How LinkedIn Benefits Blind Job Seekers

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LinkedIn is an excellent platform for building professional knowledge and advancing your career. It allows you to network with others in your field, share your accomplishments and skills, and stay informed about industry trends. In today’s competitive job market, networking and personal branding are essential—and LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools available for doing just that. 

Fortunately, LinkedIn has made significant accessibility improvements in recent years, making the platform more screen reader–friendly and easier to navigate for blind and low vision professionals. Whether you’re just getting started with LinkedIn or you already have a profile that needs some polishing, it’s important to understand how to use the platform to your advantage as someone who is blind or has low vision. 

Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile 

As you begin building your profile, focus on clarity and completeness. Start with a strong headline and cover story video, write a compelling summary that highlights your skills and goals, and include your work experience and education. These sections form the foundation of your professional brand and allow potential employers to see your strengths beyond your disability. 

Highlight Your Strengths with a Cover Story Video 

The LinkedIn Cover Story feature allows you to record a short video introduction that appears on your profile. This is an excellent way for potential employers to meet you virtually and get a sense of your personality, communication style, and enthusiasm for your field. It’s also an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand by briefly sharing your background, goals, and what sets you apart. 

For blind and low vision users, recording a Cover Story may take some planning. Write a short script in advance, practice delivering it confidently, and ensure your video is well-lit and visually clear. If you’re unable to produce a video independently, consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to assist with filming. 

Depending on when you wish to disclose blindness/ low vision, your Cover Story video can be a chance to briefly mention the tools or strategies you use to perform your job effectively—such as screen readers, braille displays, or other assistive technologies. By doing so, you demonstrate confidence, transparency, and self-advocacy. This can help ease concerns a potential employer may have and reinforce the message that you are fully capable of performing essential job duties. 

Showcase Skills Through Real-World Examples

In addition to creating a compelling Cover Story video, you’ll want to highlight your employable skills. In recent years, LinkedIn has shifted its focus to emphasize how members demonstrate their skills—not just which skills they list. Based on feedback from employers, who reported that practical examples of skills in action are more valuable than standalone keywords, LinkedIn now encourages users to link their skills to specific jobs, projects, or educational experiences directly on their profiles.

This update helps all job seekers stand out, but it can be especially impactful for blind and low vision professionals. By associating your skills with real-world accomplishments—such as a successful project you led, coursework you completed, or a job where you applied your expertise—you provide employers with meaningful context. This approach shows not just what you can do, but how you’ve done it, reinforcing your value and capabilities.

Why LinkedIn is Especially Powerful for a Blind Job Seeker 

If you take the time to apply the tips above, LinkedIn can become a powerful tool in your job search—especially as a blind or low vision professional. Many of its benefits are universal, but some are particularly meaningful for those navigating the job market with a disability. 

Here are some of the key advantages: 

• Showcase your professional value first. Your profile serves as a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments—long before your disability enters the conversation. 

• Proactively address employer concerns. If a potential employer knows you are blind or low vision, your well-crafted profile provides a chance to demonstrate how you meet essential job functions and excel in your field. 

• Engage in career-focused conversations. Join LinkedIn interest groups to discuss industry topics, stay updated on trends, and connect with peers who share your professional goals. 

• Explore new career paths. Browse job postings and review company pages to learn more about potential employers, workplace culture, and growth opportunities. 

• Study success paths. Review the profiles of professionals in roles you’re interested in to discover what skills, certifications, or experiences helped them succeed. (Just remember: LinkedIn notifies users when their profiles are viewed!) 

• Identify mutual connections. See if anyone in your network is already working in your desired field—they may be willing to offer advice or an introduction. 

• Expand your industry knowledge. LinkedIn’s algorithm recommends articles tailored to your interests, helping you stay informed on relevant topics. 

• Build thought leadership. Share your own insights, post articles, or amplify others’ work to establish yourself as an informed, engaged member of your professional community. 

• Strengthen your network. Endorse the skills of your connections, write thoughtful recommendations, and engage with others’ posts—actions that increase your visibility and credibility. 

• Participate in virtual events. LinkedIn regularly hosts career fairs, webinars, and virtual networking opportunities that make it easier to meet recruiters and learn from industry experts. 

Ready to Get Started? Build Your LinkedIn Profile Today! 

Now that you know the benefits and strategies for success, it’s time to start preparing your LinkedIn profile. Don’t wait—LinkedIn is an incredible tool for today’s job seekers. 

Helpful Resources 

Want to learn more about how to get the most out of LinkedIn? Here are some valuable resources to guide you: 

• Webinar: A recorded session with NRTC and NSITE on how people with vision loss can increase employment opportunities through LinkedIn. Watch the webinar here.  

• Video Presentation: A helpful tutorial showing you how to make the most of LinkedIn’s features. Watch the video presentation here. 

Take advantage of these tools to boost your confidence and visibility on the platform—and start connecting with employers and peers today!