Three Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Headline

One of the easiest ways to establish a career brand on LinkedIn is to tailor your headline. A tailored headline can set you apart from others with your same job title and highlight your strategic advantage, whether you are looking for a new position or expanding your professional network.

You have on average 7.2 seconds to make an impression through your LinkedIn picture (read this article for tips on that) and headline. That is less than the average 7.6 seconds someone reviews a resume. (Clicking and scrolling is easier than flipping a piece of paper).

You can change your headline quickly by adding or removing a few words. The default headline on your profile is your current job title. If you are looking to change careers or want to highlight your specialty for potential business development, change your headline. 

Here are three ways to build a more impactful headline. Choose the one that supports your goal the best.

1. Add impactful or descriptive words that bolster your current position.

Look at the words from a recent career check-up about what your work stands for and how you add value to a business. Infuse your headline with those words.

Instead of Corporate Trainer @ XYZ Company.

It could be:

Hands-on Corporate Trainer with 25 years experience in the Financial Industry

Corporate Trainer. Learning Facilitator. Deep Research and Course Design

Enthusiastic Trainer & Course Developer for award-winning businesses

Corporate Trainer. Clarity. Hands-on Learning. Success.

Training Professional serving the Winnipeg financial market. Genuine. Trusted. Results.

Each of the above statement gives insight into what kind of corporate trainer the person is and their speciality.

If you haven’t had a career check-up in awhile (or ever) send me a message at [email protected] to find out if you need one

2. Add fun symbols to match your brand.

My friend Ainsley added descriptive impact words to her job title and used fun symbols. This is a great headline for her brand.

Client Services Associate at People First Career Management: Creative Support ? | Tech Support ?| People Support ?

This works well for professionals who want to show their fun and playful side, while highlighting what makes them unique.

3. Change the headline to the new position you want.

If someone was currently working as a waitress, but was about to graduate and seeking work in Sales in the broadcasting industry they can change their headline. Instead of listing "Hostess at the Roadhouse Inn", they could use any of the following.

Emerging Sales Professional.

Emerging Sales Professional with three years experience exceeding client’s expectations

New Sales Graduate. Helping companies look great on radio. 

It doesn't need to have everything.

The headline is an attention getter. If written well and with a target in mind, anyone should have an idea of what your speciality is. It is meant as a hook to get someone to move past the headline and read the rest of your profile, and then ultimately to connect with you.

How to change the headline.

Go to edit your page by clicking the little pencil icon (to the right of your profile picture). The headline is in the second box.

Happy Headline writing!

About Me (Kerri Twigg)

I have helped people gain confidence in themselves through their stories for over 15 years. I am a career coach who has worked with clients ranging from accountants to robotic engineers. Most clients express how supported they feel in making informed decisions about their career strategy. We work together to ensure they have a great resume, clear branding and a strategy that lands them their ideal job.

I'm a Certified Resume Strategist. I have a BA in Theatre and Psychology, M.Ed and an HR Certificate. My website is Career-Stories.com.