you want
LinkedIn lets you list up to 50 skills, but the first few are what show up in search results, so put your most relevant ones first. If you’re not sure which skills matter, check three or four job ads for the role you want and match your list to the language they use.
5. Turn on “Open to Work” if you’re actively job hunting
This setting tells recruiters directly that you’re available, and it’s a simple way to show up in more searches without doing extra work. If you’re currently employed and prefer to job hunt quietly, you can set it to be visible to recruiters only rather than your full network.
Keeping your LinkedIn profile in Australia active
A profile that hasn’t been touched in a year looks stale to recruiters, even if the content is good. Post or comment occasionally, ask for a recommendation from a former manager, and update your headline whenever your job search focus changes.
Once your profile is solid, it’s worth comparing it against your CV. Our piece on LinkedIn vs CV in 2025 covers what each one should be doing differently, and our guide to LinkedIn headlines, keywords, and AI optimisation goes deeper into getting found in recruiter searches. Recruiters will often check your online presence beyond LinkedIn too, so it’s worth reading our piece on how recruiters evaluate your online presence as well.
A finished LinkedIn profile in Australia is never really finished, it just needs a check-in every few months to stay useful.
FAQ
Do I need a professional photo for my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, profiles with a photo get significantly more views than those without one. It doesn’t need to be a studio headshot, just a clear, recent photo where your face is visible.
Should I list every job I’ve ever had?
No. Focus on roles from the last 10 to 15 years, or ones directly relevant to what you’re applying for now. A long list of unrelated jobs can dilute your profile rather than strengthen it.
How long should my About section be?
Around 3 to 5 short paragraphs is plenty. LinkedIn shows a “see more” link after a few lines, so make sure the first couple of sentences can stand alone.
None of this needs to be perfect on day one. Small, regular updates beat a single polished attempt that never gets touched again.
