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LinkedIn: Build Proof with Skills & Projects
LinkedIn: Build Proof with Skills & Projects
Part 3 of 4 in the LinkedIn Optimization Series
Series: Part 1: Get Found | Part 2: Tell Your Story | [Part 3: Build Proof] | Part 4: Stay Visible
You've optimized for search. You've crafted a compelling headline and About section. Now it's time to back it up.
Claims without proof are just words. Recruiters and hiring managers want validation—evidence that you can actually do what you say you can do. That's where your Skills section, Projects, and Recommendations come in.
These are your credibility markers. They transform your profile from a self-description into a verified portfolio.
The Skills Section: Your Searchable Inventory
LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills. ATS systems and LinkedIn Recruiter heavily rely on this section to filter candidates.
Why Skills Matter for Search
When recruiters build searches, they filter by skills. If a recruiter searches for "React AND PostgreSQL" and those skills aren't in your profile, you won't appear—even if you mention them elsewhere in your text.
A lean skills section (only a few skills listed) signals either limited experience or someone who hasn't maintained their profile. Neither is a good look.
How Many Skills to Add
- Minimum: 30 skills
- Maximum: 50 skills (LinkedIn's limit)
- Per job: 3-5 skills attached to each position
What to Include
Hard Skills (get you the interview):
- Programming languages (JavaScript, Python, TypeScript)
- Frameworks and libraries (React, Node.js, Next.js)
- Tools (Git, GitHub, VS Code, Postman, Figma)
- Databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQL)
- Methodologies (Agile, CI/CD, TDD)
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Mentorship
- Time management
- Adaptability
Mentorship as a Skill
If you've mentored anyone—peers, junior team members, bootcamp classmates—add "Mentorship" as a skill. This signals leadership potential. Many organizations assign mentors to new hires, and they look for this capability.
Skills Placement Strategy
- Top 3 skills - Your most important, recruiter-searched skills
- Skills per job - Add relevant skills to each position in your Experience section
- Endorsements - Ask connections to endorse your key skills (this boosts credibility)
Projects: Proof You've Built Real Things
Projects demonstrate that you've worked on real products with real teams—not just attended classes. For boot camp graduates and career changers, projects are especially critical.
The Project Framework
What it is + What tools you used + What you built + Impact/Result
Example With Metrics
> "Built a full-stack budgeting app using React, Node.js, and MongoDB that allowed users to track expenses. Designed UI for intuitive UX, deployed with Netlify. Reduced friction for new users by 25% in testing."
Example Without Metrics
> "Collaborated with a team to build a task manager in four days. Delivered 100% complete and usable product by strict deadline following SLICK methodology (Simple, Lovable, Complete)."
When to Include Metrics
Only include metrics if you can speak to them in detail during an interview. If you can't quantify the impact, focus on:
- What you built
- What technologies you used
- That you delivered a complete, working product
Important Notes on Sharing Work
- Always ask permission before posting client work (some projects have NDAs)
- Only post live, working links - never broken links
- Use password protection for sensitive work samples
- Tag collaborators and give credit to team members
Recommendations: Social Proof That Lives on Your Profile
Recommendations are mini-references that validate what you've said about yourself. They demonstrate credibility and build trust.
Why Recommendations Matter
- Hiring managers scan recommendations before or after interviews to confirm impressions
- Recruiters use them as tie-breakers between equally strong candidates
- Keywords in recommendations count toward your profile's searchability
- Career changers - They highlight transferable skills and professionalism
- Early-career professionals - They show real-world collaboration abilities
Types of Recommendations
Think broadly about who can vouch for you:
| Type | Who | What They Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Peer | Classmates, teammates, colleagues | Collaboration, teamwork |
| Manager/Supervisor | Bosses, team leads | Accountability, quality of work |
| Mentor/Coach | Teachers, advisors | Growth, learning, character |
| Client | Customers, stakeholders | Reliability, outcomes |
When to Ask (Timing Matters)
- Right after completing a project or assignment
- After receiving positive feedback
- When wrapping up an internship, boot camp, or position
How to Ask: The Warm Approach
Don't just use LinkedIn's generic request tool. Reach out personally first:
Template:
> "Hi [Name], I valued working with you on [project/context]. I'm working on strengthening my LinkedIn presence and would love if you'd feel comfortable writing a short recommendation. It would be especially helpful if you could highlight [specific skill, quality, or project impact]. Thank you so much for considering."
What to avoid:
- Applying pressure ("I need this for my job search")
- Being vague ("Can you just write me one?")
- Mass-sending the same generic request
How to Write Strong Recommendations
It's not just about asking—it's about reciprocating. When someone recommends you, offer to write one in return.
The 4-Part Framework
- Context - How you know the person
- Skills and Qualities - What they demonstrated
- Impact - The difference they made
- Closing Endorsement - Your recommendation
Example Using the Framework
> "I worked alongside Katrina in the Joy of Coding program where we collaborated on building a Python-based inventory system. (Context) > > Katrina consistently showed strong problem-solving skills and an eagerness to support teammates by explaining complex logic clearly. (Skills) > > Her contributions improved our app's efficiency and helped the team stay motivated during crunch times. (Impact) > > I would highly recommend Katrina for any software development role. She's reliable, collaborative, and technically sharp." (Endorsement)
Weak vs Strong Recommendations
Weak:
> "She was nice to work with. A hard worker."
Problem: Vague, no proof of specific skills
Strong:
> "I collaborated with Hope on a full-stack project where she led the React development. Her ability to debug complex UI issues saved us time and kept our launch on schedule. She communicates clearly, contributes ideas, and is the type of teammate every team wants."
Why it works: Specific, contextual, persuasive
Length Guidelines
Keep it concise: 3-5 sentences is ideal. Shorter and specific beats long and generic.
Key Takeaways
- Add 30-50 skills - LinkedIn's search relies on your Skills section
- Attach skills to each job - 3-5 skills per position
- Include soft skills - They matter for interviews and career growth
- Add "Mentorship" if applicable - It signals leadership potential
- Projects prove you build things - Use the What + Tools + Built + Impact framework
- Only include metrics you can speak to - Otherwise focus on delivery
- Recommendations validate your claims - They're mini-references on your profile
- Ask when memory is fresh - Right after projects, feedback, milestones
- Use the 4-part framework - Context → Skills → Impact → Endorsement
- Reciprocate - Offer to write recommendations for others
Your Action Items
- Count your current skills - if under 30, add more relevant ones
- Add 3-5 skills to each job in your Experience section
- Add at least one project with a strong description
- Identify 2-3 people who could write recommendations (peer, mentor, manager)
- Send one personalized recommendation request this week
- Write one recommendation for someone else
This series is based on career coaching from Chelsea Scott, adapted for SpokeToWork.com.
Previous: Part 2: Tell Your Story—Headline, About & Experience That Connect Next in the series: Part 4: Stay Visible—Networking, Posting & Engagement
Have questions? Check out our other guides or reach out through the contact page.
