How to Choose and Order Your LinkedIn Skills

The "Skills" section on LinkedIn isn't just a list — it's a field that affects your visibility in search results. This article covers how to fill out this section correctly. For general profile optimization, see How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile.

Why Does It Matter?

Recruiters using LinkedIn's search tools often filter by specific skills. If your skills list isn't accurate and current, you might not show up in a search for a competency you actually have.

Which Skills Should You Add?

• Technical skills you genuinely have — these should be consistent with the skills section on your resume.
• Key terms sought in your industry — match phrases that show up frequently in job postings with your own skills.
• Both broad and specific terms — for example, don't just list "Marketing"; also add more specific terms like "Digital Marketing" and "SEO."

Pin Your Top 3 Skills

LinkedIn lets you choose 3 skills to show at the top of your profile. These three skills carry the most weight in search results and with anyone who first sees your profile — so choose your strongest and most relevant three.

How Should You Think About Endorsements?

While skill endorsements from your connections are a third-party validation signal, the count alone doesn't mean much — a skill with 50 endorsements but low relevance is worth less than a skill with 5 endorsements that you're genuinely strong in. Focus on listing the right skills rather than chasing endorsement counts.

Update It Regularly

Keep your list current as you gain new skills (after a course, certification, or project). You can also periodically review and remove old skills you no longer use.

Conclusion

Your LinkedIn skills list isn't just a resume add-on — it's a tool that directly affects your search visibility. Choosing skills you genuinely have and that are sought in your industry, and pinning your strongest three, improves both your match with the right opportunities and your profile's credibility.