In today’s competitive hiring environment in Canada, you can’t leave your professional presence on LinkedIn to chance. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, or Ottawa, recruiters and hiring managers are actively using LinkedIn to screen, evaluate, and connect with talent. According to recent data, around 75 % of job seekers report using LinkedIn in their search for new opportunities
If you’re a Canadian-based job seeker in 2025whether you’re in IT, healthcare, finance, engineering or any other fieldthis blog post is your practical guide. We’ll outline the do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn etiquette, show you how to optimise your presence, and demonstrate how your profile, outreach, and behaviour can either support or hinder your job hunt. At OMY Resumes we’ve helped hundreds of candidates refine their online brand, build ATS-friendly resumes and secure interviews. We’ll now show how LinkedIn fits into your broader job-search toolkit (alongside your resume writing Canada, cover letter writing and interview preparation).
Let’s dive in.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Canadian Job Seekers in 2025
A quick snapshot of the job market
- The Canadian job market in 2025 remains fluid: hiring is happening but competition is stiff, and companies are increasingly relying on digital tools, networking and social-media screening. LinkedIn has become a critical channel for discovery: both for candidates being found, and for you proactively finding roles, reaching out and building relationships.
- For industries like IT, healthcare, finance and engineering, where roles are specialised and the talent pool global, a polished LinkedIn presence acts as a trust signal.
- Also, LinkedIn seamlessly complements your other foundational job-search assetsyour resume (including industry-specific resumes for IT, healthcare etc.), cover letter and portfolio website development.
The need for etiquette
A sloppy or overlooked LinkedIn profile can undo the work you’ve done crafting an ATS-friendly resume or booking a career consultation Canada-based service. On the flip side, a thoughtful LinkedIn profile and strategic engagement can open doors you hadn’t even applied to. Networking on LinkedIn isn’t optionalit’s essential.
First Impressions Count – Profile Setup and Optimisation
The basics of profile polish
You only have moments to make a good first impression. Here are the key elements to get right.
Do: Use a professional photo
- Use a high resolution head-and-shoulders photo with good lighting and a neutral background.
- Dress as you would if meeting a hiring manager in Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver.
- According to Canadian job-search advice, profiles with professional photos receive far more views.
Do: Craft a compelling headline and summary
- Your headline shouldn’t just be your job title (e.g., “Marketing Coordinator”); instead use keywords and value statements: e.g., “Marketing Coordinator | Digital Campaigns | Driving ROI for Canadian SMEs”.
- Summary (“About” section) should tell a short story: who you are, what you bring, what you want. Use keywords respectfully (for example “LinkedIn optimisation”, “resume services Toronto”, “career consultation Canada”).
- This aligns with the trend of using LinkedIn like a living version of your resume writing Canada efforts.
Do: Update your location and customise your URL
- If you are job searching in Canada, set your location to the relevant city or region (Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton etc) so recruiters can see your market relevance. Customize your LinkedIn URL to something clean (e.g., linkedin.com/in/YourName). This is particularly helpful when you list LinkedIn alongside your resume writing Canada or cover letter writing links.
Do: Use complete sections and achievements
- Fill in the “Experience”, “Skills”, “Education”, and optional “Certifications” sections.
- Focus on achievements (e.g., “Increased web-traffic by 45 % in 6 months for Canadian tech startup”) rather than just tasks.
- This practice complements your ATS-friendly resume strategy because many recruiters cross-check LinkedIn profiles.
Things job-seekers often overlook
Don’t: Leave the profile outdated
- A profile that looks like it hasn’t been touched in 2 years sends a message of inactive job-hunting.
- Make small updates every few weeksespecially as you gain new skills or certifications.
Don’t: Use inappropriate photos or content
- Avoid selfies, overly casual images, or content that distracts from your professional brand.
- Canadian recruiters expect LinkedIn to look professional, not like a social-media feed.
Don’t: Use buzzwords without proof
- Words like “expert”, “guru”, or “innovative” only carry weight if you present evidence of your work.
- Always link to tangible outcomes or projects.
Network Building – Quality over Quantity
Why networking on LinkedIn matters
Building connections isn’t just about collecting contactsit’s about meaningful visibility. In Canada’s job market of 2025 your network can lead to referrals and opportunities before roles are even posted.
Do: Connect strategically
- Prioritise people in your target industry (e.g., IT professionals in Toronto, healthcare recruiters in Vancouver).
