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Partnership webinar offers LinkedIn tips for terminated federal employees

The latest webinar in the Partnership for Public Service’s Federal Employee Explainer Series shared how recently terminated federal employees can use LinkedIn to support their job search. 

Partnership Vice President of Communications Samantha Donaldson led the discussion with Brett Mikoy and Billy Stuart, representatives from LinkedIn for Government.  

Why it is important to maximize your LinkedIn profile 

According to LinkedIn, seven people are hired through the platform every minute. Whether you are a recently terminated federal employee looking to transition within the public sector, explore opportunities in the private sector or strengthen your professional network, understanding how to use LinkedIn effectively can help you stand out. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile will:   

• Showcase your transferable skills, experience and accomplishments in public service 

• Expand your professional network within and beyond the public sector  

• Keep you informed about relevant job openings, industry trends and networking opportunities

10 steps to get you started

1. Update your LinkedIn profile photo 

Select a clear, high-resolution photo that is representative of who you are and what role you seek. Make sure the photo takes up at least 60% of the frame, wear what you would wear to work and crop the image from the shoulders up.

2. Create a short video for your profile 

A 30-second video of your elevator pitch will give you a creative edge and the opportunity to highlight your goals, share your story and invite people to message you. This is optional, but a video is a great addition to include in your “Featured” section. 

3. Add or update your industry 

LinkedIn’s job-matching algorithm is based on the industry you indicate on your profile, allowing recruiters to find and match you with opportunities. If you want to transition to another industry, you can update that part of your profile to receive matches that best fit what you are looking for.

4. Activate the “Open to Work” feature 

The “Open to Work” feature allows you to discreetly signal to recruiters, or share with all LinkedIn users, that you are open to new opportunities. If your current organization has the LinkedIn Recruiter tool for sourcing candidates, you do not show up in the organization’s search. Additionally, if you specify the types of jobs you are interested in and your preferred location, LinkedIn’s algorithm will help your profile show up in the platform’s search results.

5. Draft a compelling headline and summary 

These two features help you highlight yourself, your goals and your accomplishments. Keep your headline and summary between 40-50 words. 

6. Add “Featured” content 

Use the Featured section on your profile to highlight content that makes you stand out. Examples include publications you authored, your elevator-pitch video or a post-project report. LinkedIn’s algorithm prefers rich media over static images or photos. 

7. Detail your work experience 

Detailing your experience is a main factor in receiving LinkedIn job matches. Fill out your work experience, highlighting the skills, resources and projects you worked on. Tailor the details to match keywords in roles you are seeking.

8. Add volunteer experience 

Volunteer experience lets you highlight who you are as an individual and shows what organizations are important to you. Give a quick one or two sentence description of what you do in your volunteer positions.  

9. Add your latest skills  

Many organizations are transitioning to a skills-first hiring strategy. Recruiters and hiring managers search for candidates based on keywords that match the skills needed for open roles. Specifying your skills allows you to show employers what you have to offer.

10. Request recommendations 

LinkedIn recommendations showcase how others have worked with you. You can ask former colleagues, former leaders, direct reports and others for recommendations.  

Your profile, your story 

Think of your profile less as a resume and more as a dynamic digital portfolio that is engaging, visually appealing and highlights your experience and skills to convey your professional story. 

An enhanced LinkedIn profile will speak to all types of employers across the platform, providing an avenue to create conversations, strengthen relationships and reestablish old ones, and engage with like-minded professionals. 

Stay informed 

Explore our resource hub for real-time updates about the latest civil service proposals affecting federal employees, as well as information about the rules and regulations that protect the career workforce from undue discrimination, retaliation or political interference.    

The hub also includes all the webinars in our Federal Employee Explainer Series. 

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