LinkedIn profile writing for senior executives

Many executives only start taking LinkedIn seriously when they are seeking a job. This leaves them on the back foot in business networking, in attracting headhunters, and in proving depth and value of their network to prospective employers and partners.

LinkedIn is a critical platform for business networking, offering professionals the opportunity to connect, share insights, and advance their and their company's interests. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can serve as a powerful tool to establish authority, build trust, and attract potential clients, talent, suppliers, investors, and strategic partners.

Your corporate role is your strongest credential. Lead with it, and it gives you referred authority - the credibility of your company’s achievements under your leadership. This elevates you above an executive jobseeker’s profile and shows you as a trusted voice in your sector.

LinkedIn as part of an executive's career strategy

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective LinkedIn profile for business networking purposes, specifically tailored for CEOs and senior executives to highlight their company's attributes and their own accomplishments in serving the business.

Creating an impressive LinkedIn profile for personal positioning and business networking involves more than just filling out sections. It requires a strategic approach to highlight your personal attributes and your company’s unique value proposition, demonstrate your expertise, and engage with your target audience.

To do this effectively, take advantage of LinkedIn’s newer features. Use the Featured section to highlight case studies, media coverage, or presentations that reinforce your leadership and your company’s achievements. Consider publishing regular newsletters to share insights and strengthen your reputation as a thought leader. Activating Creator Mode can also help you build visibility, expand your reach, and establish authority within your sector.

By following these steps, you can create a profile that not only attracts connections but also fosters meaningful professional relationships and business opportunities. As you know, a senior executive's network is possibly their most valuable asset.

How to Build an Executive LinkedIn Profile

1. Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Headline

Your headline should encapsulate who you are and what your company offers. Instead of just listing your job title, highlight your unique value proposition and how it benefits your business.

1. Chief Executive | Driving Digital Transformation Across FTSE 250 Firms | Growth and Innovation in Financial Services
2. Board Director | Governance and Risk Specialist | Helping FTSE and AIM-listed Companies Navigate Complex Regulation
3. Managing Director | Building High-Performing Teams | Delivering Market Expansion for Global Brands

In your summary, speak directly to the audience you want to influence. For UK executives this might mean highlighting your experience with FTSE-listed firms, board governance, regulatory change, or international expansion. Use first person, keep it concise, and make sure it reflects both your personal authority and your organisation’s strengths.

2. Writing an Engaging LinkedIn Summary

The summary section is your elevator pitch for the company. In turn, this acts as a powerful vehicle to promote your role in its success. It should be concise yet comprehensive, highlighting your company’s key services, achievements, and what it brings to the table. Use this space to tell the company’s story and make a strong first impression. Include elements such as:

1. Company Overview - Briefly describe your company and its core services or products.
2. Your Leadership Role - Highlight your role and your key accomplishments as CEO.
3. Unique Value - Explain what makes your company’s approach unique and why it matters.
4. Call to Action - Encourage readers to connect or learn more about your company.

Example - "As the CEO of [Company Name], I head a team dedicated to leading innovation and growth in the [industry] sector. With over [number] years of experience, our company has established itself as a leader in [specific area], delivering [specific solutions or products] that have enhanced our clients' competitiveness. Our commitment to excellence and strategic collaborations has positioned us as a trusted partner in the industry. Let’s connect to explore how we can work together for mutual benefit."

3. Detailing Your Executive Experience

The experience LinkedIn section should highlight your key accomplishments in serving the company’s interests. Focus on achievements and the impact you’ve made. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your successes. Example - "CEO, [Company Name]"

1. Growth - "Led the development and implementation of a strategic growth plan that increased annual revenue by [percentage]."
2. Partnerships - "Established key partnerships with industry leaders, resulting in [specific outcomes]."
3. Geographic Expansion - "Oversaw the global expansion into [number] new markets and segments, enhancing brand presence and market share."

4. Highlighting Company Skills and Endorsements

List skills that reflect your company’s core competencies and industry expertise, such as strategic planning, leadership, business development, and global market expansion. Endorsements from colleagues and partners can add credibility and enhance your profile’s visibility.

5. Gathering LinkedIn Recommendations

Testimonials from clients, partners, and colleagues can significantly boost your profile’s credibility. Request recommendations that highlight the company’s strengths, your leadership, and the results achieved. Be specific in your request to ensure the recommendation addresses key points.

6. Adding Media and Case Studies to LinkedIn

Enhance your profile with media such as case studies, articles, and presentations that demonstrate your company’s work. These can provide tangible evidence of your company’s expertise and the value it delivers. Example -

1. Case Studies - Include detailed examples of successful projects and client partnerships, illustrating your company’s problem-solving skills and the impact of its solutions.
2. Media Coverage - Highlight your role and your key accomplishments as CEO.
3. Unique Value - Attach articles or features that highlight your company’s achievements and industry contributions.

7. Why Executives Must Stay Active on LinkedIn

Building a strong LinkedIn profile is only the first step. The real value comes from remaining active and visible. Executives who post and engage regularly signal that they are connected, informed, and authoritative. Share articles, comment on sector developments, and highlight your company’s successes. Engage with content from leading UK sources such as the Financial Times, The Economist, and organisations like the CBI or Institute of Directors (IoD). By building your personal profile on the back of your current role, you establish greater authority and credibility than a typical jobseeker’s profile ever could. This activity strengthens your business network and makes you more attractive to prospective partners and recruiters.

Active engagement with respected UK networks and institutions, from the Financial Times to the Institute of Directors, signals authority and credibility. Visibility backed by genuine leadership signals carries more weight than any jobseeker’s profile.

Creating your LinkedIn Profile for maximum authority

Exclude job-seeking language

Yes, even if you are considering or planning a move.

This may seem counterintuitive, but the sought-after are more appealing than active jobseekers. Strengthen your profile with media such as case studies, articles, and presentations that highlight your company’s work. These provide tangible evidence of expertise under your leadership and demonstrate the value your business delivers. For example:

• Authenticity - Focus your profile language on business growth, partnerships, and industry expertise rather than personal career advancement. Don't simply copy-and-paste AI slop from a basic prompt. Give your profile character and make it distinctively yours.
• Credibility - Back up claims with results. Use measurable outcomes, client feedback, or external recognition to demonstrate genuine impact.
• Thought leadership - Share original perspectives on trends, challenges, and opportunities in your sector. This positions you as a trusted authority and strengthens your business network. Engage with posts from potential clients, suppliers, employers, investors, and strategic partners to build relationships.
• Increase Your Visibility - Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry and career trajectory. Participate in discussions to increase your visibility and demonstrate your knowledge.
• Highlight Business Objectives - Align your profile content with your company’s goals and position yourself as a key strategist. Highlight how your team’s expertise contributes to achieving these goals and how you can help potential clients and partners succeed.

Employers, suppliers, and prospective partners have similar needs. They want to know what you can do for them; how authentic, innovative, approachable, and reliable you are. Most headhunters scour LinkedIn for the sought-after, so make sure that you fit the bill.

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~ Elle Bradshaw