Your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake, and you only get one shot at a first impression. With recruiters scrolling through hundreds of profiles daily, yours needs to stand out for the right reasons. It’s not just about looking good on paper; it’s about showing up with personality, professionalism, and, most importantly, clarity. Here’s what recruiters really think about your profile and how to avoid the mistakes that can send you straight to the "no" pile.

We asked two experienced industry experts, Valdas Samkus, in-house Talent Acquisition Specialist inulti, and Asta Saduikyte, Freelance recruiter, CEO, Founder at MAD Recruitment to share the things that frustrate recruiters the most when scouting talent on LinkedIn.

Spoiler alert: it’s not just the typos.

Pet peeves of Valdas Samkus, in-house Talent Acquisition Specialist at Inulti

1. The know-it-alls

Those who treat LinkedIn like their personal TED Talk, offering unshakable truths for every situation. Recruiters see through the one-size-fits-all confidence.

Better move: Share your expertise in a way that encourages dialogue. Ask thoughtful questions, invite different perspectives, and create a space for meaningful conversations. Need tips on building a compelling profile? Check out our LinkedIn Profile Optimization eBook for practical guidance.

2. The full-time complainers

There’s a difference between providing constructive feedback and simply complaining. Candidates who constantly point out what’s wrong without offering solutions are quick to turn off recruiters.

Better move: Offer constructive insights and suggestions for improvement. Showing a proactive attitude demonstrates problem-solving skills and can strengthen your professional reputation.

3. The Facebook expats

LinkedIn is a professional network, not a personal space for family photos, birthday shoutouts, or casual rants. A lack of focus on industry-related content doesn’t reflect well on your professionalism.

Better move: Keep your content industry-focused. Share achievements, professional milestones, and insights that showcase your expertise and add value to your network. If you need help refining your content, our LinkedIn Content Strategy Guide is a great place to start.

4. The ghosters

Here today, gone tomorrow. They apply, show interest, and then vanish, only to reappear five months later and ask if the job is still open.

Better move: If your circumstances change, communicate with recruiters. A brief message about your status can keep the relationship alive and open doors for future opportunities.

5. The misdirected candidates

Applying to Lithuania-based roles while living in another country without relocation options. It’s a waste of everyone's time (yours too!).

Better move: Be transparent about your situation. If you’re applying for roles outside your current location or with qualifications that don’t match, explain why you’re still an excellent fit for the job.

Pet peeves from Asta Saduikyte – Freelance recruiter, CEO, Founder at MAD Recruitment

1. The frustrated posters

Publicly blaming HR for job search struggles rarely helps. Venting is human, but on LinkedIn, how you express yourself matters more than you think.

Better move: Share your experiences and challenges constructively. Focus on solutions, valuable lessons, and how you’re working toward success. This can position you as a resilient professional who adds value to the community.

2. The profile-CV mismatch

One says you worked for 3 years. The other says 5. Different job titles, too. Recruiters don’t want to solve mysteries – they want clarity.

Better move: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile and CV are aligned, particularly when it comes to job titles, years of experience, and responsibilities. Consistency builds trust and credibility. For more tips on creating consistency, our LinkedIn Profile Optimization eBook offers a step-by-step guide.

3. The #opentowork confusion

Wearing the badge but rejecting offers. If you're no longer open to work, update your status. Mixed signals help no one.

Better move: Update your settings if you're no longer looking for work. If you are actively job hunting, make sure your status clearly reflects the types of roles you’re interested in.

4. The offended candidates

Getting upset when contacted about an unrelated role isn’t fair, especially if your profile doesn’t clearly state what you're looking for. Help recruiters help you.

Better move: Be polite and clear in your responses. Let recruiters know your preferences so they can tailor future opportunities to your needs. This can lead to more suitable matches.

5. The unrealistic applicants

Roles that require Lithuanian speakers or on-site work still attract candidates who lack the language or flexibility. If it’s in the job ad, there’s a reason for it.

Better move: Read job descriptions carefully and apply only for roles where your skills, location, and availability align with the role’s requirements. It saves time and improves your chances of finding a good match.

What can job seekers do better on LinkedIn?

Recruiters might have their pet peeves, but here’s the good news: they’re all fixable. And if you want to stand out (in a good way), here are a few minor tweaks that go a long way:

Be clear and consistent

Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV, especially when it comes to job titles, experience, and responsibilities. Consistency builds credibility. Need help refining your profile? Our LinkedIn Profile Optimization eBook has all the steps.

Mind the tone

If you're feeling frustrated, LinkedIn is not the place to air your grievances. Instead, share your experiences constructively. This will show emotional intelligence and resilience, traits recruiters value highly.

Stay up to date

Before applying, make sure your LinkedIn status is updated. If you’re no longer looking for a job, remove the "OpenToWork" badge. If you are actively job hunting, keep your status clear and specific. It helps recruiters know exactly what you’re looking for.

Be realistic

Before applying, make sure you read the job description thoroughly. Apply only for positions where your skills, location, and availability align with the role’s requirements. This will save time and improve your chances of finding a good match.

Respond to all the HR messages

If a recruiter contacts you with an offer that’s not quite right, don’t ignore them. Respond politely and share your preferences. This helps them understand your needs and can lead to better opportunities in the future.

Bottom line

Recruiters want to connect with you, but they aren’t mind-readers or magicians. By presenting a clear, consistent, and realistic LinkedIn profile, you make it easier for recruiters to understand who you are and what you bring to the table. Paying attention to small details, such as keeping your experience up to date, refining your communication skills, and setting realistic expectations, can make a significant difference in your job search journey.