In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Lynnaire Johnston, internationally recognized LinkedIn expert and author of Link∙Ability and Business Gold.

Lynnaire brings her excitement and expertise to a lively, practical conversation about how job seekers and professionals can build a compelling LinkedIn presence in a noisy, AI-driven digital world.

Together, Melissa and Lynnaire explore how high performers can use LinkedIn to showcase non-linear career paths, highlight personality, and network authentically. From crafting scroll-stopping banners to using video strategically, Lynnaire shares real-world, actionable tips that will help listeners cut through the noise and actually stand out on LinkedIn.

If you're tired of feeling invisible or unsure how to use LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to create a standout LinkedIn profile (without sounding like a robot)
• The right way to use AI tools (and what to avoid)
• Why video and visuals matter more than ever
• How to represent a non-linear career path creatively and professionally
• Why authentic networking still works—and how to do it well
• Ways to use the featured, services, and projects sections most people overlook
• The key to balancing multiple career directions on a single profile
• New LinkedIn features that can help you build visibility and trust

Guest Bio:
Lynnaire Johnston is regarded as one of the top LinkedIn experts internationally. She is the author of Link∙Ability, listed by BookAuthority as one of the best LinkedIn books of all time, and co-author of the best-seller, Business Gold. Through her company, Link∙Ability, Lynnaire helps professionals worldwide elevate their LinkedIn presence through training, coaching, profile makeovers, and a networking building and content marketing program. Lynnaire is a regular guest on podcasts and business events worldwide, a prolific publisher of value-added content on LinkedIn through posts and newsletters, and the founder of linkability.biz, a membership site for those wanting to succeed on LinkedIn.

Connect with Lynnaire:
https://linkability.biz/
https://www.youtube.com/@LinkAbilityNZ
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnairejohnston/

Episode Timestamps:
00:45 – Meet Lynnaire Johnston
01:59 – LinkedIn Profile Essentials
05:08 – The Problem with Generic AI Content
10:47 – Using Video to Stand Out
14:22 – Going Beyond the Resume
21:35 – How to Represent a Nonlinear Career Path
30:04 – Managing Multiple Career Directions on LinkedIn
31:19 – Networking Strategies That Actually Work
38:48 – Final Tips + Where to Find Lynnaire