LinkedIn Headlines That Grab Readers

The smallest part of the LinkedIn profile is perhaps the biggest challenge for most people.  What magical 120 characters will do the trick?   You probably have seen ridiculous profiles that tell you nothing substantial about the person.  Then there are those individuals that simply skip the headline, possibly out of frustration.  Let’s break down the headline and help alleviate your frustrations so you can write a headline that grabs readers.

Purpose of the Headline

The purpose of a headline is to help you get found by hiring employers and recruiters.  They search by keywords, so having a profile with your primary keywords is crucial. The second purpose is for the headline to be appealing so after you are found the reader keeps reading. This is why sharing your unique selling proposition is important.

Keywords

When recruiters and hiring managers search for candidates, they often perform an automated search by defining keywords as search criteria. If your keywords as well as other search criteria (location, job titles in history, education, etc.) match, you will likely be found. You won't know with certainty the keywords an employer is using. However, you can make an educated guess by performing simple research.  Search job postings to identify major requirements.  That is a good start for your keywords.

Unique Selling Proposition

What do you do better than anyone?  What makes you unique?  Do you have expertise in a particular market?  Do you hold an MBA from an Ivy League school?   Have you earned a difficult-to-achieve certification?   These attributes separate you from the crowd.  Integrate your unique selling proposition into your headline.  An example is: "Harvard MBA with 12 years of experience managing $13+ million real estate transactions in Asian market."

Language to Avoid

Nix any fluff, such as "highly motivated, driven team player."  This does not hit any keywords and does nothing to separate you from the crowd.  Avoid gimmicks, such as "Hire me. Seeking position in software testing."  Focus on filling needs, not on what you want or need. Skip jokes.  Not everyone has the same sense of humor, and the headline is not the place for it.  The last thing to avoid is an avoidance. In other words, don't forget or forego your headline.  By omitting the headline, you are missing an opportunity to sell yourself.

In summary, the headline is an essential part of your LinkedIn profile.  Don’t be tempted to forego the headline. Instead, consider your goal and research possible career options.  Armed with this information, write a profile rich in keywords, one that expresses your unique selling proposition!