4 Steps to 10x Your Visibility on Linkedin
Turn your optimized profile into a recruiter magnet
Welcome to issue #067 of LinkedIn Unlocked. Twice a week, I share practical, unfiltered advice for free to help senior executives land their next role—faster, and without wasting time on strategies that don’t work.
I’ve spent 20+ years in the medical devices industry, including a 5 at the C-level.
Today, I lead the global life sciences practice at one of the top 10 executive search firms worldwide. I know exactly how headhunters use LinkedIn—because I do it every day.
Most Executives Stop Too Soon
It's unbelievable how many executives think LinkedIn optimization is a one-and-done task.
They spend weeks perfecting their headline, cramming keywords into their About section, and filling their Skills slots—then sit back waiting for headhunters to call.
That's like building a Ferrari and leaving it parked in your garage.
Your optimized profile is just the foundation. What happens next determines whether you get found by the right recruiters or stay buried in LinkedIn's massive database of 1.1 billion profiles.
There are four critical steps that separate executives who get discovered from those who remain invisible.
Let me show you exactly what to do after you hit "save" on your profile.
Step 1: Build Your Recruiter Network Aggressively
This is where most executives go completely wrong.
They think networking means connecting with people they know. At the executive level, that's backwards thinking.
You need to connect with as many recruiters as possible—whether you know them or not.
Why?
Because LinkedIn's algorithm is programmed to show profiles that are closer in network proximity. When I run a search for a CFO, LinkedIn prioritizes candidates who are 1st or 2nd connections over those who are 3rd degree or further.
It's simple mathematics: the closer you are to me in the network, the higher you rank in my search results.
Here's your action plan:
Search for "executive search" + your industry terms
Find associates, researchers, and consultants at major firms
Send connection requests without messages (they have higher acceptance rates)
Target 50+ new recruiter connections per month
Don't limit yourself geographically—executive search is global
The goal isn't to have coffee with these people. It's to move yourself up in their algorithmic rankings.
Step 2: Click "Apply" Strategically (Even When You're Not Applying)
This sounds counterintuitive, but it's absolutely critical.
When you click "Apply" on relevant LinkedIn job postings, you're sending a powerful signal to the algorithm that you're interested in roles like this.
LinkedIn then categorizes you as "likely to be interested" in similar positions.
When headhunters search for candidates using similar keywords, the algorithm boosts your profile because it predicts you'll be responsive to outreach.
Here's the smart way to do it:
Click "Apply" on 2-3 relevant senior roles weekly
Focus on positions that match your target criteria
Don't worry about completing the application
The click itself triggers the algorithmic boost
You're not actually applying—you're gaming the system to increase your visibility.
Step 3: Activate "Open to Work" (Recruiters Only)
This setting is pure gold, yet most executives are afraid to use it.
Enabling "Open to Work" visible only to recruiters gives you a massive ranking boost in search results. LinkedIn's algorithm prioritizes profiles that signal availability.
But here's the key: set it to "recruiters only."
Never use the public green banner. That broadcasts desperation and attracts spam.
How to set it up correctly:
Go to your profile → Click "Open to"
Select "Finding a new job"
Choose "Share with recruiters only"
Be specific about target roles and locations
Update your preferences monthly
This single setting can move you 20+ positions higher in search results.
Step 4: Stay "Digitally Alive"
Dead profiles don't get found.
LinkedIn's algorithm heavily favors active users. If your profile sits dormant for weeks, you're telling the system you're not engaged.
Active profiles get prioritized in search results because headhunters want candidates who will actually respond to messages.
Your weekly activity checklist:
Log into LinkedIn 4+ times per week
Like or share 3-5 industry posts
Make small profile updates (add a skill, update a description)
Respond to all messages within 24 hours
Comment thoughtfully on 1-2 posts
The algorithm tracks all of this and rewards consistent engagement.
Why These Steps Actually Work
I see the difference every single day in my searches.
Profiles that implement these four steps consistently appear in my top results. Those that don't? They're buried on page 4 or beyond, where no recruiter ever looks.
It's not about qualifications—it's about algorithmic visibility.
Last month, I was searching for a VP of Sales in medical devices. The candidate who appeared at the top of my search wasn't the most qualified. But his profile was optimized, he was connected to 200+ recruiters, had recent "apply" activity, and showed consistent LinkedIn engagement.
He got the interview. The more qualified candidates on page 4 never even knew the role existed.
Your Next Move
Pick one of these four steps and implement it today.
Don't try to do everything at once. But don't wait either.
Every day your profile remains static is another day you're handing opportunities to your competition.
The executives who get found fastest aren't necessarily the most qualified—they're the most discoverable.
Start building your visibility advantage now.
— Kristof