Why It’s Time to Update Your LinkedIn Profile
🌟Career Coaching: Whether you’re a playwright looking for a stage or a producer raising funds, this sometimes cringe-y platform could be your best ally.
The other day, I stumbled across the LinkedIn profile of a seasoned cinematographer. His body of work was strong and he had clear experience behind the camera. But front and center on his profile photo was that familiar green frame: Open to Work.
I understand the impulse. In an industry where always hustling for the next gig is the norm, it's tempting to signal availability however you can. But that “open to work” frame doesn’t say, “I’m ready to lead” or “I’m a worthy collaborator”. It says, “I need someone—anyone—to give me a shot.” And since everyone (!) who is spending any time on LinkedIn is looking for opportunities to grow, that “open to work” frame is redundant—it might even read “desperate”. This is especially true if you're aiming to direct, produce or raise money for a project. Because perception matters—and in this industry, your online presence often speaks long before you get the chance to.
LinkedIn is rarely anyone’s favorite platform. It’s not as dynamic as Instagram or as fast-moving as X. It doesn’t capture the hustle of a production day or the late-night buzz after a good rehearsal. But that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It’s not designed to entertain—it’s designed to help you establish credibility and expand your industry network. And when someone Googles your name (as they absolutely will), your LinkedIn profile is almost guaranteed to be one of the first things they see.
So the question becomes: What story does your profile tell?
If you're a cinematographer with ten years of experience but you now want to step into the director’s chair—does your profile reflect that shift? If you're a playwright who's ready to go beyond readings and workshops, is that story present and alive on your page? If you're a producer trying to build momentum for your indie feature, does your profile help a potential funder see the clarity of your vision and the progress you've made?
Too often, I see profiles that read like resumes from three jobs ago. They list job titles but not ambitions. They highlight past gigs but say nothing about the creative leadership their owners are prepared to step into. It’s not that the work isn’t there—it’s just buried under the wrong narrative.
Your LinkedIn profile is not a list of past jobs. It’s not your IMDb page or (heaven forbid) a Playbill bio. It’s a pitch deck for you. A living, breathing story of where you’ve been, what you’re building and why someone should hire or fund you—or at least have a cup of coffee with you. It's not about puffing yourself up. It's about owning your trajectory and being intentional about the way you're perceived.
I just finished post production on a feature I’m producing (whoot! yay! yeehaw!), so my calendar is finally breathing a little easier. If you’re stuggling with LinkedIn, join me on Zoom for a free profile review—just for people like you in the entertainment industry. Folks who aren’t just looking for another gig, but who are building toward something bigger: directing their first feature, getting their play produced or finding the right investors for their next project.
I've hired hundreds of creatives over the years and reviewed thousands of profiles. I’ve seen what works—and what quietly sends people to the bottom of the pile. So if you’re serious about your next move, I’d love to help you show up online like the leader you’re becoming.
Let’s make your profile easier to say “yes” to. Click here (or reply to this email) to set up an appointment for your free LinkedIn profile review. And if you’re more the DIY type, make updating your profile a priority (or at least lose that “open to work” frame today!). (Is the kitten cringe-y?)
