How to Write a Good LinkedIn Headline [Examples and Tips]

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If you want to impress potential employers, leads, or business contacts, you need to make a great first impression with a professional profile on LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn headline is like a first date; it needs to be intriguing enough to capture the other person’s interest, so they want to see you again — in this case, an extended bio. 

Or consider your LinkedIn profile headline as an elevator pitch: you have to tell exactly what you do, mention your accomplishments, and express your willingness to work with the next person in a brief sentence. You will likely miss profile visitors and opportunities if your LinkedIn headline doesn’t reflect your expertise.

Most people either don’t bother writing a headline, and others simply use their name and job title as their headline. Remember that if you want to expand your profile’s reach, this one-liner is your first shot at that. 

But how to write the best headline for LinkedIn since there’s a character limit? Also, how do you incorporate your preferred keywords in the limited space? If you’re in this loop, we hear you. This handy guide on writing the best LinkedIn headlines will help freshers, graduates, job seekers, B2B marketers, and even seasoned sales professionals brush up on their profiles. 

Let’s now cut to the chase and understand how to write a compelling LinkedIn headline that draws more profile views and leads! 

What is a Headline on LinkedIn?

The headline is a brief phrase that appears at the top of your LinkedIn profile, just below your name. It should summarize your professional experience and highlight your most impressive skills. For example, if you’re a software engineer with experience in artificial intelligence, your headline might read: “Software Engineer Specializing in Artificial Intelligence.” 

A well-crafted headline will help you stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of potential employers or clients. If you’re unsure what to include in your headline, look at the profiles of other professionals in your field for inspiration. Also, update your headline regularly to reflect your professional status or the addition of new expertise.

It is a good idea to think of your LinkedIn profile headline as your brand slogan because it sums up what you do and what you’re looking for in just a few words. For example, if you’re looking for a new job, this could be a good headline for you: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeking New Opportunities.” 

Why Your LinkedIn Headline is Important?

So why should I put more effort into writing a great LinkedIn profile headline, you ask? Here are the top three reasons: 

It Can Help You Stand Out From The Crowd

The best headline for LinkedIn summarizes your skills and status when someone views your profile. It’s crucial to ensure that your headline is interesting and engaging so that people will want to read more. A well-written headline is often the best thing you can do to attract more profile visitors, leads, and employers.

For example, if you’re a web developer, you might want to use a headline such as “Web Developer with a Passion for Creating Beautiful Websites.” This headline tells potential employers or clients your line of work, and it also shows that you’re creative and passionate about your work. 

Your Headline Makes it Easy for Leads or Potential Employers to Find You.

Your LinkedIn profile headline not only gives potential employers a quick overview of your skills and experience but also helps you be found in the keyword-driven LinkedIn search results. 

Let’s say you’re a web developer who specializes in WordPress. If your headline simply says “Web Developer,” you’re likely to be lost in the sea of other web developers. But, if it says “Web Developer Specializing in WordPress | Available for projects | 5 years experience,” you’re much more likely to appear in search results when someone searches for “WordPress developer.” 

It Mentions What You Do And What You’re Interested In

Most people skim through LinkedIn profiles, and if they see a boring headline, they’re likely to move on. A good headline will grab their attention and make them open your profile to learn more about you. 

For example, let’s say you’re a web designer. Instead of simply listing “web designer” as your headline, you could say “Web Designer With a Passion for Creating Beautiful and User-Friendly Websites.” This gives people a better sense of who you are and what you do, which might just be enough to convince them to visit your profile. 

What is a Professional Headline on LinkedIn?

Your professional headline on LinkedIn summarizes your skills, experience, and current status, so a visitor knows what you’re up to. It’s essential to make a good impression and to do that, you need to choose your words carefully. 

A professional headline should be brief and to the point, highlighting your most relevant skills and experience. Using keywords that will help you appear in search results is also a good idea. 

Let’s say you’re a marketing professional. You might want to include terms like ‘branding,’ ‘social media,’ or ‘content marketing’ in your headline. These keywords can help ensure that your profile is seen by people searching for someone with your particular skill set. 

So whether you’re just starting your career or a seasoned professional, taking the time to craft a well-chosen headline can make all the difference in how potential employers and clients perceive you.

How Many Characters Does the LinkedIn Headline Allow?

While most social media platforms have a straightforward headline character limit, LinkedIn is a little more complex. The headline section of a LinkedIn profile allows for up to 120 characters, but that doesn’t mean that you must use this limit entirely. 

LinkedIn’s own research has shown that the best headlines are around 50-60 characters long. Shorter headlines are easier for users to scan and understand, and they’re more likely to get clicked on. So if you’re looking to make the most of your LinkedIn headline, keep it short and sweet.

