Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things hiring managers and recruiters will see when they visit your profile. It’s important to craft a compelling headline that grabs their attention and accurately represents your background and goals.
What is a LinkedIn headline?
Your LinkedIn headline appears right below your name at the top of your profile. It typically includes your current job title and company, along with a few keywords summarizing your expertise and experience. The ideal length is between 120-150 characters including spaces.
For job seekers, the headline is a chance to brand yourself and communicate what makes you stand out. It should be customized for your target roles and help you get found in recruiter searches.
How to write an effective job seeker headline
Follow these tips to create a compelling, search-friendly headline as a job seeker:
1. Lead with your target title or area of expertise
Start your headline with the job title or function you want to be hired for. This helps establish your professional brand and expertise upfront. For example:
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Front-End Developer
- Technical Recruiter
If you’re open to different types of roles, focus on your most desired function or specialty instead:
- Marketing & Brand Strategy
- JavaScript Developer
- Corporate Recruiter
2. Include relevant keywords
Incorporate keywords from the job descriptions and requirements for roles you’re targeting. This helps ensure your headline is search-friendly and appeals to recruiters’ searches.
Relevant keywords may include:
- Skills: Project management, business analysis, JavaScript
- Tools/software: Salesforce, Tableau, Photoshop
- Certifications: PMP, CPA
- Methodologies: Agile, Lean Six Sigma
For example:
- Digital Marketing Manager | SEO, Google Analytics
- Front-End Developer | React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
- Corporate Recruiter | Sourcing, Interviewing, Talent Pipeline
3. Summarize your background
Briefly describe your current or most recent role and company or industry. This provides helpful context:
- Digital Marketing Manager | SEO & Paid Ads | Consumer Tech Startup
- Front-End Developer | React, JavaScript | Healthcare
- Corporate Recruiter | Sourcing, Talent Pipeline | Management Consulting
4. Convey your value proposition
Communicate what makes you a strong candidate – key achievements, awards, certifications, or academic credentials. For example:
- Digital Marketing Manager | 500% Traffic Growth | Award-Winning Campaigns
- Front-End Developer | 5+ Years Experience | Computer Science Degree
- Corporate Recruiter | Improved Quality of Hire by 15% | Top Performer 2 Years
5. Show your career goals and aspirations
If you’re making a career change or looking to take on new responsibilities, note your aspirations. This shows proactivity and direction.
- Aspiring Product Marketing Manager | Currently Digital Marketing
- Seeking Lead Front-End Role | 3 Years Experience
- Corporate Recruiter seeking Talent Acquisition Leadership Role
Best practices for an effective headline
Keep these best practices in mind as you optimize your LinkedIn headline as a job seeker:
Be concise
Aim for 120-150 characters max. Avoid lengthy headlines that will get cut off.
Use keywords strategically
Incorporate relevant keywords, but don’t overstuff. Use only terms that authentically represent you.
Highlight achievements and competencies
Quantify accomplishments and impact when possible to showcase your capabilities.
Align with your target roles
Tailor your headline for each application or outreach. Reflect the titles and requirements for those positions.
Update regularly
Refresh your headline as you gain new skills, accomplishments, and goals. Keep it current.
Use headline real estate wisely
Make every character count. Lead with the most important info for recruiters and hiring managers.
Be authentic
Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting yourself. Your skills and experience should be consistent with your full profile.
Headline examples for different scenarios
Here are some LinkedIn headline examples tailored to various job seeker situations and goals:
Career changer:
- Computer Science Teacher seeking Project Manager role | PMP Certified
- Nonprofit Program Director pivoting to Marketing | Digital Marketing Certificate
Recent graduate:
- Finance Graduate seeking FP&A Analyst role | Excel, Financial Modeling
- Computer Science Graduate looking for Software Engineer position | Java, Python
Transitioning to management:
- Senior Accountant seeking Accounting Manager role | CPA, Supervisory Experience
- Project Engineer looking for Project Management opportunity | PMP, Six Sigma Green Belt
Upgrading skills:
- Python Developer building React skills | Seeking Front-End Developer Role
- Data Analyst expanding into Business Intelligence | Tableau, SQL
Relocating:
- Digital Marketing Manager relocating to Phoenix, AZ
- Corporate Recruiter moving to Raleigh, NC
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate to capture hiring managers’ attention and communicate your professional brand. By leading with your target role, incorporating strategic keywords, quantifying achievements, and customizing for each application, you can create an effective headline that helps you stand out among applicants and get found for the right positions.
Keep your headline updated, concise, and authentic. Align it with your target function, industry, and location. With a compelling, search-friendly headline, you can maximize your LinkedIn profile’s impact during your job search.
Scenario | Headline Formula | Example |
---|---|---|
Career changer | [Current role] seeking [Target role] | [Relevant skill/credential] | Nonprofit Program Director pivoting to Marketing | Digital Marketing Certificate |
Recent graduate | [Degree] Graduate seeking [Target role] | [Key skills] | Finance Graduate seeking FP&A Analyst role | Excel, Financial Modeling |
Transitioning to management | [Current role] seeking [Management role] | [Management credential/experience] | Senior Accountant seeking Accounting Manager role | CPA, Supervisory Experience |
Upgrading skills | [Current skills/role] building [New skills] | Seeking [Target role] | Python Developer building React skills | Seeking Front-End Developer Role |
Relocating | [Current/Recent role] relocating to [Location] | Digital Marketing Manager relocating to Phoenix, AZ |