LinkedIn Tips
Dec 9, 2024
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30
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LinkedIn Headlines: 10 Examples and Tips [2024]
Your LinkedIn headline is your 220-character digital elevator pitch. It's the first thing people see under your name across the platform. A great headline:
Captures your professional identity
Highlights your unique value
Speaks directly to your target audience
Here's what you need to know:
70% of employers favor candidates with strong LinkedIn profiles
A well-crafted headline can boost profile views by up to 40%
LinkedIn's search algorithm prioritizes headline keywords
10 types of effective LinkedIn headlines:
Business Owner
Job Seeker
Expert
Sales Professional
Tech Leader
Content Creator
Consultant
HR Professional
New Graduate
Career Changer
Key tips for writing a strong headline:
Show who you are clearly
Back up claims with numbers
Use relevant industry keywords
Focus on how you help others
Keep it professional
Avoid these common mistakes:
Using default job titles
Sounding desperate ("Seeking opportunities")
Keyword stuffing
Being too creative or vague
Sharing personal information
To create your headline:
Go to your LinkedIn profile
Click "Edit" near your current headline
Use this formula: [Your Job] | [Your Expertise] | [Your Impact]
Keep it under 220 characters
Update regularly as you grow professionally
Related video from YouTube
What is a LinkedIn Headline?
Your LinkedIn headline is your 220-character digital elevator pitch. It's the first thing people see under your name across the platform. This short snippet shows up everywhere: search results, connection requests, comments, and even job applications.
It's not just a job title. Your headline is your chance to make a strong first impression. Here's where it appears:
Your profile page
LinkedIn search results
"People You May Know" suggestions
Your activity in the news feed
Job applications you submit
With over 1 billion professionals on LinkedIn, a good headline helps you stand out. LinkedIn auto-fills this with your current job title, but customizing it can boost your visibility and engagement.
"Your headline is important for several reasons: It's the first line LinkedIn users see on your profile."
Here's why headlines matter: LinkedIn's search algorithm loves headline keywords. A well-crafted headline not only grabs attention but also helps you show up in searches by potential employers, clients, or partners.
Remember: You get 220 characters on desktop and 240 on mobile. You don't need to use them all, but make each one count. Your headline should:
Tell people what you do
Show off your expertise
Include industry-specific keywords
Think of your headline as your professional brand's tagline. Whether you're job hunting, building thought leadership, or growing your business, it sets the tone for your LinkedIn presence.
What Makes a Good LinkedIn Headline
A strong LinkedIn headline grabs attention and drives engagement. It's your digital elevator pitch, making those first few seconds count in today's competitive job market.
Recent data shows headlines are 46% more important to prospects than work experience. So, what should your headline do? It needs to show your expertise, highlight your value, and use the right keywords.
Here's how to craft a headline that packs a punch:
1. Show Who You Are Clearly
Use job titles people actually search for. Skip the fancy stuff like "Marketing Ninja." Stick with "Digital Marketing Manager" instead.
2. Back It Up with Numbers
Don't just say you're good. Prove it. Compare these:
"Growth expert"
"Digital Marketer | Boosted ROI 500% in 6 months"
The second one shows exactly what you can do.
3. Use Smart Keywords
LinkedIn's search loves headlines with the right words. Look at job ads in your field. Use those terms in your headline. A data scientist might add "Data Science, Healthcare Analytics, Big Data" to pop up in more searches.
4. Tell People What You Offer
Focus on how you help others. Look at these:
Basic: "Sales Rep at TechCorp"
Better: "Sales Rep at TechCorp: Helping IT pros support customers 24/7"
The second one tells people exactly how you make their lives easier.
5. Keep It Professional
Your headline shows up everywhere on LinkedIn. Avoid anything too out there. No controversy, no crazy punctuation, and keep the language clean.
"Your LinkedIn headline communicates who you are, what you do and whether or not you have potential to be the best person for the job."
Remember, you've got 220 characters to work with. Use most of them, but make every word count. A great headline makes people want to click on your profile and connect with you.
Craft your headline carefully. It's often the first (and sometimes only) thing people see. Make it count!
1. Business Owner Headlines
Business owners: your headline is your chance to shine. It's where you show off your leadership chops and prove you've got what it takes.