- Include a personal note when you request a connection: share why you’re connecting (e.g., “I noticed we both worked in Canadian fintech marketing and would value your insights on job trends”).
- This thoughtful approach aligns with best practices for LinkedIn optimisation.
H3 – Do: Engage actively
- Comment on posts relevant to your industry.
- Share articles you find useful (with a short, personal insight added).
- You might be job-seeking in finance or engineeringsharing a relevant article shows you’re active and informed.
- For example: “As an aspiring financial analyst in Toronto, I found this article on ESG investing fascinating…”
Do: Give before you ask
- Before asking for help (e.g., introductions, advice), provide value: comment on someone’s post, endorse a skill, share a resource.
- Network etiquette emphasises giving first.
H3 – Don’t: Spam connection requests
- Sending generic “Let’s connect” messages to 1000 people at once often backfires.
- Personalise, be genuine and avoid asking for a job right away.
Don’t: Pitch your services or jobs in your initial outreach
- Unless you offer services yourself, don’t lead with “I’m looking for a jobcan you send me roles?”.
- Focus instead on relationship-building.
Content & Activity – Showcasing Your Personal Brand
Why sharing content matters
Recruiters and hiring managers often check how you engage on LinkedIn. Are you a passive profile or someone who contributes to the professional community?
Do: Share relevant insights and updates
- Share your perspective on industry news, trends or your own professional projects.
- For instance, if you’re in IT and just completed an industry-specific resume update or portfolio website development, mention the insight you gained.
- This ties into your broader career strategy (resume services Toronto, industry-specific resumes).
Do: Show consistency
- Posting once every 1-2 weeks is better than posting 10 times in one week and disappearing.
- Consistency helps build visibility in your network.
Don’t: Overshare personal or non-professional content
- LinkedIn is not a casual social platform. Avoid frequent non-professional posts, controversial topics unrelated to your job search, or personal rants.
Don’t: Copy-paste generic posts or auto-generate without editing
- Tools like AI (e.g., ChatGPT) can help create draftsbut always customise to reflect your voice and Canadian market context.
- Authenticity matters.
Messaging & Outreach – Asking for Help the Right Way
Key rules for LinkedIn messaging
How you message someone can make or break a connection. Especially in job search mode, you want to come across as professional, courteous and purposeful.
Do: Personalise your messages
- If you’re reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager: “Hello [Name], I noticed your role in talent acquisition for Canadian engineering firms. I’m a mechanical engineer in Calgary seeking opportunities in design-engineering. I’d appreciate any advice you can offer on how I might position myself for those roles.”
- This is much stronger than a one-liner.
Do: Be clear about your ask
- Are you asking for a brief call? Advice on the hiring process? A referral? Specify politely and succinctly.
- Example: “Would you be open to a 10-minute chat about your experience hiring mechanical engineers in Alberta?”
Do: Follow up with gratitude
- After someone helps you, send a thank-you noteeven if it’s short.
- Following up builds goodwill and reinforces your professional brand.
Don’t: Ask for a job straight away
- Even if you’re job hunting in fields like finance or healthcare in Toronto, asking “Do you have roles for me?” in your first message is too blunt.
- Build rapport first.
Don’t: Send mass templated messages
- LinkedIn flags repeat outreach; recipients may block or ignore.
- Tailor each message to the individual.
Using Keywords & SEO on LinkedIn – Boosting Visibility
Why LinkedIn SEO matters
Just like your resume should be ATS-friendly, your LinkedIn profile must be discoverable by recruiters using keyword filters. With Canadian job search trends leaning digital, you’ll benefit from the same kind of optimisation.
Do: Use relevant keywords throughout
- Identify keywords from job ads in your industry (e.g., “Java full-stack developer Toronto”, “healthcare project manager Vancouver”, “finance analyst beginner Canada”).
- Sprinkle them in your headline, summary, experience bullets and skills section.
- This supports LinkedIn optimisation and aligns with your broader strategy of professional branding, much like crafting an executive resume or industry-specific resume.
Do: Prioritize your top skills
- Up to 50 skills can be listed; focus on the top 3-5 that align with your career target.
- Recruiters often scan those first.
Don’t: Keyword-stuff or use irrelevant terms
- Avoid listing buzzwords you don’t truly reflect or using keywords just to rank. Relevance matters.
- It’s better to have fewer, accurate keywords than a long list of mismatched ones.
