Find a Job You Really Want In
Summary. When creating your LinkedIn headline, avoid the default setting and customize it with relevant keywords and skills. Your headline is your chance to encapsulate your experience, background, and unique value proposition. Aim for brevity and clarity.
Your LinkedIn profile plays a crucial role in your job search success. In today’s dynamic job market, hiring managers frequently refer to candidates’ LinkedIn pages to learn more about them, and your LinkedIn headline is one of the first elements they’ll notice.
To assist you in crafting an engaging headline that attracts the attention of hiring managers and recruiters, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful LinkedIn headline. You’ll also find real-world examples to inspire your creativity.
Key Takeaways
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LinkedIn defaults to your current job title for your headline, so ensure that it is current and accurate.
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You have 220 characters to work with, providing ample space to include keywords and details that make it easy for hiring managers to find you.
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Your LinkedIn headline serves as an introduction to the rest of your profile—make it concise, informative, and truthful.
How to Write a LinkedIn Headline
While there is no universal formula for crafting LinkedIn headlines, following these general guidelines can lead to a strong result.
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Customize Your Headline. LinkedIn uses your job title as a default (e.g., Editor at XYZ Inc.). While that’s a start, you have 220 characters available to add keywords that enhance your visibility in recruiter searches.
Bonus tip: If you haven’t updated the rest of your profile or lack a current job, your headline could read “Unemployed.” Instead, describe your last role or outline your current job search objectives.
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Highlight Your Skills. Smart job seekers understand the importance of keywords in resumes for passing ATS filters. Similarly, keywords in your headline help attract recruiters. Use your headline to showcase key hard skills that recruiters actively search for.
You can opt for straightforward phrases like “AutoCAD | Project Management | 2D + 3D Rendering,” or a more nuanced approach, such as “Senior Engineer specializing in AutoCAD projects.”
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Express Your Career Aspirations. If you’re a recent graduate, transitioning careers, or have been out of work, use your headline to convey the role you seek. While it’s essential to mention your background and relevant skills, prioritize what you aspire to accomplish.
For instance, “Recent UVM graduate in communications seeking a position at a local marketing agency” or “Software engineering graduate eager for entry-level opportunities | Java, SQL, C++.”
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Show How You Help Others. This approach effectively articulates your job responsibilities. For example, if you’re an Interior Decorator, you might say, “I help create home environments that foster well-being.” If you work in warehousing, consider “I ensure timely and safe deliveries for customers.”
This strategy not only conveys your role but also organically incorporates relevant keywords into your headline.
How to Change Your LinkedIn Headline
Updating your LinkedIn headline is simple:
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Navigate to your LinkedIn profile.
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Click the edit icon (shaped like a pencil) on the right side of the page.
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Edit the text under “Headline” (located between “Pronouns” and “Current Position”).
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Hit save.
Examples of LinkedIn Headlines from 12 Influential People
Now that we’ve covered the fundamental principles of crafting a LinkedIn headline, let’s look at some real-world examples.
Here are twelve examples of actual headlines currently featured on the LinkedIn profiles of influential individuals, along with brief bios:
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Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author | Human Guinea Pig | Experiments: tim.blog
Tim Ferriss, an author, blogger, and podcast host, combines humor with practical information in his headline. He also includes a link to his blog, making it easy for readers to access his work.
As a job candidate, consider including a link to your portfolio or personal website in your LinkedIn headline.
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Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes: Co-Founder & President at Black Mountain – International (Battery Metals, Tight Gas)
Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes is an entrepreneur focused on developing sustainable practices for extracting natural resources. Recently featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, her LinkedIn headline effectively summarizes her professional background and specialties concisely.
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Allie Miller: Forbes AI Innovator of the Year | AI at Amazon | LinkedIn Top Voice 2019 and 2020 | 800K+ followers
Allie Miller, a prominent AI researcher, provides a straightforward outline of her credentials, accolades, and social media influence in her headline.
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Boyan Slat: Founder & CEO at The Ocean Cleanup
Boyan Slat, a Dutch entrepreneur and CEO, is gaining recognition for his efforts to remove waste from the world’s oceans. His LinkedIn headline succinctly conveys his role and the organization he founded in 2013.
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Nadia Genevieve Masri: Forbes 30 Under 30 | CNBC Top 100 | TEDx Speaker | Building the Next Generation of Consumer Insights
A member of the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list, Nadia is a prominent thought leader and entrepreneur in marketing and advertising. Her headline effectively communicates her professional accomplishments without sounding boastful.
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Selby Drummond: Chief Brand Officer at Bumble
Selby’s headline exemplifies a no-frills introduction to a LinkedIn profile: straightforward, unpretentious, and clear.
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Sujan Patel: Co-founder of Mailshake – We’re Hiring!
Sujan Patel’s headline combines his role and company name in a digestible format while including a call to action (“we’re hiring!”) that encourages further engagement with his profile and his company.
