Why LinkedIn Isn’t Working for You—And How to Create a Strategy That Does

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We hear it all the time: "LinkedIn is the place to be for job seekers."

But let’s be honest. Is it really working for you?

If you’re an introverted professional navigating career transitions, job search burnout, or workplace uncertainty, you may have found yourself asking:

• Why am I not landing interviews?

• Why aren’t recruiters reaching out?

• Am I missing something?

You're not alone. In a recent poll, nearly half of the respondents stated that LinkedIn isn't helping their job search. And when I looked closer, here’s what came up:

• "I don’t know what to post."
• "I feel like I’m shouting into the void."
• "I don’t want to brag."
• "I thought updating my profile would be enough."

Let’s unpack this together and talk about how to build a LinkedIn strategy that works for you, not against you.

The LinkedIn Misconception

Most people think LinkedIn works like a magic billboard:

Update your profile, sit back, and wait for the offers to roll in.

But LinkedIn is more like a garden than a billboard.

You can’t just plant your profile and walk away. It requires attention, consistency, and the right conditions to grow.

Here’s what many job seekers miss:

• You don’t need to post daily.
• You don’t have to go viral.
• You don’t have to be the loudest voice on the feed.

You do need a strategy.

And for introverts especially, that strategy should reflect your strengths: thoughtfulness, depth, reflection, and meaningful connection.

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Why LinkedIn May Not Be Working for You

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Your profile looks like a resume

LinkedIn is not just a digital resume. It’s a branding tool.

What you want:

• A compelling headline that says who you help and how.

• An About section that sounds like you, not a third-person bio.

• A Featured section with your best work or posts.

• Clear, keyword-rich job descriptions aligned with your target roles.

2. You're not visible

If your activity is limited to profile updates, you're relying on algorithms to do the heavy lifting. They won’t.

Visibility doesn’t require constant posting. Try this instead:

• Leave thoughtful comments on posts from people in your industry.

• Repost content that resonates with you and add a personal note.

• Connect with intention—a short DM goes a long way.

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3. You're not connecting with the right people

Networking isn’t about quantity. It’s about relevance.

If you're only connecting with people you already know, you're missing out. Instead:

• Follow companies you’re interested in.

• Engage with content from employees who work there.

• Build a list of hiring managers and recruiters in your field.

4. You're applying but not optimizing

Many job seekers apply through LinkedIn job posts but forget to optimize their presence.

Make sure:

• Your LinkedIn headline and summary reflect the keywords in the job descriptions.

• You’re engaging with the company’s page or posts before and after applying.

Remember, many recruiters will look at your profile before deciding whether to contact you. What they see matters.

Get the Interview Ready Checklist today! DOWNLOAD ⬇️

How to Build a LinkedIn Strategy That Works for You

Now that we’ve diagnosed the problem, let’s build your strategy.

This 4-part framework is simple and sustainable—especially for introverts.

🟣 Step 1: Clarify Your Goals

Before you start tweaking your profile or engaging, ask:

• What roles am I targeting?

• What do I want people to know me for?

• Who do I want to attract: recruiters, peers, hiring managers?

Clarity makes it easier to communicate your value and show up with purpose.

🟣 Step 2: Optimize Your Profile

Think of your profile as your professional storefront. Make sure it’s clear, current, and aligned with your goals.

Essentials to focus on:

• Headline: More than just your job title—add value and keywords.

• About Section: Share your story, values, and what drives you.

• Experience: Focus on results, impact, and relevance.

• Skills: Choose skills related to your next role, not just your last one.

The 60-minute strategy call that could change your job search ⬇️

🟣 Step 3: Engage Strategically

Instead of trying to post every day or comment on everything, choose:

• 3–5 people in your industry to regularly engage with.

• 1–2 times per week to post something: a reflection, insight, or helpful tip.

Not sure what to post? Start here:

• Lessons from your career path

• Books or articles you’re reading

• Industry trends and your take

• Encouragement for job seekers

Authenticity beats perfection. You don’t need to be flashy—just real.

🟣 Step 4: Track and Adjust

Your strategy will evolve. Every few weeks, check:

• Are recruiters viewing your profile?

• Are you getting connection requests from the right people?

• Are you feeling more confident and connected?

If not, adjust your keywords, engagement strategy, or posting cadence.

Bonus Tip: Find Your LinkedIn Wingperson

Sometimes, what you need isn’t more content; it’s perspective.

Consider working with a career coach or LinkedIn strategist who:

• Understands the nuances of your industry

• Honors your personality and goals

• Can help you create a sustainable plan

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re ready to move forward with clarity.

Opportunities are still happening on LinkedIn. Recruiters are hiring. People are making career moves.

But the ones seeing results aren’t just showing up. They’re showing up with a strategy.

And you can, too.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANA GOEHNER is a 3x certified professional career coach, LinkedIn strategist, LinkedIn learning instructor, and speaker. She helps introverts take control of their job search and career strategy—without the constant pressure of self-promotion. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to stand out. You just need a LinkedIn profile and strategy that work—and that’s exactly what I help my clients create. Become more visible to recruiters today: anagoehner.com