Employer & Recruiter View – Impressing from the Other Side
What recruiters look for
Understanding the recruiter’s mindset helps you tailor your profile and outreach. According to best practice content: the key items recruiters examine include: photo, headline, connections, summary, and endorsements.
Do: Show social proof and recommendations
- Request short recommendations from past managers, clients or colleagues. A strong recommendation adds credibilitylike a reference on a resume.
- This works alongside your work with expert services like resume writing Canada and interview preparation coaching.
Do: Show current activity and stability
- If your last LinkedIn update was 2019 and your resume is fresh for 2025, a recruiter will assume you’re less active or connected.
- Regular updates show you’re engaged, aware and ready.
Don’t: Hide gaps or lack of detail
- If you took a career break, volunteer experience, or shifting industries (e.g., moving from education to IT) show it transparently – indicate what you learned, how you stayed relevant.
- This prevents mismatches between your LinkedIn profile and your resume or cover letter writing.
Mistakes to Avoid – Common LinkedIn Etiquette Fails
Avoid these missteps that can cost you
Here are real-world pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Leaving your profile as “open to job” but inactive
- If you flag you’re actively job-seeking but haven’t posted, connected or updated, you may look desperate rather than proactive.
- Instead, mark your job-search status privately and stay active.
Mistake #2: Connecting with hundreds of irrelevant contacts
- The quality of your network matters more than size.
- A recruiter in Montreal might prioritise a 2nd-level connection via someone in their industryrather than hundreds of generic connections.
Mistake #3: Posting controversial or unprofessional content
- Avoid heated debates, personal politics or content unrelated to your professional brand. This can undermine your credibility.
H3 – Mistake #4: Ignoring your “About” section and leaving it blank
- This is your storytelling space. A blank or weak “About” suggests you either don’t care or don’t know how to present yourself.
- For job seekers in Canada, this is a missed opportunity to show your value proposition, career path and aspirations.
Mistake #5: Not tailoring your outreach to Canadian context
- If you’re seeking roles in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary), acknowledging the local contextterms like “Canadian work experience”, “Toronto-based team”, “remote Canada roles”can make a difference.
- Generic global pitches may not resonate.
Industry-Specific Etiquette Tips – Examples for Different Roles
Tailored advice by industry
Here are scenarios and actionable tips for three major industries in Canada.
IT and Tech (e.g., software developer, cloud architect, DevOps)
- Do highlight certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure, Kubernetes) in your “Licenses & Certifications” section.
- Do post or comment on tech-trend articles (e.g., AI, cybersecurity) to show you’re current.
- Don’t just list “software developer” – bring out specialities: “Full-Stack Developer (React/Node) | Toronto Start-Up Focus”.
- Do include links to your portfolio website (via your LinkedIn profile) showing live projects. This pairs well with your portfolio website development efforts.
Healthcare (e.g., registered nurse, healthcare project manager)
- Do show compliance with Canadian licences or show intent to obtain them.
- Do include volunteer work, patient-care outcomes, leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
- Don’t rely solely on clinical tasks – highlight your impact, leadership, and communication skills.
- Do network with recruiters who specialise in Canadian healthcare staffing.
Finance / Accounting / Banking
- Do emphasise regulation awareness (e.g., IFRS, CPA Canada) and data-analytics skills.
- Do join groups or post commentary on economic trends.
- Don’t ignore your location: “Finance Analyst – Toronto Capital Markets” beats “Finance Analyst – Global”.
- Do link to your resume writing Canada efforts: if you’ve recently upgraded your resume, mention you’re ready for new challenges.
Measuring Results & Iterating – A Step-by-Step Guide
How to know your LinkedIn efforts are paying off
Here’s a practical 4-step cycle you can apply.
- Baseline audit
- Look at your LinkedIn “Dashboard” (visible to you): profile views, search appearances.
- Compare to when you last updated your resume or used resume writing Canada services.
- Set target goals
- Example: Increase profile views by 30 % in 3 months, add 50 new quality connections, send 10 personalised messages/week.
- Take action & track
- Use your optimised profile, post 1-2 times/month, engage weekly, send outreach messages.
- Record what messages get responses, what posts get engagement.
- Review and refine
- After 90 days see what worked: which outreach messages had a response, which content posts drove connection requests.
- Adjust your headline, summary, posting topics, connection-request text accordingly.
- This iterative mindset mirrors how you refine your ATS-friendly resumes, cover letters and interview preparation coaching sessions.
