What Recruiters Really Look for on LinkedIn — Insights from TPF Recruitment.
- kourtney916
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
by Kourtney Luckett. Senior Consultant at TPF Recruitment.
Let’s be honest, when you think of LinkedIn, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a sea of corporate headshots, motivational quotes and the occasional humble brag. But when it’s used right, LinkedIn can be your golden ticket to landing your next role in accountancy practice.
You may question why a tidy, up to date LinkedIn is important, here's a few reasons why:
prospective employers / recruiters can approach you for only the right roles - you get inundated with messages right? These will be more tailored.
your clients are also on LinkedIn. This is your professional profile to showcase your experience to clients too, helping you win business.
you can network and interact with the wider industry, building connections of likeminded people and gaining exposure to insights and news.
Here at TPF Recruitment, we spend a lot of time scrolling, scanning and shortlisting on LinkedIn. Whether you're a tax specialist, audit senior or practice manager, we’re actively looking for talented individuals like you. But what actually catches our eye? What makes us stop scrolling and think, “We need to speak to this person”?
Let’s break it down.
A Clear, Professional Headline
First impressions count and your headline is what catches our eye initially. It's not just about your current job title, although that’s important. It’s also a chance to add some flavour.
Compare:
🔹 “Senior Accountant at XYZ LLP”
🔸 “Senior Accountant | Client-focused | SME & Owner-Managed Business Specialist”
See the difference? The second one tells us something. It gives a feel for your focus and expertise. Think of it like your shop window - it should invite us in.
A Compelling Summary
This is your opportunity to tell your story in your own words. Not just what you do, but why you do it. It doesn’t need to be an essay, 3-4 short paragraphs are enough.
In accountancy practice, soft skills are just as valuable as technical know-how. So if you love building client relationships, mentoring junior staff or solving complex tax puzzles, say so!
Pro tip: Keep it in the first person. It feels much more natural and authentic.
Up-to-Date Experience (With Context!)
Listing your roles is great — but giving us a sense of impact is even better. If you’ve helped streamline processes, saved clients money or supported a successful audit, include it.
Also, tell us a bit about the firm — is it a top 100 practice? Focused on owner-managed businesses? Do they specialise in a particular niche like healthcare or construction? These details help us match you more accurately with the right opportunities.
Skills That Reflect the Real You
You’ve probably got a whole list of skills on your profile. But when was the last time you reviewed them?
Make sure they reflect your current role and aspirations. If you’ve moved from pure compliance work into more advisory-focused roles, show that shift. Keywords like “tax planning”, “R&D claims”, “Xero migration” or “practice development” can help you appear in relevant searches.
Also — don’t underestimate endorsements. They aren’t everything, but they do help us spot patterns. If 20 people say you’re great at client management, that says something!
Activity That Shows You're Engaged
You don’t need to post every week (unless you want to) but engaging with relevant content shows us you’re in tune with the industry. Commenting on posts, sharing articles, or even liking updates from your network keeps you visible.
It’s also a subtle way to show thought leadership and interest in ongoing developments - whether that’s Making Tax Digital, sustainability in finance, or changes to audit regulations.
Contact Details We Can Use
We can’t tell you how often we find a brilliant candidate… and then hit a wall because there’s no contact info! Make sure your email is listed (and up to date), especially if you're open to hearing about new opportunities. You can also turn on the “Open to Work” feature discreetly if you’re not actively looking, but open to a chat.
Final Thoughts from TPF Recruitment
LinkedIn is often your first impression — so make it count. In the world of accountancy practice, where technical skills meet client service, your profile should reflect both sides of the coin. At TPF Recruitment, we specialise in connecting talented professionals like you with leading firms across the UK, from boutique practices to top-tier players.
If you’re not sure how your LinkedIn profile stacks up, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to offer friendly, no-obligation advice. And who knows? The perfect opportunity might just be one message away.
Comments