LinkedIn Headline: How to Create One Like a Pro + 10 Examples

A LinkedIn headline is a 220-character text at the top of a user’s name on the platform. In search results, this short description is shown beside the user’s name and should persuade readers to click on the user’s profile to discover more about their background and experience.

While it can be difficult to condense all your skills and experience into one line, crafting the perfect LinkedIn headline will help you stand out from the competition and gain new opportunities.

If you’re looking for a new job or simply want to elevate your LinkedIn profile, read on as we explain the do’s and don’ts of creating a LinkedIn headline and share ten headline examples to inspire you.

Importance of Having a Professional LinkedIn Headline

A professional LinkedIn headline is important to your social media strategy for three reasons: 

• It sets your first impression’s tone
• It allows you to highlight your most desirable skills
• It can increase your chances of being found by recruiters and employers

According to SimilarWeb’s most recent data, the average LinkedIn user only spends around 7 minutes per visit on the platform. This means that you only have a few seconds to pique their interest when your profile shows up on the feed or in search results, and having an optimized LinkedIn headline is the perfect way to do that.

While LinkedIn provides a default headline for its users, this only includes your current job title and employer. To a casual scroller on the feed, this would be as interesting as a blank sheet of paper.

By taking the time to carefully compose your LinkedIn headline, you automatically distinguish yourself from the thousands of others with the same title and encourage users to view your full profile.

How to Create a LinkedIn Headline the Right Way: 5 Expert Tips

It’s important to know how to create a LinkedIn headline properly so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. Like an elevator pitch, your headline should be compelling, succinct, and memorable.

To achieve that, be sure to keep the following tips in mind when crafting your LinkedIn headline.

#1. Do Your Research

Before you even start writing, it’s important to do thorough research first to guide your process and help you create an effective headline.

Here’s what you should do during your research:

• Check the profiles and LinkedIn headlines of successful professionals or leaders in the industry to see how they present themselves.
• Determine the terms and phrases often used by people in your field to understand what keywords recruiters use in their search.
• Use the job title you are aiming for in your LinkedIn headline to show up in search results for that position.

#2. Use Relevant Keywords

Through research, you’ll be able to identify relevant keywords that you can use in your LinkedIn headline to boost your visibility in search results. This is one of the easiest ways to optimize your profile for LinkedIn SEO. Using LinkedIn marketing tools can help you find the best keywords to include.

For instance, if you work in digital marketing, using keywords like “SEO” or “social media strategy” in your headline will allow the LinkedIn algorithm to categorize your profile for those topics and connect you to the right audience.

Aside from better search rankings, using keywords in your headline can also highlight your expertise in that specific field and make your LinkedIn profile more attractive to hiring managers.

#3. Be Honest

A LinkedIn headline is a great way to pitch yourself to recruiters, but over-embellishing your skills or qualifications may harm your credibility, so it’s best to be honest.

Instead of using common cliches or industry jargon in your headline to appear smarter, focus on showcasing your genuine strengths and areas of expertise. Research by Brown et al. (2020) in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes even found that using more jargon can indicate lower status and higher insecurity.

Rather than relying on buzzwords to compensate for your perceived weaknesses, be honest about your capabilities and set realistic expectations for potential employers.

#4. Know Your Audience

When writing your LinkedIn headline, remember that it is intended for both you and the viewer, which is why a thorough understanding of your audience is crucial.

For instance, while your goal may be to use LinkedIn for business, you won’t achieve much success if you only think about your objectives. Consider tailoring your headline to meet the search intent of your target audience by using relevant keywords and language that resonates with the intended reader.

A LinkedIn headline that meets your audience’s needs will improve your chances of making valuable connections and standing out in search results.

#5. Highlight Your Value

Your LinkedIn headline is the best way to highlight your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) to your audience. When writing your headline, be sure you clearly articulate what sets you apart from other people in your field. Emphasize any strengths, skills, or quantifiable achievements that align with your target position.

For instance, a LinkedIn headline for a software engineer with a statistic like “Spearheaded project resulting in 30% boost in performance” will be much more impressive and eye-catching compared with a simple headline containing only the keyword “software engineer.”

3 Effective LinkedIn Headline Formulas

While there is no single definitive formula for an effective LinkedIn headline, there are common elements you can find in successful ones.

To make it easier for you to create a custom headline for your LinkedIn profile, here is a template you can try:

• Current job title | Specialization | Achievement

This LinkedIn headline formula is straightforward and perfect for people from all industries. However, this may not be ideal for those actively looking for jobs on the platform, as it’s quite general.

