LinkedIn Headline Tips for Greater Impact
Most jobseekers now know that LinkedIn is a crucial tool for the job search. The good news about LinkedIn (as opposed to a resume), is that you can keep changing the content to optimise your impact, and get feedback quickly as to how your changes are working for you. The LinkedIn headline section is a good place to start with your ultimate branding pitch, as it is this, and your photo that gets the initial and longest viewing attention by someone who may change your career—and your life.
If you allow LinkedIn to populate the headline, it will use your current role title—not very inspiring, and just a repeat of what is already in the profile anyway! LinkedIn provides you with 120 characters to draw the reader in, so tell them about yourself—your role, your attribute and results.
Here are a couple of ideas using intelligent branding strategies that tell people more about you than just your job title.
- “Not the standard CFO! I leverage the best talent to deliver new, risk-averse solutions for a more prosperous tomorrow” (117 characters)
- “CIO—passionately advocating a whole-of-business approach to technology that enriches profits, process and people” (115 characters)
- “Finance graduate with a difference. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about delivering credible, risk-averse results (115 characters)
- “VIP Chauffeur: I keep the wheels of courtesy, service, presentation and timeliness turning—with safety the #1 priority” (118 characters)
- “History of driving 5 consecutive quarters of 120% over target sales in $MM hardware products in saturated markets” (113 characters)
- I deliver multi-million-dollar technology deals and award-winning, reference-site projects for multinational companies” (118 characters)
If you want to test your headline’s impact, you can see what works best and then make adjustments.
Check out “How many people viewed you” and “How many times you appeared in search results” in your LinkedIn statistics, then record/note the metrics and observe what sort of people you’re attracting. Do your metrics change when you add key words or tweak the statements?
If numbers go up, you’re onto a smart branding strategy. If not, keep working at it (or let me do it for you!)
I’d love to hear about your results after making those all important changes to your headline!
If you are interested in working with Gayle Howard—an executive resume writer, Certified Master Resume Writer, multi-award-winning resume writer, and Master LinkedIn profile writer, drop her a line now using the contact form at the link above. Gayle can help you get interviews for your dream job and bring the world of business to you by maximizing your exposure and connections on LinkedIn.
Hi dear Gayle,
Thanks for the Linkedin tips and examples you shared. They are really helpful. I would like to receive your personal feedback on my personal case.
This is a current student of a Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Marketing & CRM and as part of the program I will have to do an internship of 4-6 months duration exclusively in a digital marketing position. The internship will take place next May 2016 but I should start searching soon.
However many Linkedin experts/recruiters recommend not specify in the headline that you are seeking opportunities, internships, jobs…
For further details about me, I come from a car family who owns an auto dealer for some decades. I´ve developed most of my 5 years career in automotive marketing. I do also have a strong background in business and marketing having obtained several degrees in different countries (international experience).
My objective is to let recruiters know that I am open for job opportunities but I dont want to look desperate. This is my current tagline:
MSc Digital Marketing & CRM Candidate ► Passion for Automotive ⇨ Seeking Online/Internet Marketing Internship | May 16′
I find it a bit boring and generic. What would be your suggested headline? Thanks and kind regards.
I agree not to specify in the headline that you are seeking opportunities. In you lick on Accounts and Settings, Privacy and Settings, Communications and “Select the type of messages you are willing to receive”, you can see a whole section there on Opportunities. Tick the ones where you are happy to receive communications. Recruiters take notice of whether you are willing to be approached for opportunities. I think your tagline is fine, not boring, but don’t see the need for “Seeking….”. Candidate indicates you’re looking. Fill the rest up with key words, skills. You can always come to see me if you need your LinkedIn profile or resume revamped.