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David Edelman: Former Fortune 50 CMO | Current: Executive Advisor, Digital and Marketing Transformation
David Edelman’s headline clearly outlines his notable previous role while also detailing his current focus and specialty.
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Nate Higgins: Products that Help People
Nate Higgins, founder and CEO of Kure, a Portland-based juice bar and health foods company, uses his headline to share a brand value that resonates with potential partners and customers.
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Kelly McCarthy: Senior Vice President, Director of Global Brand Communications (Marketing) at LVMH
Kelly’s headline delivers a comprehensive yet succinct overview of her extensive professional experience.
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Tristan Harris: Co-Founder at Center for Humane Technology
Tristan, an entrepreneur and activist, is known for his role in “The Social Dilemma.” His headline reflects his professional focus while hinting at his personal values and ethical objectives.
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Claire Coder: Founder & CEO, Aunt Flow | PPE Production | Forbes 30 Under 30 | Thiel Fellow
Claire’s headline provides a vivid snapshot of her professional life and remarkable achievements while striking the right balance between information and brevity.
Tips for Crafting an Eye-Catching LinkedIn Headline
Like every step in your job search, take the time to carefully craft your LinkedIn headline. A vague headline can lead to confusion for hiring managers, while too much information can overwhelm them.
In essence, your LinkedIn headline should provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to your unique professional profile. It should grab attention and entice readers to continue exploring your profile.
To help clarify these ideas, here are five essential rules to keep in mind while crafting your LinkedIn headline:
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Be Concise and Direct. Most hiring managers are busy, so keep your LinkedIn headline brief—ideally one or two sentences. Ensure the information is relevant to your career goals, similar to an elevator pitch, but shorter.
Don’t do this:
“Software Engineer with a master’s degree from Cornell University and a passion for helping companies in the gaming space improve and grow. During my tenure with Y Company, I oversaw the successful launch of an innovative application software that drove brand engagement up 45% over two years. I specialize in making innovative dreams a reality!”
Do this instead:
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Clearly Define What Sets You Apart. Remember that hiring managers often skim applications. Therefore, your LinkedIn headline must clearly convey your unique attributes. Go beyond a generic overview of your professional background and include specific details that encourage further exploration.
Don’t do this:
“Product Manager, X Company”
Do this instead:
“PMC-certified Product Manager specializing in planning and facilitating successful product launches in overseas markets.”
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Consider Your Target Audience. Tailor your LinkedIn headline to directly address employers in your desired industry. This crucial detail is often overlooked.
Don’t do this:
“Copywriter with an extensive background across multiple industries.”
Do this instead:
“Copywriter with a background in project management, helping to organize, revitalize, and craft innovative content strategies.”
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Be Specific. Ensure your LinkedIn headline is relevant to the industry, company, or role you aim for. A specific headline increases its relevance to hiring managers.
Don’t do this:
“School Teacher with a passion for education and providing children with a rich learning environment.”
Do this instead:
“Passionate Elementary School Teacher focused on creating enriching learning experiences for socioeconomically disadvantaged children.”
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Avoid Boastfulness. Strive to present yourself as competent without being overly self-promotional. Avoid hyperbolic descriptors like “the best” or “amazing,” which can backfire.
Don’t do this:
“Top-of-the-line Registered Nurse with a perfect track record in providing hospice care.”
Do this instead:
“Dedicated Registered Nurse with over five years of experience providing empathetic hospice care in various New York City hospitals.”
The Importance of LinkedIn Headlines
Your LinkedIn headline deserves special attention as it is often the first piece of information a hiring manager or recruiter reads. Here are three reasons to prioritize your LinkedIn headline:
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Your headline is typically the first impression a hiring manager has of you.
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Your headline succinctly summarizes your work experience, skills, and background, making it eye-catching.
A well-crafted headline increases the likelihood that a hiring manager will want to view your resume and cover letter.
LinkedIn Headline FAQ
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What should I write on my LinkedIn headline?
Focus on what you do and who you do it for in your LinkedIn headline. Recruiters seek to understand your contributions rather than just listing positions or skills.
Incorporate relevant skills but frame them in a way that highlights the value you bring to potential employers.
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What should I put for my LinkedIn headline if I’m not currently working?
Even if you’re not employed, you can still create a LinkedIn headline that reflects your skills and aspirations. You can mention your search for opportunities, but it’s not necessary, as many recruiters prioritize skills over employment status.
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Should you include your job title in your LinkedIn headline?
Yes, including your job title in your LinkedIn headline is advisable, but it doesn’t have to be your official title. Feel free to craft a title that better encapsulates your role and what you do.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to craft a compelling LinkedIn headline can significantly enhance your chances of landing your dream job. As you prepare your headline, study the profiles of influential individuals in similar roles. This will provide insight into the tone, length, and style you should aim for in your own LinkedIn headline.
References
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
Expert
Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.
