Show, Don’t Just Tell: Using the Featured Section to Build Your Personal Brand

If you want your LinkedIn profile to stand out, simply listing your jobs and skills is not enough. Recruiters, clients, and collaborators want proof that you can deliver results. That is where the Featured section comes in.

Most people ignore it, but it is one of the most powerful ways to build your personal brand. When used correctly, it turns your profile from a static resume into a dynamic showcase of your skills and achievements.

A photo of a person in a golden frame.

Here is why it matters and how to use it effectively.

1. The Featured section is proof, not just a description

Your Experience section can tell people what you do. Your Featured section shows them.

Recruiters from over 100 companies emphasized that having real examples of your work instantly increases your credibility. It is the difference between saying "I am a great marketer" and showing a case study of a campaign that increased sales by 20 percent.

This section allows you to highlight the projects, presentations, articles, and media that best demonstrate your value. The more concrete the example, the more persuasive it is.

2. Quality beats quantity

It is tempting to add every article, post, or link you have ever created. Do not.

Recruiters recommend curating only your best work.

A few strong, relevant examples are far more powerful than a long list of mediocre items. This helps visitors quickly understand what you are great at and avoids overwhelming them with noise.

Examples of items you might feature include:

• Articles or blog posts demonstrating expertise

• Case studies or project results

• Conference talks or webinars

• Portfolio pieces or designs

• Media coverage or interviews

Each item should reinforce your personal brand and connect to the skills you want people to remember.

3. Visuals matter

A plain link rarely grabs attention. Visuals make your Featured section stand out. Use images, graphics, or presentation covers whenever possible. Think of this section as a digital gallery. Each piece should be clear, professional, and eye-catching.

A strong visual can make a recruiter pause and explore further. Without it, even your best work might get overlooked.

4. Keep it fresh

The Featured section is not "set it and forget it." Outdated examples can make your profile feel stale.

Regularly review your Featured section and remove items that no longer represent your top work. Add new content that reflects your current skills and projects.

A current, relevant Featured section signals to recruiters and clients that you are active, growing, and engaged in your professional field.

5. Build your personal brand through action

This section is not just about showing work. It is about showing results. Share content that demonstrates the outcomes of your efforts, not just the effort itself.

Instead of saying "I am a skilled communicator," show a presentation that received excellent feedback. Instead of saying "I manage social media campaigns," show a post or report that proves measurable results.

This approach builds trust faster than any description or claim ever could.

6. Small efforts, big impact

Even a few items in your Featured section can create a significant impression. Recruiters and clients often only scan a profile for a few seconds. A curated, visually appealing, and updated Featured section can make that first impression count.

It is not about impressing everyone who visits your profile.

It is about proving to the right people that you can deliver.

Final Thought

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. The Featured section is your chance to bring that impression to life. By carefully curating examples of your work, adding visuals, and keeping the section up to date, you show your skills in action instead of just claiming them.

Show your value. Do not just tell it.

That is how you turn visitors into connections and connections into opportunities.