In 2024, the best business owner headlines do three things:
Show real results (with numbers)
Highlight industry know-how
Mention impressive past gigs
Here's a headline that nails it:
"Business Owner • Boosted fitness start-up profits 30% • Ex-Operations Manager at Gold's Gym"
BAM! You've got numbers, expertise, and a big-name drop all in one line.
Let's break down some killer headlines by industry:
The secret sauce? Mix these three ingredients:
What you do now
Big wins (with numbers)
Past job that makes people go "Wow!"
"Nothing beats hard numbers. Your LinkedIn headline should quantify your business achievements to provide tangible evidence of your competence and impact." - LinkedIn Expert
Want to get found? Sprinkle in some industry buzzwords like "scaling", "business strategy", and "market analysis." It'll help you pop up in searches and show you know your stuff.
2. Job Search Headlines
Want your next job? Your LinkedIn headline needs to do some heavy lifting. In 2024, it's all about showing value without sounding desperate.
What makes job seekers pop? Specific wins, key skills, and target roles – all wrapped up nice and neat.
Check out these headlines that got people hired:
The trick to a job-search headline that gets noticed? Focus on what you offer, not what you need.
Recruiters want to see:
Your latest job title
Real achievements (with numbers)
Skills that match target jobs
Where you want to go next
"Think of your LinkedIn headline as a one-line resume to entice recruiters and hiring managers to learn more about you." - Teal
Here's a tip: Ditch phrases like "seeking opportunities" or "looking for work." Instead, show off what you know: "HR Leader, 10+ Years | People Ops, Benefits, and Payroll Pro"
Want to grab a recruiter's attention? Use industry lingo that fits your dream jobs. For tech gigs, throw in "cloud computing" or "agile development." For marketing spots, mention "content strategy" or "growth hacking."
3. Expert Headlines
In 2024, a LinkedIn headline that screams "expert" needs more than just a fancy title. It's all about showing off your skills and the results you've delivered.
Let's look at what the pros are doing:
The trick? Mix what you do with proof you're good at it. Take Sidney, a top Agile coach: "Boosting Lean Agile Teams • 15+ Big Business Transformations • Servant Leadership Pro"
To make your headline pop, include:
Your exact area of expertise
Real achievements (use numbers)
Your current job or certification
Industry props you've gotten
"When you put numbers to your wins, you set yourself apart from folks who might have similar jobs but haven't shown what they've actually done."
Here's a tip: Ditch words like "guru" or "ninja." Instead, get specific: "Green Business Leader • Cut Client Carbon Footprints 25% • Spoke at GreenTech 2024"
Want to really stand out? Zero in on what makes you unique. Max Sinclair, who runs Snowball Creations, keeps it tight: "B2B Growth Whiz • Scaled 100+ Tech Companies • Revenue Strategy Expert"
4. Sales Headlines
In 2024, sales pros need headlines that pack a punch. The best ones? They show off wins and people skills in one go.
Here's what's working:
Emil Gondos, a SaaS sales VP, keeps it simple: "VP | SaaS Sales | Podcast Host | Newsletter Creator." It works because it shows he's a leader and a thought-maker.
Your sales headline should have:
Your sales niche (B2B, SaaS, Enterprise)
Numbers that impress (revenue boost, pipeline size)
Your special sauce (industry know-how, certs)
Big-name companies you've worked for
"Spotlight your sales superpowers - SaaS, CRM, B2B. It makes you a specialist, not just another sales guy." - Sales Pro Expert
Want to stand out? Show what you do for others. Andrew Ruge gets it: "Sales Manager at INC. 5000 | Client Engagement Ace | Baseball & Football Fan." It's pro meets personal - people dig that.
For max impact, show you care about customers. Eric Schwartz nails it: "Building relationships & solving problems | Sales Professional." It's all about the human touch in sales.
5. Tech Leader Headlines
In 2024, tech leaders need headlines that pack a punch. They should show off both tech skills and leadership chops. Here's the secret sauce: mix innovation with real results.
Check out what's working for top tech leaders:
Want to turn heads? Take a page from Alexandra Sazonova at IQVIA: "Searching for brave minds to help us reimagine healthcare." It's got vision and purpose. Boom.
Your tech leader headline should show off:
Your tech superpower (AI, Cloud, Security)
How you lead (bigger teams, faster systems)
Your industry (health, finance, big business)
Cool certs or wins
"A CTO's LinkedIn headline isn't just a job title. It's your pro identity in a nutshell."
Want to stand out? Talk about change. Erin L'Hommedieu at Disney nails it: "Imagine the possibilities..." It's Disney magic meets personal brand.
For max impact, get specific. Don't just say "CTO." Try "CTO | Tech Solutions for Growth | IoT & Cloud Expert." It shows you lead AND know your tech stuff.
6. Content Creator Headlines
In 2024, content creators need headlines that pack a punch. Here's how to make yours stand out:
Your headline should show off what you do best and how you help your audience. It's all about finding that sweet spot between being creative and clearly stating your value.
Check out what the pros are doing:
Goldie Chan, a LinkedIn big shot, keeps it simple but effective: "LinkedIn Top Voice • Personal Branding Expert • Forbes Contributor." It works because it shows she's a big deal and knows her stuff.
Your headline should include:
Your content specialty (video, writing, social)
Your impact (reach, engagement, growth)
Who you help or what industry you're in
"Your LinkedIn headline is your virtual handshake in the digital world, offering a snapshot of your creative brand to potential collaborators, clients, and employers." - 2024 LinkedIn Guide for Digital Creators
Want to really grab attention? Try the PPP formula: Position, Passion, Purpose. Like this: "Content Strategist • Innovative Digital Stories • Empowering Brands to Connect." It tells people what you do, how you do it, and why it matters.
Here's a tip: Use hot industry terms like "visual storytelling" or "multimedia content" to boost your profile. Tools like Podify.io can help you figure out which content types and keywords get the most love in your niche.
7. Consultant Headlines
In 2024, consultants need headlines that pack a punch. They should show off your skills and the real results you deliver. It's all about finding that sweet spot between sounding professional and proving you get things done.
The best consultants craft headlines that tell you exactly what they do and why you should care. Take John Rankins, for example. His headline reads: "B2B Sales Consultant | Guaranteed 15% Quarterly Revenue Growth | Ex-Bain". It works because it tells you his specialty, promises a specific outcome, and drops a big name to back it up.
Let's look at some winning headlines across different fields:
Adam Karpiak, who runs Karpiak Consulting, takes a different approach: "Want me to review your resume? Need candidate therapy?" It's chatty and speaks directly to what his clients need. This style works great for recruiting consultants.
When you're writing your own headline, make sure you hit these three points:
What you do: Be specific. Don't just say "Business Consultant". Say "FP&A Consultant for Tech Startups".
What you've done: Give real numbers. "Helped 50+ businesses transition to cloud" beats vague claims any day.
Who you help: Make it clear who your ideal client is. "Executive Speechwriting Consultant for Healthcare Leaders" tells you exactly who they're looking for.
"Your LinkedIn headline is the flag that highlights your expertise and compels the right connections to click, read your About section, and connect."
To really nail it, use language your clients use. Tom, a seasoned business advisor, does this by mentioning his interim CEO/CFO roles. It immediately clicks with executives looking for high-level advice.
8. HR Headlines
Your LinkedIn headline is your professional calling card. Sarah Chen, former Head of HR at Microsoft, says it best:
"Your LinkedIn headline and summary are crucial elements of your online professional identity."
In 2024, top HR headlines blend specific roles with concrete results. Take Jessica Martinez's approach:
"HR Director | Reduced Time-to-Hire by 20% | Employee Relations Expert"
It works because it shows both her position and her impact.
Here's how different HR pros craft their headlines:
Michael Thompson, an HR Tech specialist at Workday, goes with:
"HR Technology Enthusiast | Leveraging AI for 40% Faster Recruitment | HRIS Expert"
This headline works because it mixes current tech (AI) with solid results.
For a killer HR headline, include:
Your Niche: Don't just say "HR Professional." Try "Diversity & Inclusion Champion | HR Manager" instead.
Real Results: Use numbers. "Increased employee retention by 25%" beats "improved retention rates."
Industry Focus: If you specialize, say so. "HR Leader | Tech Industry Expert | Building Remote-First Teams" attracts the right crowd.
One LinkedIn expert notes:
"Expressing passion about fostering company cultures can be a magnet for like-minded HR professionals and companies."
Keep your headline fresh. In 2024, many HR pros are adding terms like "Remote Work Specialist" or "Digital Transformation Leader" to stay current.
Your headline is your first impression. Make it count.
9. New Graduate Headlines
Fresh grads often struggle with LinkedIn headlines. But here's the thing: it's not about saying you're a graduate. It's about showing what you can do for employers.
Emily Chen, who snagged a job at Microsoft just two months after finishing her Computer Science degree, puts it like this:
"Your headline is your opportunity to show that you're not just a graduate - you're a professional ready to make your mark."
Let's look at some killer graduate headlines for 2024:
The trick? Focus on what you bring to the table, not your student status. Take Sarah Martinez's headline:
"Communications Specialist | Content Creator | Corporate Comms Intern at Google"
This works because it's all about what she can do, not where she studied.
For a headline that packs a punch in 2024:
Show Your Tech Skills: Don't just say "Business Graduate." Try "Business Analytics Grad • SQL • Tableau • Power BI"
Highlight Real Projects: Did you build something cool? Say it! "Built Mobile App for Campus Events" or "Led 5-Person Research Team"
Get Specific: Don't just say "Recent Graduate." Try "Aspiring Environmental Data Scientist"
Pro tip: Use LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature instead of putting it in your headline. As one career expert says:
"When crafting your headline, focus on keywords relevant to your area of expertise that will appear in LinkedIn's algorithm."
Keep it short (under 120 characters) and use industry keywords to catch recruiters' eyes. And don't forget to update it as you learn new skills or finish cool projects.
10. Career Change Headlines
Switching careers? Your LinkedIn headline needs to tell your story fast. It should show where you're going and what you bring from your past.
Take Michael Chen. He went from teaching to tech sales:
"Aspiring Enterprise Sales Rep • Former Teacher • Communication & Relationship Building Expert"
This works. It says what he wants and shows skills from teaching that fit sales.
Here's what career changers are doing with their headlines in 2024:
The trick? Balance what you know with where you're going. Melissa Ripp, a Communications Strategist, puts it well:
"Think of your LinkedIn headline as a one-line resume to entice recruiters and hiring managers to learn more about you."
Tips for Career Changers:
Show your current job, but lead with your target. Not "Marketing Manager Seeking PM Role", but "Aspiring Product Manager • Marketing Strategy Expert • Certified Scrum Master"
Use words from job ads in your new field. This helps recruiters find you.
Try this order: New Job + Key Skills + Current Expertise. Keep it short (under 120 characters). Use | or • to break it up.
Your headline is your hook. Make it count.
How to Write Your Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate. You've got 220 characters to make an impact. Here's how to nail it in 2024:
Start with your job and company. Then, add your skills and what makes you stand out. Use this formula:
[Job] at [Company] | [Skills] | [What You Do Best] | [Big Win]
For example: "Digital Marketing Director at TechCorp | SEO & Content Strategy | Driving 200% YoY Growth"
Match your headline to what your audience wants. LinkedIn says a custom headline is 46% more important to prospects than your experience.
Here's a quick breakdown:
When writing your headline, focus on:
1. Use Industry Keywords
Include terms recruiters search for. For tech jobs, mention specific tools. For business roles, focus on key skills.
2. Show Real Results
Don't just say you get results. Prove it. A sales exec might write: "Sales Director | Exceeded $2M Quarterly Targets | Building High-Performance Teams"
3. Use Podify's Audience Tool
Podify.io's tools can help you pick the right words. Their data shows which terms grab your target audience, helping you fine-tune your headline.
"Letting LinkedIn choose your headline for you is a mistake. Your headline should tempt recruiters to know more about you." - LinkedIn Expert
Keep your headline fresh. Update it as you grow and achieve more. A 2022 headline won't show off your 2024 skills and goals.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Using empty buzzwords ("Ninja", "Guru", "Rockstar")
Being too vague ("Professional seeking opportunities")
Sounding desperate ("Looking for next role")
Instead, show your current value and where you're headed. A great headline proves you're good at what you do now and ready for what's next, all while staying true to you and your industry.
Headlines to Avoid
Your LinkedIn headline can make or break your professional presence. Let's look at some headlines you should avoid in 2024:
Default Job Titles
Don't just use "Marketing Manager at XYZ Corp". It's a waste of space. LinkedIn fills this in automatically, but leaving it unchanged shows you're not putting effort into your profile. In fact, using a basic job title can cut your profile visibility by up to 40%.
The Desperate Job Seeker
Headlines like "Seeking New Opportunities" or "Looking for My Next Role" make you look needy instead of valuable. Bogdan Zlatkov from Growth Hack Your Career puts it bluntly:
"This is the most common and probably the worst headline of all because it's a selfish headline."
The Keyword Stuffers
Don't cram your headline with "Development Team Lead / Project Manager / Scrum Master / Agile Coach". It's hard to read. David Petherick, known as the LinkedIn Profile Doctor, says:
"Your job title is not your headline. It's not the lead!"
The Creative But Confusing
Avoid clever phrases like "Cut me and I bleed content" or "Creative human." Sure, they're creative, but they don't help recruiters find you. No one searches for these terms.
The Outdated Bragger
Take out "Top 1% Viewed Profile" from your headline. Laura Smith-Proulx, CEO of An Expert Resume, explains:
"An impressive Top Viewed ranking is just that – impressive, but not helpful in your search and not worth using precious, keyword-heavy real estate."
The Personal Oversharer
Keep "Father of 3" or "Coffee Enthusiast" out of your headline. Focus on your professional skills instead.
Here's a quick look at some headline types to avoid:
Jason Martin, a LinkedIn Expert, warns:
"If you have no headline, it's a sign that 1) you aren't taking LinkedIn very seriously, and 2) you may not know who you are as a professional."
Lastly, don't lie about your role or experience. Meg Guiseppi, a Personal Branding Expert, cautions:
"It's never a good idea to make a claim about yourself that isn't true. You'll almost always be found out eventually and kicked out of the running."
Your headline is your first impression. Make it count by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Next Steps
Time to upgrade your LinkedIn headline. Why? A better headline can boost your profile views by 40%. That's huge.
Here's how to do it:
Go to your LinkedIn profile
Click "Me" > "View Profile"
Look for the pencil icon near your current headline
You've got 220 characters. Use them wisely
Try this simple formula:
[Your Job] | [Your Expertise] | [Your Impact]
For example:
Marketing Director | Digital Innovation | Scaling B2B Growth
Clair Levy, a pro resume writer, says:
"A candidate's LinkedIn presence can make a huge difference in getting an interview, especially in today's digital world."
Want to stand out? Use Unicode Mapper for subtle formatting. But be careful. Karalyn from InterviewIQ warns:
"You want something simple because the words 'Financial Controller' in Output Script or Output Farftur can't be read on those fonts."
Before you hit save, run your headline through HeadlineAnalyzer.io. Aim for a score of 70+. This tool checks if you're using the right keywords to show up in searches.
Keep your headline fresh. Update it as you grow. Jenny Foss from The Muse suggests:
"To jazz up your headline, weave in your specialty."
Want to get fancy? Try Podify.io. It analyzes how well your headline performs and suggests tweaks based on what your audience likes.
FAQs
What should I write in my LinkedIn headline?
Your LinkedIn headline is your mini elevator pitch. It's where you show off what you're good at and why you're valuable. Don't just list your job title. Instead, tell people what you do and how you make a difference.
For example, instead of "Retail Sales Associate at Sasha Accessories", try "Helping customers find their perfect style at Sasha Accessories."
Here's a simple formula that works well: Your role + Your expertise + Your impact. Like this:
"Social Media Marketer who turns small budgets into big results. 5x ROI increase in 6 months."
What's trending for LinkedIn headlines in 2024?
In 2024, it's all about getting specific. Instead of broad terms like "Consultant" or "Manager", people are zeroing in on their niche.
LinkedIn now gives you 220 characters to work with. Use them to showcase your skills and real results. Here's an example:
"Executive Assistant | CEO's go-to person | Master of office organization and scheduling | Making complex look easy"
As Melissa Ripp, a freelance writer, puts it:
"A well-crafted headline will not only help you stand out in a crowded online space but also attract the right opportunities and connections."
How do I create a catchy LinkedIn headline?
A catchy headline mixes professionalism with a bit of personality. It should grab attention AND show what you can do. Here's a simple structure:
Your main job
Your special skill
A big win you've had
For example:
Remember, your headline needs to be findable too. As LinkedIn expert Noelle says:
"If you're hoping to be hired as a social media marketer in the non-profit space, the hiring manager is looking for strong social media results."
So make sure to include keywords that recruiters might search for.
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