Adding a line to your LinkedIn profile allows you to highlight key information about yourself right below your name. This line serves as a quick introduction and value proposition for anyone viewing your profile. An effective headline communicates who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique in a concise and compelling way.
Choosing the Right Headline for Your Profile
When crafting your LinkedIn headline, focus on showcasing your professional identity and areas of expertise. Here are some tips for choosing the right headline:
- Keep it concise – Ideal length is under 120 characters including spaces
- Lead with your current job title and company
- Include relevant keywords – Industries, skills, certifications
- Communicate your specialties and value
- Showcase accomplishments or credentials if applicable
- Tailor it to your target audience – Recruiters, colleagues, clients
- Don’t just copy your job description – Make it unique to you
- Review headlines of other profiles in your field for inspiration
Some examples of effective LinkedIn headlines:
- Social Media Manager at XYZ Corp | Digital Marketing | Content Strategy
- John Smith – Certified Project Manager | Six Sigma Black Belt | Operations Leadership
- Jane Doe | Top 1% Realtor in [City] for 5 Years Running
How to Add or Edit Your LinkedIn Headline
Ready to customize your LinkedIn headline? Here are step-by-step instructions for adding or updating the headline on your profile:
- Access your profile: On LinkedIn’s homepage, click on “Me” at the top of your sidebar and select “View profile.” This will take you to your public profile page.
- Click “Edit public profile & URL”: Near the “Intro” section of your profile, click the pencil icon next to your profile photo. This will open the editing view of your profile.
- Update the headline field: Under your name, you will see a text field labeled “Headline.” Delete any existing text and type your new, customized headline. Remember to keep it under 120 characters.
- Preview changes: Once you have input your new headline, scroll down and click “Preview profile” on the right to see how your changes will appear live on your profile.
- Save changes: If you are happy with your new headline, click the blue “Save” button at the top to publish your changes. Your updated profile will now reflect your customized headline.
Note that it may take up to 15 minutes for your new headline to appear on your profile after saving changes. You can always return to edit or update your headline in the future if your roles or goals change.
Tips for an Eye-Catching, Results-Driven Headline
Follow these tips to craft a compelling, effective headline for your LinkedIn profile:
- Focus on your target audience – Tailor your headline for your ideal connections. For example, recruiters want to see skills and experience, while colleagues want to see specialty areas.
- Leverage power words – Incorporate strong action verbs like “transform,” “drive,” “create” to convey your capabilities.
- Quantify achievements – Include metrics and numbers to showcase your results and value, when possible.
- Spotlight awards or credentials – If relevant, highlight meaningful certifications, degrees, or industry recognitions.
- Avoid overused terms – Steer clear of inflated, generic descriptors like “results-driven,” “strategic thinker,” etc.
- Review regularly and refresh – Update your headline as your career progresses to keep it current.
Common Questions
Does your LinkedIn headline have to match your job title?
No, your LinkedIn headline does not have to exactly match or be limited to your official job title. The headline field allows you to showcase additional context, areas of expertise, accomplishments, and skills beyond your current role. Focus on crafting a unique headline tailored to your personal brand and strengths.
How often should you change your LinkedIn headline?
Aim to revisit your LinkedIn headline every 6 months to a year. Update it when you take on new roles, complete major projects, earn a certification, or achieve an award. Tweaking your headline periodically ensures it stays up-to-date and aligned with your latest skills and professional evolution.
Is your LinkedIn headline visible to others?
Yes, the headline on your LinkedIn profile is publicly visible to other members as well as anyone who views your profile when searching on Google or other search engines. It’s part of your public professional image and identity on the platform, so craft it intentionally to make a great first impression.
What’s better for your LinkedIn headline: first or third person?
Most LinkedIn experts recommend using the first person (“I am a social media strategist”) rather than third person (“John Doe is a social media strategist”) in your profile headline. First person comes across as more approachable, personal, and engaging to viewers.
What happens if you go over the 120 character limit for headlines?
If your headline exceeds 120 characters, a cropped version will be displayed on your profile and in search results. However, the full length version will be visible when people click directly on your profile. Try to keep it under the limit for maximum impact.
Can you use emojis or special characters in LinkedIn headlines?
It’s best to avoid using emojis, special characters, or images in your LinkedIn headline. LinkedIn recommends sticking to plain text to maintain a professional profile. Special characters also count toward the 120 character limit.
Sample LinkedIn Headlines
Here are some examples of real-world LinkedIn headlines to spark ideas for your own:
- Digital Marketing Director @ [Company] | Growing Brands through SEO & Social Media
- John A. | Certified Associate Project Manager | Improving Efficiency & Cost Savings through Six Sigma
- [Job Title] @ [Company] | Award-winning Marketing Leader | Digital & Growth Strategy
- Jane D. | Top 1% Nationally | Real Estate Advisor Helping People Achieve Homeownership
- Tom S. | Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering | Developing Breakthrough Medical Technologies
- Sarah H. | Employment Attorney | Workplace Investigations & Compliance | Speaker | Adjunct Professor
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Headline
In addition to optimizing your headline text, here are some pro tips for making the most of this valuable LinkedIn real estate:
- Check keywords – Use LinkedIn’s keyword tool to identify terms people search to find profiles like yours.
- Show up in searches – Use your headline to increase discoverability for recruiters and opportunities.
- Rotate headlines – Create a few variations tailored to different audiences.
- Track profile views – See if headline updates impact how many people view your profile.
- Leverage the background photo – Coordinate your photo backdrop with your headline.
- Ask for feedback – Get input from colleagues to improve your headline.
Crafting a compelling, keyword-rich headline takes your LinkedIn profile to the next level. So implement these tips to showcase your value proposition and achieve your professional goals.