What to Put as Your LinkedIn Headline?

Your LinkedIn headline: it’s that precious sliver of real estate right under your name. It’s often the first impression you make on recruiters, potential clients, and fellow professionals. So, what should you actually put there? The best LinkedIn headlines are concise, keyword-rich summaries that highlight your value proposition. Forget generic titles; think: “[Your Key Skill/Expertise] | Helping [Target Audience] Achieve [Desired Outcome]”.

This formula instantly tells viewers what you do, who you serve, and what benefits they can expect. It’s a powerful statement that draws attention and encourages further engagement. But let’s dig deeper, because that formula is just the starting point.

Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Headline: Beyond the Basics

Your headline is more than just a job title; it’s a mini elevator pitch. It needs to communicate your expertise, your unique selling proposition (USP), and the impact you have on the world (or at least, your industry). Here’s how to craft a truly compelling LinkedIn headline:

• Focus on Keywords: LinkedIn is a search engine. Recruiters and potential clients are searching for specific skills and expertise. Incorporate relevant keywords that accurately reflect your capabilities. Think about the terms someone would use to find you. Use tools like LinkedIn’s Skills section and job postings in your desired field to identify common keywords.
• Highlight Your Value Proposition: Don’t just state what you do; state what you achieve. What problems do you solve? What results do you deliver? Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of “Marketing Manager,” try “Driving Revenue Growth Through Innovative Marketing Strategies.”
• Target Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Tailor your headline to resonate with your ideal audience. If you’re a consultant, specify the industry you serve. If you’re a job seeker, focus on the roles you’re targeting.
• Embrace Clarity and Conciseness: You have limited characters (currently around 220, but this can vary slightly). Make every word count. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms that your target audience might not understand.
• Showcase Your Personality (Optional): While professionalism is key, you can inject a touch of personality to make your headline more memorable. Use a unique adjective or a creative phrasing to stand out from the crowd. However, be mindful of your industry and company culture.

Examples of Effective LinkedIn Headlines

Here are a few examples to illustrate these principles:

• Software Engineer | Building Scalable Solutions for E-commerce Businesses
• Financial Advisor | Helping Families Achieve Financial Freedom and Security
• Data Scientist | Transforming Data into Actionable Insights for Smarter Decision-Making
• UX Designer | Creating User-Centered Experiences That Drive Engagement and Conversions
• Sales Leader | Driving Revenue Growth Through Strategic Partnerships and Team Leadership

Notice that each example includes a key skill/expertise, a target audience (implied or explicit), and a desired outcome. They’re also clear, concise, and keyword-rich.

Don’ts of LinkedIn Headline Writing

Just as important as what to include in your headline is what not to include. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Generic Job Titles: “Manager,” “Director,” or “Executive” are too vague. They don’t tell anyone what you actually do or what you’re good at.
• Unemployment Status: “Looking for Opportunities” or “Open to Work” are generally discouraged in the headline itself. While it’s fine to use the “Open to Work” feature, your headline should focus on your skills and experience.
• Irrelevant Information: Avoid personal opinions, political statements, or anything that’s not directly related to your professional skills and experience.
• Typos and Grammatical Errors: This is a basic, but it’s crucial. Proofread your headline carefully before saving it.
• Overly Salesy Language: While you want to highlight your value, avoid sounding too pushy or aggressive. Focus on providing value and building relationships.

LinkedIn Headline FAQs:

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about crafting the perfect LinkedIn headline:

1. Should I include my current company in my headline?

It depends. If you’re actively looking for a job, focusing on your skills and expertise is generally more effective. If you’re happy in your current role and want to attract potential clients or collaborators, including your company can add credibility.

2. Can I use emojis in my headline?

Emojis can be a fun way to add personality, but use them sparingly and thoughtfully. Make sure they’re relevant to your industry and brand. In more conservative industries, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

3. How often should I update my headline?

Update your headline whenever your skills, expertise, or career goals change. It’s also a good idea to refresh it periodically to keep it relevant and engaging.

4. What if I’m a student or recent graduate?

Focus on your skills, areas of study, and career aspirations. For example: “Marketing Graduate | Passionate About Digital Marketing and Content Creation”

5. I’m a freelancer. How should I write my headline?

Highlight your niche and the benefits you provide to your clients. For example: “Freelance Writer | Crafting Compelling Content That Converts”

6. What if I have multiple skills or areas of expertise?

Prioritize the most relevant and in-demand skills. You can also use the “|” symbol to separate different skills or roles.

7. Should I use the “Open to Work” feature in my headline?

While LinkedIn provides a specific “Open to Work” feature, it’s generally recommended to keep your headline focused on your skills and value proposition. The “Open to Work” badge is visible on your profile picture already.

8. How important is my headline compared to my profile summary?

Both are important, but your headline is often the first thing people see. It’s your initial hook. Your summary provides more detail and context.

9. Can I see how my headline is performing?

LinkedIn doesn’t provide specific analytics for your headline. However, you can track your profile views and engagement to get a sense of how well your headline is performing.

10. Is it okay to use a catchy phrase or pun in my headline?

It can be, but be careful. Make sure it’s still relevant to your industry and brand, and that it doesn’t come across as unprofessional.

11. What if I’m not comfortable bragging about my accomplishments?

Focus on the value you provide to others and the problems you solve. You don’t have to be overly boastful; just be clear about what you can do.

12. Can I change my headline if I don’t like it?

Yes! You can change your headline as many times as you like. Experiment with different options to see what works best for you. Just remember that major changes can impact how your profile is found in searches, so don’t change it too frequently.

Your LinkedIn headline is a powerful tool. By crafting a compelling, keyword-rich, and value-driven headline, you can attract the right attention, build your network, and achieve your career goals. Spend the time to get it right, and it will pay dividends.