LinkedIn will truncate headlines that are longer than 120 characters, so choosing your words carefully is important. In addition, LinkedIn will also bolden certain keywords in your headline if they match what visitors are searching for. So, it’s worth including those keywords in your headline if you’re trying to target a specific audience.

What to Put in a LinkedIn Headline?

So, what to include in a LinkedIn headline to make it catchier and more noticeable? Let’s have a look!

1. Your Current Title and Company

Most LinkedIn users don’t take advantage of their profile headline, opting for the default “job title at company name.” However, there are some good reasons to put your current title and company name in your headline. 

For one, it helps you to appear more relevant and up-to-date to potential employers or clients. Second, it allows you to control how you’re identified on LinkedIn – which can be particularly valuable if you work in a highly competitive field. 

Likewise, using your current title and company in your headline makes it easier for people to find you when searching for someone with your particular skills and experience. As such, it is a good idea to include your current title and company name in your headline for LinkedIn.

2. Years Of Experience in Your Field

As a professional, you know that your experience is the most crucial part of landing your next big opportunity. Your LinkedIn profile is one of the first places potential employers or leads will visit to see your work experience. As such, it makes sense to include your years of experience in your headline. 

For example, for recent graduates with no work experience, putting “0 years of experience” in the LinkedIn headline will not do any favors. In other words, it is not a good idea for freshers to mention in their headline that they’ve no work experience. But, if you have several years of relevant experience, putting that number front and center will let employers know that you’re a seasoned professional who can be an asset to their company.

3. Your City And State

When recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn, they typically use keywords like “marketing director” or “accountant.” But if you include your city or state in your headline, you’ll come up in searches for those keywords + your location. So if a recruiter in Chicago is searching for a marketing director in Windy City, LinkedIn’s algorithm will boost your profile in their search results.

Plus, including your city or state in your headline can make you more appealing to local companies who might not be looking to hire outside of their area. And if you’re looking to move to a new city, including that in your headline is a great way to signal to recruiters that you’re open to relocating.

4. Up To Three Industry Keywords Or Phrases That Describe What You Do

Your keyword selection will help recruiters and hiring managers find you more easily and determine whether you’re a good fit for their companies. For example, if you’re an accountant, some relevant keywords could be “financial analysis,” “tax preparation,” or “auditing.” Including these keywords in your profile headline will help ensure that you’re found by people looking for someone with your skills and experience.

But how do you choose the right keywords to create the best headline for LinkedIn? Keep reading for our tips!

Choosing the Right Keywords for Your LinkedIn Headline

Your LinkedIn profile headline sets the tone for your account, so make sure it’s keyword-rich and eye-catching. But if you’re unsure how to find relevant keywords, we’ll show you how to do the research and pick the right keywords to create an effective headline. 

• Think about what you want people to know about you when they see your headline. Are you an expert in a particular field? Do you have a certain skill set that sets you apart from others? Once you’ve decided on the message you want to communicate, brainstorm a list of potential keywords that would help get that message across.

• Next, think about the impression you want to make. Are you a thought leader in your industry? A subject matter expert? Also, what keywords will your audience be using to search for you? Use these insights to refine your own keyword list.

• Once you have a good understanding of where you stand as a professional and what you want to convey, you can start to brainstorm potential keywords. It is also good to look at the headlines of other LinkedIn users in your field. What keywords do they often use? Which ones make them stand out? 

• Finally, remember that your headline should be reflective of your overall brand. So, choose keywords that not only accurately describe what you do and capture the essence of who you are as a professional. 

It is also good to look up on Google to determine what recruiters or leads are searching for in your industry. Doing so will help you craft a LinkedIn headline that will make your profile appear higher in Google search results. We also recommend using tools like Google Keyword Planner for your keyword research for LinkedIn.

Remember, with a little research and effort, you can develop the perfect set of keywords to help you create an attractive headline on LinkedIn. Your efforts will pay off in the form of more profile visits by recruiters or leads. It also ensures that your profile draws not just views but targeted views that are more likely to convert. 

LinkedIn Headline Examples

There’s no debate that LinkedIn is the most powerful networking tool out there, and your headline can make or break your success on the platform. That’s why studying the best LinkedIn headlines and learning from other professionals in your industry is important.

Take inspiration from the following examples to create a headline that will help you stand out and build better relationships. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Entrepreneurs

Bhargav’s LinkedIn profile headline is the perfect example of how to succinctly and effectively explain your entrepreneurial status and key achievements. In just a few short words, Bhargav has captured his unique selling points and conveyed his professional brand. 

As an entrepreneur, his headline immediately communicates that he is a self-driven, self-starter with a proven track record of success. His use of keywords such as “author” and “community builder” also shows that he is at the forefront of his industry.

