For executive and administrative assistants, LinkedIn is often the first place an employer or recruiter will look after receiving your CV. A polished, professional profile doesn’t just back up your application — it can actively bring opportunities to you.

But here’s the catch: many assistants underuse LinkedIn, leaving vague headlines, outdated job descriptions, or half-empty profiles. That can cost you interviews.

This guide will show you exactly how to stand out on LinkedIn with practical tips, real examples, and easy steps you can take today.

Why it matters: Your headline follows you everywhere on LinkedIn — in searches, connection requests, even in comments. It’s your mini personal brand.

Wrong way:

• “Administrative Assistant”

• “Looking for Work”

These are too generic or desperate. Recruiters may skip past because they don’t communicate value.

Right way:

• “Executive Assistant | Diary Management, Travel Coordination & Board-Level Support”

• “Administrative Assistant | Skilled in Client Communication, Microsoft Office & Office Management”

These examples use keywords recruiters search for and give a snapshot of your strengths.

Action Steps:

• Include your role (Executive Assistant / Administrative Assistant).

• Add 2–3 top skills.

• Keep it professional, not “funny” or casual.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re open to work, use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature rather than writing it in your headline. It looks cleaner and helps recruiters filter for you.

1. Start With a Strong Headline

2. Use a Professional Photo and Banner

Why it matters: Profiles with photos get 21x more views. First impressions matter.

Wrong way:

• Cropped party photo with friends in the background.

• Selfie in the car.

Right way:

• Clear, professional headshot (business attire, neutral background, good lighting).

• Banner image related to work (office, organised desk, subtle graphic in your brand colours).

Action Steps:

• Wear work-appropriate clothing, even if it’s just a shirt/blouse.

• Take a photo in natural light against a plain background.

• Upload a banner that reinforces professionalism — Canva has free templates.

💡 Pro Tip: Your smile should look approachable and confident. Recruiters are hiring someone they want to trust and work with daily.

3. Write a Strong About (Summary) Section

Why it matters: The About section is where employers get to know you beyond your job titles.

Wrong way:
"I’m an admin assistant with experience in different roles. I’m hardworking and reliable."

Too vague, generic, and doesn’t show personality or skills.

Right way:
"I’m an experienced Administrative Assistant with 5+ years supporting senior leaders in busy corporate environments. Skilled in calendar management, travel planning, and client communication, I thrive on creating structure and helping executives focus on strategy. Known for discretion and problem-solving, I’m passionate about providing reliable support that makes a difference. I’m now seeking opportunities to grow into a senior assistant role."

Action Steps:

• Write in first person — it’s more human.

• Highlight your top skills and achievements.

• End with what you’re looking for.

💡 Pro Tip: Use keywords (executive assistant, administrative support, diary management, Microsoft Office) to increase search visibility.

4. Showcase Experience With Achievements

Why it matters: Employers skim. They want to see not just what you did, but what you achieved.

Wrong way:
"Responsible for diary management and booking travel."

Boring, generic, and doesn’t show the value you added.

Right way:
"Managed complex calendars for three directors, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%. Coordinated international travel across five countries and handled all last-minute changes seamlessly."

Action Steps:

• For each job, include 3–5 bullet points.

• Use action verbs (managed, coordinated, implemented).

• Add numbers wherever possible (time saved, costs reduced, meetings scheduled).

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t copy your CV word for word — LinkedIn can be slightly more conversational.

5. Add Skills and Endorsements

Why it matters: Skills boost your search ranking and endorsements back them up.

Wrong way:

• Only listing generic skills like “Teamwork” or “Hardworking.”

• Having just 2–3 random skills.

Right way:

• Adding targeted, job-relevant skills: “Diary Management,” “Microsoft Excel,” “Travel Coordination,” “Communication,” “Problem-Solving,” “Discretion.”

• Asking colleagues or managers to endorse you.

Action Steps:

• Aim for at least 10 skills.

• Pin your top 3 most relevant to the top of your profile.

• Endorse others — they’ll often endorse you back.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep skills updated. Delete irrelevant ones that don’t help your assistant brand.

6. Collect Recommendations

Why it matters: Recommendations are like mini-references visible to everyone.

Wrong way:

• No recommendations at all.

• Recommendations only from peers, not managers.

Right way:

• At least 3–5 recommendations from past managers, executives, or colleagues who worked closely with you.

• Recommendations that highlight the exact skills employers want (organisation, discretion, initiative).

Action Steps:

• Reach out to managers with a polite message.

• Suggest what they could highlight (e.g., your organisation skills, professionalism, reliability).

Example request message:
"Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you at [Company]. I’m updating my LinkedIn profile and wondered if you’d be open to writing a short recommendation about my work. A few sentences about how I supported the team or handled diary management would be perfect. Happy to return the favour!”

💡 Pro Tip: One strong recommendation from a senior leader is more valuable than five generic ones from colleagues.

7. Stay Active and Visible

Why it matters: A great profile is only half the story — activity shows you’re engaged and professional.

Wrong way:

• Never posting or commenting.

• Sharing personal or irrelevant content.

Right way:

• Sharing articles about productivity, organisation, or assistant skills.

• Commenting thoughtfully on posts in your field.

• Celebrating milestones (course completion, work anniversary, new skills learned).

Action Steps:

• Post once a week to keep your profile visible.

• Like and comment on posts from recruiters or assistant communities.

• Join groups related to admin and executive support roles.

💡 Pro Tip: Recruiters are more likely to reach out if they see you’re active — it shows you’re serious about your career.

Your LinkedIn profile is more than an online CV — it’s your digital first impression. By improving your headline, photo, About section, experience, skills, recommendations, and activity, you’ll transform your profile into a tool that attracts opportunities.

Remember: employers aren’t just hiring skills; they’re hiring someone they can trust, depend on, and enjoy working with. Make sure your LinkedIn profile shows that person.

Take the Next Step

The Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit for Assistants

If you’re serious about landing your next role, the Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit will help you:

• Use proven CV and cover letter templates

• Learn interview strategies tailored for assistants

• Present yourself as the confident, capable professional employers are looking for