Not Just a Profile—Your LinkedIn Is Your Professional First Impression
Power Up Your LinkedIn: Returner-Friendly Tips to Get Noticed Before the Conference
If you’re attending the Women Back to Work Conference this August, chances are you’ve already dusted off your resume. That’s a strong start. But there’s another tool that speaks for you—sometimes even before you’ve said a word.
Your LinkedIn profile.
For returners, especially those who’ve taken a career break, LinkedIn can feel intimidating. Maybe it’s been a while. Maybe you’re not sure what to say about the gap. But here’s the truth: your story deserves to be out there. And the right updates can make a real difference—before, during, and after the conference.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Start With Your Headline (Yes, You Can Write Your Own)
Your headline doesn’t have to be your most recent job title—especially if that title was from several years ago. Instead, think of your headline as a short sentence that tells recruiters what you do or want to do next.
Examples:
Product Manager | Skilled in Agile, Stakeholder Communication, and Data-Driven Decision-Making
Talent Acquisition Professional | Passionate About People, Process, and Purpose
Marketing Returner | Ready to Reenter with Skills in Branding, Campaign Strategy & Content
Tip: Avoid “Seeking Opportunities” in the headline—focus on what you bring, not what you’re asking for.
Step 2: Use Your Summary to Tell Your Story
This section is where you connect the dots—your experience, your break, and where you’re headed next. Keep it conversational but clear.
A simple framework:
What are you great at?
What kind of roles are you excited about?
What did you do during your break that reflects your values, skills, or growth?
Example:
I’m a communications professional with 10+ years of experience in brand storytelling, public relations, and content strategy. After a fulfilling career break focused on caregiving and personal development, I’m ready to return to work. During my time away, I stayed active through volunteer work, took courses in digital marketing, and continued freelance writing. I’m excited to bring my skills—and fresh perspective—to a mission-driven team.
Step 3: Complete the Experience Section (Yes, You Can Include a Career Break)
Leaving a gap is more confusing than addressing it. Here’s how to do it professionally and confidently.
Example Entry:
Career Break | 2019–2024
Focused on caregiving, skill-building, and volunteer leadership. During this time, I completed coursework in project management and led a PTA fundraising campaign that raised over $10,000.
If you’ve volunteered, freelanced, consulted, or taken courses during your break—list them! These are experiences. They count.
Step 4: Skills, Courses & Certifications—This Is Where You Shine
LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills. Start with 10–15 that align with the roles you’re targeting. Add any courses or certifications you’ve completed—even if they were free or self-paced.
Some ideas to get you started:
Project Management
Salesforce CRM
Google Analytics
DEI Awareness
Conflict Resolution
Event Planning
Copywriting
Team Leadership
Time Management (yes, it’s a real skill—especially for parents)
Step 5: Add a Professional Photo and Custom URL
Your profile photo doesn’t have to be professionally shot—just clear, friendly, and recent. A simple headshot with good lighting and a plain background works perfectly.
Bonus tip: Customize your profile link (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname) to look polished and be easier to share.
Step 6: Start Showing Up—Before the Conference
Your profile is your foundation, but your presence matters too. As the WBW Conference approaches:
Connect with other returners you meet in Power Hour sessions.
Follow companies attending the conference.
React to or comment on posts in your industry.
Share a short post about your return-to-work journey if you’re comfortable.
Being active helps employers find you. It also helps you feel part of the conversation again.
You don’t need a perfect profile. You need a real one—one that reflects where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you’re ready to go next. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Want more support building your professional presence before August?
Join us for Power Hour Tuesdays and don’t forget to register for the Women Back to Work Conference on August 21, 2025—your next opportunity might be waiting there.
