Make a great first impression with a well-written LinkedIn headline.

If you've ever been to a networking event, you've probably spent time fine-tuning your elevator pitch. You would meet someone new and they'd ask you, “What do you do?” — and you'd have a short reply that would tell them your profession and a little something to separate you from the pack. 

“I'm a financial advisor specializing in real estate investing.” It's quick, it's to the point, and it helps you stick in their mind. You're not just a financial advisor, you're the real estate financial advisor. 

Some of the best networking you do isn't in person, it's online. Linkedin is your living resume and chance to meet and mingle with other professionals. One of its features, the headline, is your Linkedin elevator pitch. 

What is a LinkedIn headline? 

Your Linkedin headline is the short blurb that appears right below your picture and name on your profile. If you've never noticed it or changed it, Linkedin will fill the space with your profession and employer, so it may look like “Web Developer at Company A.” 

Your headline maxes out at 120 characters, so there's plenty of opportunity to expand on the generic Linkedin-generated headline. 

Why are LinkedIn headlines important? 

Everyone wants to make a good first impression, and that's just what your Linkedin headline can do for you. Your name, photo, and headline are the first things that people see when they arrive at your profile. That alone makes it a vital piece of your Linkedin presence, but there's more to your headline than meets the eye.

When recruiters are searching Linkedin to find candidates for open positions, they use keywords. These keywords are frequently job titles or hard skills associated with the particular position. Just like you add keywords to your resume to pass the ATS, you want to add keywords to your Linkedin profile. Your headline is a great place to start.

To figure out what keywords you might want to include, look at job postings that interest you. Most job postings on LinkedIn list keywords or skills. Even if they don't list them out, you can get a good idea of what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for by reading the job description and requirements. Avoid broad or common skills like MS Office or time management and focus on things that will set you apart like industry specific software or tools you know well. 

Your headline doesn't just greet people who come to your profile, it lets them know you're there and invites them to take a look.

How do I write a good LinkedIn headline? 

Just like your elevator pitch you want to be friendly and informative with your Linkedin headline. You want it to stand out from the crowd, but only in a good way. 

Here are five tips for creating a Linkedin headline that will grab attention.

  1. Sell yourself: Beyond your job title, what do you bring to your employers? Consider verbs like helping, saving, creating, or connecting. Words like these show that your work has value.

  2. Dial down bragging: Conversely, calling yourself a superstar, rockstar, ace, or any other over-the-top boast can, and will, turn some people off. It's okay to brag a little, like mentioning an award you've won, as long as it's something you can prove. 

  3. Speak to your audience: Who do you want to look at your profile? Whether you're gunning for recruiters in your industry or high-level executives, use the language that they understand and can relate to. 

  4. Study and use the right keywords: Take the time to figure out what keywords will attract recruiters looking to fill the position you want. Work them into your headline in a natural way.

  5. Keep it current: Linkedin is your living resume, right? As your career changes, update your headline as well. Or, if your profile isn't getting the attention you want, consider freshening it up.

LinkedIn headline examples for job seekers

If you're currently in the market for a job, don't waste those precious 120 characters saying “I'm currently unemployed” or “I'm looking for a new role.” This is your chance to sell yourself. Here are 10 examples of job seeker headlines that could draw the right kind of attention.

Human resources

Human Resources Manager | 12+ Years Nurturing People | Skydiving Enthusiast

Quick and to the point. Title, experience level, and a fun, memorable fact. 

Project Manager

PMP-certified project manager - Efficiently and successfully leading multi-million dollar infrastructure projects This one speaks to specifics. You know the certification and the specialization.

Copywriter

Copywriter who crafts SEO-friendly web content that has tripled my clients' web traffic. SEMrush and Hubspot certified.

This headline is loaded with possible keywords including: copywriter, SEO, web content, web traffic, SEMrush, and Hubspot.

Delivery driver

Experienced delivery driver who makes on-time deliveries, not excuses. Clean driving record and a bright smile. 

This one shows a little bit of light humor that also emphasizes the individual's job-related strengths.

Sales

B2B Outside Sales Rep | $3.7 million generated in 2020 in medical supplies field / Relationship builder

Sales is about relationships and this sales rep has impressive, quantifiable results. 

College graduate

Graduating in May with my Bachelor's in computer science, designed and built my first video game at age 16. Gdevelop fan

When you're looking for that first job, you may not have a lot to say, but listing an essential software (keyword!) and an impressive accomplishment may get you some serious attention. 

Graphic designer

Graphic Designer | Branding/Visual Identity | Creating Images That Define Brands. One of my logos is in your closet!

You know what her title and specialty are and now you're just a little bit curious, too. 

Healthcare

Empathy is everything.  Registered Nurse who brings comfort and even smiles to hospice patients and their families. 

With a specialty like hospice, it's intriguing to see the word “smiles.” This one embraces the soft skills that set her apart.

Agent

Literary Agent / I've helped 500+ writers turn their publishing dreams into reality. Hermione Granger superfan

This one gives you quantifiable results along with a nugget of personal information. She could easily say “Harry Potter superfan,” but getting specific by saying “Hermione Granger superfan” invokes a bit more curiosity.

Social media manager

Social Media Manager helping small, local businesses create a web presence that drives people to their doors.

This one speaks to her audience. They want a web presence, but what they really want is customers and she brings that to the table. 

Conclusion

Your Linkedin profile is a major part of your online brand. Your headline is a major part of that. Is it painting the right picture? Though it's only 120 characters or less, constructing the right headline can be daunting. If you're not a marketer, marketing yourself is challenging. That's okay, you don't have to go it alone. 

If you're not sure how to optimize your Linkedin page, bring in a pro. TopResume's Linkedin profile writing service specializes in creating Linkedin profiles that grab attention and create your professional online brand. 

Is your LinkedIn profile getting you noticed? Let one of our resume experts optimize it today! 

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