LinkedIn profile checklist for freshers that recruiters actually read

Write a headline that says role + skills
Recruiters search by role and skills, and the headline is the most searched field. Replace "Student" with the job you want, 2-3 real skills, your batch and cities.
```
Java Developer | Spring Boot, SQL, REST APIs | B.Tech CSE 2026 | Open to work in Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
```
Turn on Open to Work for recruiters only
Go to Profile > Open to > Finding a new job. Add 2-3 job titles and locations, set job type to Full-time and Internship, and choose Recruiters only so there is no public banner.
```
Titles: Software Engineer, Java Developer, Graduate Engineer Trainee
```
Add 2-3 projects with proof
Under Projects, add a GitHub link, the tech stack and one result line for each. Claim only what is true, because interviewers will ask about the code.
```
Expense Tracker | React, Node.js, MongoDB
Built login, charts and CSV export. Used by 40 hostel mates.
github.com/yourname/expense-tracker
```
Make your resume and profile match
Skills, college, dates and project names should be identical on both. Run your resume through the free ATS checker (no sign-up) and fix what it flags, then update LinkedIn.
```
hirastra.com/ats-resume-checker
```
Message the recruiter after applying
Search the company name with "talent acquisition", filter by People, and send a short note with one relevant project. Keep it under the connection note limit of about 200 characters.
```
Hi [Name], I applied for the [Role] opening at [Company]. I've built [project] using [skill]. Would be glad to share more. Thank you!
```

Skip the searching: today's verified openings are posted three times a day with official apply links, and you can check your resume against any of them with the free ATS checker.

Write a headline that says role + skills

Turn on Open to Work for recruiters only

Add 2-3 projects with proof

Make your resume and profile match

Message the recruiter after applying