And by highlighting his experience in both the corporate and startup worlds, he demonstrates that he has the skills and expertise to thrive in any business environment. Simply put, Bhargav’s LinkedIn profile headline is the perfect way to sell yourself as an entrepreneur.

LinkedIn Headlines for Thought Leaders

LinkedIn profiles are tricky – you want to be catchy and sell yourself in a headline, but at the same time, you don’t want to seem conceited. Sidney’s headline does a perfect job by mentioning her title and what she does in a humble and empowering way. Sidney is a thought leader empowering lean agile teams with servant leadership and constantly seeks new ways to help her team members grow and succeed. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Job Seekers

Ayomide’s headline is the perfect example of how to explain what you’re looking for without sounding pushy. He’s made it clear that he’s interested in opportunities in the engineering field, but he hasn’t come across as desperate or needy. This is an important distinction to make when hunting for a job, and Ayomide has nailed it. Well done!

LinkedIn Headlines for Students

Hadi’s simple headline perfectly explains that he is a student researcher and provides services in database development and software testing. It is clear, concise, and highlights his skills and experience. This makes it easy for potential employers or clients to see what he can offer and how he can benefit their company or project. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Salespeople

Max’s headline is short, sweet, and to the point. There is no room for confusion or ambiguity – he is a medical sales representative at Stryker Orthopedics – period. This clarity is essential in the competitive sales world, where first impressions are everything. By immediately communicating who he is and what he does, Max has put himself in a position to succeed. Bravo, Max!

LinkedIn Headlines for HR Managers

Krissy’s LinkedIn profile headline is the perfect example of how to express your job title and line of work. As an HR manager, she is responsible for finding and managing talent for companies. She has perfectly explained her role and what she does as a professional. This is a great way to stand out and ensure potential employers can quickly and easily find you on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Headlines for Recruiters

Wadia’s LinkedIn headline is spot on – she succinctly and accurately describes herself as a recruiter, headhunter, and consultant. Her profile is brief and to the point, without any superfluous information. This is impressive and praiseworthy, as it shows that she knows exactly what her audience is looking for and how to present herself in the most favorable light. This headline helps Wadia come across as a competent and qualified professional who can be trusted to deliver results. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Graduates

Aarti’s headline is a great example of how to stand out on LinkedIn and describe your status. She has clearly stated her current occupation as a graduate student of Northeastern University and her skill set in data engineering, Python, R and Java. This ensures that she is easily found by recruiters searching for candidates with her specific skill set. 

Moreover, the headline is short and to-the-point, which makes it easy for busy recruiters to quickly scan and understand Aarti as a professional. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Unemployed

Hannah has made a great impression by taking the time to write something that clearly explains her expertise and sets the tone for the rest of her profile. By including her years of experience in finance and specifying that she’s currently seeking opportunities, she’s shown that she’s a competent professional with a strong work ethic. This immediately gives her an advantage over other candidates who might have simply written “unemployed” or left their headline blank. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Project Managers

Irfan’s LinkedIn profile headline is another fine  example of precision and creativity. In just a few words, he has managed to sum up his three main areas of expertise: project manager, full stack developer, and founder. This is an impressive feat, and it shows that Irfan is a master of concise communication. 

By clearly stating his core skills and experience, Irfan makes it easy for potential employers or clients to see the value he can bring to their team. This headline is sure to grab attention and help Irfan stand out from the competition.

LinkedIn Headlines for IT Professionals

Jennifer’s headline for LinkedIn is concise and to the point. She has nicely summed up that she is an IT professional and partner marketing manager. This is impressive, as many people tend to either be too vague or include too much information in their headlines. 

Jennifer’s headline is the perfect length and includes just enough information to let readers know what she does without overwhelming them with details. Well done, Jennifer!

LinkedIn Headlines for Software Engineers

Rajsuthan’s LinkedIn profile headline is impressive because it concisely sums up that he is a software engineer specializing in MERN stack and GraphQL. This is a very valuable skill set in today’s job market, and Rajsuthan has presented it in a way that will surely attract potential employers. 

The headline is also well-written and free of grammar errors, which shows that Rajsuthan is a competent communicator. In addition, using keywords such as “MERN stack” and “GraphQL ” will help Rajsuthan’s profile appear higher in search results. 

Overall, Rajsuthan’s LinkedIn profile headline is an excellent example of how to effectively market oneself as a software engineer.