Instead, consider this LinkedIn headline template for job seekers to target your desired role and highlight your value:

• Current job title or target role | Key skills | Relevant keywords | Accomplishments | USP (Unique Selling Proposition)

Meanwhile, if you’re a student who’s just starting out or someone who has no experience yet, you can try this LinkedIn headline template for freshers:

• Aspiring [Name of Target Role] | Current skill set | Related achievements

How to Find the Right LinkedIn Keywords for Your Headline in 3 Steps

We keep mentioning the importance of keywords in your LinkedIn headline, but to actually find the right keywords to use, here is a three-step method you can follow:

1. Search for jobs you’re interested in. The first step is to head straight to LinkedIn’s Job Board and search for jobs you’re interested in. To narrow down job opportunities, you can apply filters like experience, job type, and company. Browse the search results and take note of the roles you would be genuinely interested in pursuing based on the job description and responsibilities.
2. Select titles for your target role. While searching for jobs, consider creating an Excel spreadsheet on a separate tab. This way, when you find a role you like, you can copy the title and paste it into your spreadsheet.
3. Use common industry keywords. From your list of job titles, you’ll be able to identify the keywords and phrases that frequently appear in relevant, high-traffic headlines and use those in your LinkedIn headline.

Common LinkedIn Keywords From Different Industries

Aside from the keywords you find during research, here are some of the most common LinkedIn keywords that professionals use in different industries:

10 Powerful LinkedIn Headline Examples

The headline is one of the most noticeable aspects of your LinkedIn profile. If you’re finding it difficult to create one for yourself, check out some of these LinkedIn headline examples for inspiration:

#1. Straightforward Headline

Sometimes, the best way to go about your LinkedIn headline is to get straight to the point about what you do and what you can offer your audience. What’s great about Danielle’s headline is that with one sentence, she’s able to promote her services and highlight her target clientele.

Additionally, by using words like “high-profile” and “emerging leaders” to describe her current clients, she elevates the quality of her service and makes it seem more advantageous to be working with her.

#2. CTA Specialist Headline

You can add a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your LinkedIn headline to encourage your audience to take action. Louis’ headline starts with his specialization and continues to discuss his UVP before ending with a short but effective CTA.

Not all LinkedIn users utilize CTAs that can make your profile stand out in their headlines. In fact, searching for the “lead gen” or “content marketing” keywords would bring up a list of people with only these words in their headlines.

By adding a LinkedIn CTA, you can attract potential clients and invite them to engage with your profile. Besides, even if the interaction does not result in immediate employment, high engagement rates are a great signal for the algorithm. Moreover, if you manage to impress your audience, you may even get some prime LinkedIn recommendations.

#3. Creative Headline

While LinkedIn is a more professional platform, letting your creativity shine through in your LinkedIn headline is still important. Remember, people don’t want your profile to feel like a resume; you can add your resume to LinkedIn separately for that purpose.

Take Erin’s headline, for example, which features the line “Imagine the possibilities…” to allude to her employer and promote what she can offer candidates.

Also, while most articles would tell you that having a professional LinkedIn profile picture is a must, Erin’s creativity extends to this area as well by choosing an almost candid photo of herself wearing the company’s signature Mickey Mouse ears.

#4. Minimalist Headline

If “short, sweet, and to the point” reflects who you are, a minimalist LinkedIn headline might be your best option. Minimalist headlines are popular among LinkedIn users as they are quite easy to make and are usually very effective.

Sam’s headline, for instance, focuses only on three main aspects: his current title and company, his previous companies, and a personal fact. This LinkedIn headline, despite being short, has important details about his work experience and his beliefs that can help recruiters determine whether to hire him or not.

Looking further into his profile, we found that the companies mentioned in his headline aren’t his only past employers but certainly his most impressive and notable ones. Highlighting big companies in your headline will help elevate your profile.

#5. Friendly Headline

Personality is often just as important as skills when it comes to the workplace, so be sure to add information that can make your profile more relatable and friendly. Jamie’s headline starts by listing her professional qualifications but then shifts the focus to her towards the end.

The keywords “people-focused leader” and “dog mom” aren’t really used to improve search rankings but to humanize her brand and help establish rapport with like-minded individuals. By adding a personal touch, she ends up with a more memorable LinkedIn headline.

#6. Jobseeker Headline

A job seeker’s LinkedIn headline should focus on your most relevant skills and qualifications rather than the fact that you’re looking for a job. After all, recruiters won’t be using the phrase “looking for a job” when searching for potential candidates.

Pooja’s headline is a great example of finding the balance between highlighting her skills and communicating her openness to new opportunities. Her LinkedIn headline starts with her work experience, education background, and some relevant keywords before expressing her job-search intent.

Since the LinkedIn headline is limited, if you have more skills you want to add, you can omit the line about seeking new opportunities in your headline and utilize your profile picture to communicate this goal instead.

#7. Career Changer Headline

If you’re on the platform looking for opportunities in a new industry, then your headline should focus on your target role in that field. 

Here is a great LinkedIn headline for career changers:

This headline emphasizes your skills and achievements while allowing your profile to rank for your desired position.

