How to Stand Out on LinkedIn When You’re Changing Careers in Mid-Life

“I feel invisible on LinkedIn.”

That’s what one of my clients told me recently. She had over 20 years of experience in her field. She was skilled, reliable, and ready for a change, but recruiters weren’t noticing her.

The problem wasn’t her age or her abilities. It was how she was showing up online.

If you’re navigating a career change in mid-life, you might feel the same way:

• Unsure how to position yourself for something new.
• Afraid your experience makes you look “too old” or “overqualified.”
• Stuck staring at your LinkedIn profile, wondering what to even write.

Here’s the truth: LinkedIn can be your strongest ally in a career transition if you use it with clarity and intention.

Let me share 4 practical ways to stand out:

1. Lead with clarity, not just your job title

Your headline is one of the first things recruiters see. Most people only put their current job title, like “Senior Accountant at X Company.”

But if you’re changing careers, your headline should also reflect where you’re going.

💡 Example: Instead of: Senior Accountant at ABC Corp Try: Finance Professional | Skilled in Data & Strategy | Transitioning into Learning & Development

This shows both your expertise and your new direction.

2. Tell your story in your About section

Your About section is not a copy-paste of your CV. It’s your chance to connect the dots.

Explain:

• What drives you
• Why you’re ready for a change
• The skills and experiences you bring into your next chapter

When you write with personality and authenticity, recruiters and connections begin to see you, not just your past job titles.

3. Show up, even before you feel “ready”

So many professionals hold back on LinkedIn until they’ve figured everything out. But visibility is built through consistency, not perfection.

Easy ways to post, even in transition:

• Share a reflection on something you’ve learned in your career
• Comment thoughtfully on an article in your new field of interest
• Celebrate a small step, like updating your CV or reaching out to a mentor

Remember: people connect with honesty more than polished “perfection.”

4. Engage like a human, not just a job seeker

Don’t wait for recruiters to come to you. Build your network.

Send genuine connection requests, comment on posts, and congratulate others on their milestones. This builds visibility and relationships, and opportunities often come through people, not job boards.

💛 Here’s the truth: Standing out on LinkedIn isn’t about gaming the algorithm. It’s about showing up clearly, confidently, and consistently as the professional you are becoming.

And when you do that, you won’t feel invisible anymore.