Integrating LinkedIn with Your Broader Job-Search Strategy
How LinkedIn supports your full job search toolkit
Your LinkedIn presence should not sit in isolationit must reinforce the other pillars of your job-search strategy.
- Resume Writing Services: When you’ve worked with expert services for an ATS-friendly resume or an industry-specific resume (e.g., healthcare or IT), align your LinkedIn profile content with your updated resume language.
- Cover Letter Writing: The keywords and value propositions in your cover letter should echo in your LinkedIn “About” section and headline.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: If you invest in professional LinkedIn profile optimisation, continue to maintain and engage with the profile (not just set it and forget it).
- Career Consultation: Use insights from career consultation Canada-based sessions to inform your LinkedIn content strategye.g., targeting specific roles/industries, crafting messaging.
- Interview Preparation Coaching: When you prepare for interviews, use LinkedIn to research hiring managers or company culture ahead of time and reference insights during the interview.
- Portfolio Website Development: If you built a portfolio website, include it in your LinkedIn profile and posts. Demonstrating a visible body of work helps with credibility.
Example scenario
Sarah is a mid-level software engineer in Toronto. She engages the following process:
- She commissions a new ATS-friendly resume through OMY Resumes.
- She updates her LinkedIn profile with matching keywords and adds a link to her portfolio website.
- She posts a monthly commentary about a Canadian tech-trend.
- She sends connection requests to 5 Toronto-based hiring managers each week using personalised messages.
- After three months she sees increased recruiter messages, and she uses her interview preparation coaching to convert those into interviews.
This cohesive approach ties LinkedIn activity into her overall job search in Canada.
Case Study – A Canadian Job Seeker’s LinkedIn Success
From overlooked to in-demand: real-world example
Background
Ahmed, a mechanical engineer with 5 years of international experience, relocated to Calgary and was struggling with job applications in 2024. His resume was okay but his LinkedIn profile was outdated, his network sparse, and his messaging generic.
Intervention
- He engaged a career consultation and updated his resume (industry-specific resume for engineering).
- He rebuilt his LinkedIn profile: professional photo, location Calgary AB, headline “Mechanical Engineer | Design & Project Lead | Energy Sector (Canada)”.
- He created a professional URL, updated his summary with outcome-driven statements (“led design of 10+ MW gas-turbine systems, saving $2M in costs”).
- He connected with 50 Canadian contacts (energy sector recruiters Calgary, former colleagues, alumni) with personalised messages.
- He posted a monthly article “What I learned designing an energy-system simulation” and commented on peers’ posts.
- He sent polite outreach messages to hiring managers and asked for 15-minute informational chats about Canadian energy-engineering roles.
Results
Within 10 weeks:
- His profile views increased by 120 %.
- He received messages from two recruiters in Calgary about openings.
- He secured five interviews and accepted a role that was not publicly advertised.
Takeaway
This success highlights the importance of LinkedIn optimisation with a Canadian focus, network building and structured outreachtied to a strong foundation of a polished resume and preparation.
Emerging Trends in LinkedIn Etiquette for 2025
What’s new and what to watch in 2025
- AI-assisted job features: LinkedIn is rolling out AI tools to help users assess job matches and optimise profiles.
Micro-content for thought-leadership: Short posts or video updates are gaining traction; job seekers who share industry insights stand out.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion signalling: More profiles now list preferred pronouns, highlight inclusive initiatives, and show global experience.
Hybrid & remote-friendly mentions: When job seekers indicate openness to remote work or Canadian-remote roles, they expand their pool of opportunities.
- Credential-sharing & digital badges: Showing badges, certificates and micro-credentials helps with visibility and relevance
Implications for you
- Stay current: update profiles with new certifications, volunteer work, remote-work readiness.
- Use video or carousel posts to showcase your portfoliofor example if you’re in design or marketing.
- If you are a newcomer to Canada, highlight your relocation status or work eligibility clearly and professionally.
Conclusion
In 2025 the Canadian job market is more connected, more competitive and more digital than ever. For job seekers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal or any Canadian region, mastering LinkedIn etiquette is not optionalit’s essential. When you pair a polished LinkedIn presence with your ATS-friendly resume, strategic cover letter and strong interview preparation, you amplify your potential to stand out and land interviews faster.
At OMY Resumes we support you end-to-end: from expert resume writing Canada-wide to LinkedIn profile optimisation, cover letter writing, career consultation and interview preparation coaching. If your LinkedIn profile has been a weak link in your job search, now is the moment to fix it.