#8. Entrepreneur Headline

As an entrepreneur, your LinkedIn headline should demonstrate the value that you can provide to your audience. With this type of headline, it’s best to highlight measurable results to improve your credibility and attract potential clients.

Dakota’s headline immediately explains what he does, then backs up his claims with numbers to prove his expertise.

He also uses a LinkedIn CTA to promote his service on an external website. This benefits him in two ways—it drives traffic to his website, and a free course allows him to market his services and encourage followers to convert into customers.

#9. Newcomer Headline

Creating a LinkedIn headline for recent graduates can be tricky, as employers often have specific skill sets or experiences that they look for in a potential candidate. Aristotle’s headline, however, does a great job of showcasing what he has to offer by listing some relevant experience while still acknowledging his newcomer status.

While waiting for results, you can also take the time to learn some in-demand skills to attract more offers.

Artificial intelligence, for instance, one of the most prevailing social media trends this year, continues to extend its influence on the job market. According to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index, there are more and more opportunities for people skilled in AI, with 66% of employers actively seeking this skill in their candidates.

#10. Student Headline

Aside from being a platform for job seekers and professionals, LinkedIn is also a platform where students can network and look for opportunities. If you’re planning to create a profile, you can try the LinkedIn headline formula for students that we discussed earlier in the article.

For a real example, though, let’s dissect Mansi’s LinkedIn headline. Right off the bat, she highlights her student status, but what makes this headline more effective is that she also includes her research fellow position. Plus, she used keywords to signify her specialization and set herself apart from others with the same role.

How to Change Your LinkedIn Headline in 3 Quick Steps

When you’re done crafting a LinkedIn headline, you can change the one on your profile by following these steps:

#1. Go to Your LinkedIn Profile

From the feed, navigate to your LinkedIn profile by clicking on your photo in the upper right corner and selecting View Profile.

#2. Edit Your LinkedIn Headline

To edit your LinkedIn headline, tap the Pencil icon on your profile page below your banner.

Then, scroll down until you see the Headline and click on the box underneath to edit its content.

#3. Add Your New Headline

To add your new headline to the platform, simply paste your new one in the box. If you’re subscribed to LinkedIn Premium, you can even use the platform’s AI tool to generate a new headline on the spot.

Meanwhile, if you use Publer to schedule your LinkedIn posts, you can leverage our platform’s built-in AI feature to help you create your LinkedIn headline. Our AI Assist tool isn’t just great for generating captions for social media posts but also for crafting other kinds of content, including headlines.

After editing, click Save and refresh your profile to view your new LinkedIn headline.

5 Mistakes to Avoid Making When Writing a LinkedIn Headline

To experience the full benefits of a professional LinkedIn headline, be sure you avoid these common mistakes when creating one:

#1. Mentioning job title and company only 

Most LinkedIn users already use this template for their headlines, which means you’ll just be another name on the feed if you use this exact pattern.

Instead of reverting to the default LinkedIn headline, take inspiration from some of the headlines we discussed above or experiment with your own using our headline formulas.

#2. Using too many titles 

While adding multiple titles will help you reach a wider audience, this can also lead to confusion. It’s better to focus on your main specialization in the headline and then mention the rest of your skills in your LinkedIn summary.

#3. Not utilizing the character count properly

A LinkedIn headline is limited to only 220 characters; avoid wasting this space by using phrases like “Looking for Opportunities” or “Open to New Jobs.”

These keywords have no search volume and will do nothing for your visibility on the platform. Plus, LinkedIn already has an Open to Work feature for this exact purpose.

#4. Adding emojis

While research suggests that using emojis in LinkedIn posts can lead to higher engagement rates, this doesn’t always apply to your headline.

The LinkedIn headline offers the first glimpse into your brand, and unless your research shows that emojis are effective for reaching your target audience, they will just make you seem unprofessional.

#5. Not proofreading your headline

Similar to how you preview social media posts before posting, it’s important to review your LinkedIn headline as well. This is because any typos or grammatical errors in your headline will affect its ranking in search results and lead to a negative first impression with potential employers.

Key Takeaways

• A professional LinkedIn headline can help you make a positive impression on recruiters and improve your profile’s ranking in search results.
• When creating a LinkedIn headline, it’s important to do proper research, use relevant keywords, be honest about your capabilities, know your audience, and highlight your value.
• To craft an effective LinkedIn headline, you can use this simple formula: Current job title | Specialization | Achievement.
• You can change your LinkedIn headline by going to your LinkedIn profile and clicking the pencil icon.
• Your LinkedIn headline must be properly proofread and optimized for your audience, and it should contain more than just your job title and company.

Ervin Kalemi

Founder & CEO

With over 10 years of experience in software development, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and social media, I strive every day to bring the best solutions that will empower your business's online presence. Currently working on Publer and Kibo.