LinkedIn Headlines for Marketing Managers

Wendy’s LinkedIn headline perfectly sums up her skills and experience as a vacation rental marketing manager and social media specialist. It is creative, concise, and eye-catching, making her stand out as a social media marketing specialist in the vacation rental industry. And it’s not just her headline that’s impressive; her entire profile is full of useful information and insights about the vacation rental industry. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Data Analysts

As you can see, Siddhi’s headline for LinkedIn is also concise and to the point. In a few good words, she tells potential employers that she is an experienced data analyst who is open to full-time opportunities. This immediately sets her apart from other candidates who may not have as much experience or who are not actively looking for new opportunities. 

Plus, the headline is compelling and likely to catch the attention of recruiters. Overall, her headline is an impressive display of her professional brand and will no doubt help her stand out in the job market.

LinkedIn Headlines for Logistics

Talha has managed to sum up his skills and experience in a way that is both compelling and accurate. As an import coordinator and logistics specialist, it looks like he has a wealth of experience in managing the movement of goods across borders. Talha’s LinkedIn profile headline is an accurate representation of his skills and experience, and it is sure to capture the attention of potential employers.

LinkedIn Headlines for Finance Professionals

Nicholas’s LinkedIn profile headline tells readers that he is a finance professional and private equity advisor in a way that is both compelling and informative. Nicholas has perfectly conveyed what he does and why someone should be interested in reading more. 

This is an effective headline because it also makes use of keywords that are likely to be searched for by potential clients or employers. In addition, the headline is to the point, ensuring that readers will not lose interest before they even get to the body of the profile. 

LinkedIn Headlines for Customer Service

Alexis has done a great job of crafting a headline that tells readers about her occupation and her years of experience in the field. By including client-centric experience in her LinkedIn headline, Alexis demonstrates that she’s a well-qualified professional who helps customers with their needs.

LinkedIn Headlines for Career Changers

Nancy’s LinkedIn headline tells right away that she is a teacher looking for a career change. iT also highlights her teaching experience, which will be valuable in any new career she pursues. All in all, Nancy has crafted an excellent LinkedIn headline that effectively promotes her skills and experience.

What to Avoid in Your LinkedIn Headline?

A bad headline can be enough to put off possible connections. This is because people will see it before deciding whether to connect with you on LinkedIn. Even though you have only 120 characters to work with, some pitfalls will make it difficult for people to see your brilliant qualities and abilities. 

When writing your LinkedIn headline, here are a few things you should avoid if you want to make a good impression: 

First, make sure your headline is concise and specific. Don’t include unnecessary words in your LinkedIn headline and resist the urge to use cheesy buzzwords or clichés. A good headline is always concise and straightforward, so focus on clearly communicating your value proposition. 

Second, avoid using generic terms like “consultant” or “freelancer.” Instead, be specific about what you do and what sets you apart from the competition. Specifying your niche or field of work is always a good idea.

Plus, don’t be afraid to show a little personality in your headline. A clever or witty headline can help you stand out and attract the attention of potential employers or clients. 

So go ahead and get creative-just make sure to avoid these common pitfalls.

How to Change Your LinkedIn Headline?

If you want to change your LinkedIn headline, follow the below-listed steps to make sure it’s as smooth and effective as possible: 

1. Head over to your LinkedIn homepage and click the Me icon at top right side of the page.
2. Next, click on View Profile.
3. Go to the Edit icon in the introduction part.
4. The Edit intro will pop-up, where you can change your LinkedIn headline.
5. Hit the Save button and you’re good to go!

While changing your LinkedIn headline, keep the following things in mind:

• Consider using keywords that will help you show up in searches. For example, if you’re a marketing professional, you might use terms like “digital marketing,” “content marketing,” or “SEO.” You can also include your location or industry in your headline to help narrow down the results. 

• Keep your headline short and to the point; you want people to quickly and easily understand what it is you do.

• Don’t be afraid to get creative. If your headline is interesting and catches people’s attention, they’re more likely to click through to your profile. 

Following these tips will ensure that your LinkedIn headline is effective and quickly draws the readers’ attention to your profile!

How to Write a Great LinkedIn Headline [Tips]

Here are some other savvy tips to remember if you want to write the best LinkedIn profile headline:

1. Use keywords that will help people find you. 
2. Use action verbs to describe what you do. 
3. Be clear and concise. 
4. Don’t use abbreviations. 
5. Avoid using personal pronouns. 
6. Use proper grammar and punctuation. 
7. Keep it up to date according to the developments in your professional life. 
8. Make it reflective of your brand. 
9. Use humor sparingly – let your personality shine through (but don’t overdo it). 
10. Test different headlines and see what works best for you.

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Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our guide on writing the perfect LinkedIn headline! Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to put them into practice. Remember, LinkedIn is a perfect platform for building relationships and networking. So be creative with your word choice, and include keywords in your headline that accurately describe your skills and experience. With a little effort, you can create a headline that will grab attention and help you stand out from the crowd.