You’ve polished your headline. You’ve tightened your summary. Maybe you’ve even added a few bullet points to your experience section.
But if you haven’t updated your Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations, you’re leaving some serious LinkedIn power on the table.
These sections might seem secondary, but they can quietly boost your visibility, credibility, and overall trust factor—often more than you’d expect.
Let’s dig into why they matter and how to make them work for you.
The Hidden Power of LinkedIn’s Algorithm
LinkedIn doesn’t just care about what you say—you also need to back it up. That’s where skills and social proof come in.
The platform’s search algorithm favors profiles that have:
- ✅ Relevant, keyword-rich skills
- ✅ Endorsements from your network
- ✅ Recommendations from people who’ve worked with you
These aren’t just decorative—they signal validation, boost your ranking in recruiter searches, and help your profile feel more human and trustworthy.
Your Skills Section: Think Like a Search Engine
You can list up to 50 skills on LinkedIn, but only your top three are immediately visible—so choose wisely.
Here’s how to optimize:
- Aim for 30+ relevant skills
- Focus on hard skills (tools, technologies, methods)
- Use language from job descriptions you’re targeting
- Group skills by category (e.g., Marketing, Data Analysis, Project Management)
Pro Tip: Look at 3–5 job ads for roles you want. Which skills show up repeatedly? Those should be in your top 10.
High-Impact Skill Examples (Tailored by Role)
Want inspiration? Here are strong skills for popular roles:
- Project Manager: Agile, Risk Mitigation, MS Project
- Data Analyst: SQL, Python, Tableau, A/B Testing
- HR Specialist: Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, ATS
- Oil & Gas Engineer: HAZOP, API Standards, Rotating Equipment
If a recruiter searches for “Python” and it’s not on your profile? You may not even show up—even if you’re qualified.
Endorsements: Quiet Social Proof That Works
Endorsements are easy to give and easy to receive. But they still matter.
When a hiring manager sees that 20+ people have endorsed you for “Strategic Planning,” it makes your claim more believable. It’s not just you saying it anymore.
✅ Ask for endorsements from people who’ve seen you in action
✅ Put your most important skills at the top to encourage endorsements
✅ Endorse a few colleagues—they’ll often return the favor
How to Ask Without Sounding Awkward
People are generally happy to help—you just need to make it easy.
Here’s a tactful message you can send:
Hi [Name], I’m optimizing my LinkedIn profile and would really appreciate an endorsement for [Skill]. Happy to return the favor—let me know which skill you’d like me to endorse! Thanks so much.
Genuine, clear, and low-pressure.
Recommendations: The Gold Standard of Credibility
Want to stand out? A thoughtful recommendation from a former manager or colleague can carry a lot of weight.
It doesn’t need to be long. In fact, short and specific is better:
- Highlight a project or strength
- Mention a result or achievement
- Speak to how you work with others
Start with 2–3. Over time, build up to 5+. And yes—write some, too. Offering one first often leads to getting one in return.
A Template You Can Use Today
Hi [Name], I’m updating my LinkedIn profile and would really appreciate a short recommendation based on our work on [project/team]. If you’re open to it, 2–3 sentences about [specific contribution] would be amazing. Let me know if I can return the favor. Thanks so much!
It takes five minutes—and could earn you your next opportunity.
Ready to Power Up Your LinkedIn Presence?
If you’re serious about getting noticed by recruiters and building trust at first glance, don’t skip the Skills, Endorsements & Recommendations sections.
They may be subtle—but they’re far from optional.
And if you want a complete, step-by-step guide to building a high-performing LinkedIn profile?
Check out our Resume & LinkedIn Optimization course
You’ll learn how to:
- Craft a recruiter-friendly profile
- Write a compelling summary
- Use AI tools to tailor your resume and LinkedIn to your dream job
- Get seen, get clicks, and get hired
Because your profile shouldn’t just exist—it should work for you.
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