LinkedIn Headline
Create an effective headline in LinkedIn
What is a LinkedIn Headline?
Similar to a headline of a news item or an ad, the LinkedIn headline serves to attract people’s attention and make them want to stay on your page. If you’re looking for a job, writing a compelling LinkedIn headline is an excellent opportunity to stand out from the competition.
When someone clicks on your profile, one of the most important and visible parts is the LinkedIn headline. It plays a significant role in your profile as it helps the viewer determine if he or she wants to know more about you.
Importance of an Effective LinkedIn Headline
The better your LinkedIn headline, the higher your chances of getting invites for a job interview. Even if you’re not looking for career opportunities, creating an effective headline makes it easy for other professionals to know you. Who knows? With your headline, you may get invites to connect with industry experts and leaders, which is another way to make yourself relevant and establish credibility.
Some professionals put their job title on their LinkedIn headline. It is fine, but not compelling enough. Also, if you do not write your headline, LinkedIn will use a default one, making your profile look like everyone else’s.
Tips on Making an Effective LinkedIn Headline
So how can you make your LinkedIn headline more effective? Here are some tips to consider:
1. Be specific with your specialty
Keep in mind that LinkedIn maintains a huge database of professionals across industries, and there are probably thousands of individuals with a job similar to yours. The key is to be specific when it comes to your specialty.
For example, instead of saying “Online Writer,” consider “Online Writer Specializing in Marketing/Advertising.” If you’re an editor or proofreader, you may say “Editor/Proofreader with 5+ Years in Finance.” It tells a bit more about yourself than just saying “Editor/Proofreader.”
2. Showcase how you make an impact on the organization
Another way to make your headline look more interesting is to include what you do for the company. If you’re a recruiter, you can say something like “Connecting the best talent with opportunities at XXX” instead of just “Recruiter at XXX.” It puts the spotlight on your contributions to the organization, making your profile more appealing and credible.
3. Include your accomplishments
Did you get featured in a popular TV documentary or news source? Did you publish a book that became a bestseller? Did you win an award for your work? Take advantage of your LinkedIn headline by showing off your accolades.
For instance, you can say “The Apprentice US Winner” or “Award-winning author of XXX.” When people see your headline, they will be impressed with your accomplishments and may want to know you more. In such a case, it’s acceptable to mention big names in the industry.
Final Word
Make the most of your LinkedIn headline. It’s one of the first things people see when they visit your page. Keep the tips in mind so you can have an effective headline that will help establish your credibility and expertise in the industry.
Related Readings
CFI is the official provider of the global Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ certification program, designed to help anyone become a world-class financial analyst. To keep advancing your career, the additional resources below will be useful:
