How to write a killer LinkedIn headline for job seekers. With examples!

When you’re looking for a new job, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool to search for positions and connect with recruiters. But how do you distinguish yourself from the many other talented professionals doing the same? One way to set yourself apart is by writing a powerful headline that conveys your expertise and demonstrates your unique value as a professional.

On LinkedIn, your headline appears nearly everywhere, including the top of your profile. It’s essential to optimize it to ensure you’re making a positive first impression on recruiters and prospective employers.

This guide will show you how to write a killer LinkedIn headline for job seekers. We’ll discuss:

• What information to include in your headline

• Why it’s important to optimize this part of your profile

• How to write a compelling headline that sets you apart

• 10 LinkedIn headline examples for job seekers

• Answers to frequently asked questions about LinkedIn headlines

What is a LinkedIn headline?

On your LinkedIn profile, the headline appears directly below your name. It’s a short description of who you are and what you do professionally. For example, if you’re a nurse practitioner, your headline may read, “Family nurse practitioner with eight years of experience in outpatient care settings.”

You can use up to 220 characters, or around 50 words, for your LinkedIn headline. A shortened version also appears on other areas of the site, including searches, posts, recommendations, and job applications.

Why is your LinkedIn headline important?

After your name and picture, your LinkedIn headline is usually the first part of your profile a recruiter or hiring manager sees. If you’re job hunting, it’s worth writing a clear, compelling headline. 

Specifically, your LinkedIn headline can help you:

• Improve your search ranking. An optimized headline can improve your ranking when recruiters filter their searches by position or skills.

• Get a hiring manager’s attention. Much like your resume summary, your LinkedIn headline can grab a hiring manager’s attention and entice them to learn more about you.

• Show your credibility. When you apply for a job on LinkedIn, your headline shows the hiring manager you have relevant experience or skills, boosting your credibility.

How to write a LinkedIn headline for job seekers

Ready to write a killer headline for your LinkedIn profile? Follow these four steps to get started:

1. Research keywords

Your headline can help you appear higher in search results on LinkedIn but only if you’re using the right keywords for your industry. When writing your headline, use terms a recruiter or hiring manager might search to find potential candidates in your field. If you’re unsure about what keywords to use, do some research. 

You can search for other professionals’ headlines to see what keywords they’re using. You can also review job descriptions for terms recruiters and hiring managers include for the roles you’re seeking or browse job search websites to learn what skills you need for your desired position.

Before you write your headline, compile a list of the top keywords for your role or industry. Include some of these keywords in your headline.

2. Be specific

In your headline, be as specific as possible about your relevant experience and skills. Think about the first impression you want to make on a recruiter or hiring manager. What do you want them to know about your qualifications and professional achievements? For example, your headline might include specific information about your job title(s), areas of expertise, professional memberships, and awards.

3. Emphasize your unique value proposition

A headline that showcases the value you can bring to an organization has a better chance of catching a recruiter’s attention than one that simply lists your qualifications. Emphasize your unique value proposition in your headline. In other words, tell an employer why hiring you would be beneficial for their  organization. 

Ask yourself the following questions to determine your unique value proposition:

• What are my core strengths?

• What unique skills can I bring to a new job?

• What results have I achieved in my other positions?

• What’s my biggest career accomplishment?

• What metrics can I include to demonstrate my value?

4. Highlight a specific achievement

Recruiters may review dozens, if not hundreds, of LinkedIn profiles when searching for the right candidates. Highlight a unique fact or achievement that can distinguish you from others. Maybe you were the top salesperson on your team for six consecutive quarters, or perhaps you taught yourself a new coding language to expand your skill set. Don’t be afraid to humble brag to show employers why you’re the best candidate.

10 LinkedIn headline examples for job seekers

Check out these example headlines for LinkedIn for job seekers you can use for guidance and inspiration.

LinkedIn headlines for recent graduates and entry-level job seekers

Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time or changing careers, use these examples to write a captivating headline for entry-level jobs:

1. Recent marketing graduate | SEO and social media marketing | President of the campus Student Marketing Agency | Ready to draft compelling campaigns and drive brand success

2. Information technology intern at Google with specializations in computer hardware and infrastructure, able to bring innovation and efficiency to your IT team.

3. Self-taught software developer with a focus on web application development, your go-to person for full-stack magic. Proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

4. Columbia University graduate with a degree in finance and 4.0 GPA, dedicated to crunching numbers and turning them into real-word insights that inform business decisions 

5. Aspiring civil engineer | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Lifelong problem-solver with a knowledge of construction drafting and modeling

LinkedIn headlines for experienced job seekers

If you have experience in a particular role or industry, check out these examples for help writing your LinkedIn headline:

1. Customer-focused sales exec with 8 years of experience turning possibilities into profits. With a knack for building relationships and a record of smashing targets, I exceed quarterly sales goals by 14% on average.

2. Product manager for global companies with ~$150M in annual revenue | Agile software development | Certified Product Manager 

3. Experienced accountant, skilled in forecasting, auditing, and financial reporting. Dedicated to enhancing transparency and elevating financial health. 

4. Digital media manager and SEO strategist with a record of increasing organic traffic by 125%. Able to weave together strategies to ensure your brand is not just seen, but remembered.

5. Construction estimator | 10+ years of experience in electrical contracting | Successful track record of winning projects ranging from $50,000 to $5 million

FAQs about LinkedIn headlines

Have more questions about writing a great LinkedIn headline? Review the answers to these frequently asked questions.

What should I put in my headline on LinkedIn?

Your LinkedIn headline should include specific information about your experience, skills, and achievements. Use keywords specific to the job or industry you’re targeting. Some other elements to include in your headline are job titles, technical skills, professional certifications, measurable results, and achievements.

Should you put your job title in your LinkedIn headline?

It’s a good idea to include your job title if you’re seeking a similar position in the same industry. In this case, your job title can show a recruiter you have experience in the field. As an exception, you might choose to use a different job title if the one you have is unusual or unclear. For example, if your job title is brand warrior, you can use a more widely understood job title in your LinkedIn headline, such as brand manager or brand strategist.

If you’re changing careers, it may not make sense to include your past job titles in your headline. Instead, focus more on the skills you can bring to a role. For example, if you’re making the switch from dental hygiene to nursing, use your headline to describe your patient care skills.

Should you say you’re seeking opportunities in a LinkedIn headline?

In general, avoid saying you’re looking for a new job in your LinkedIn headline. You have limited space to convey your top qualifications. Use it to focus on the success you’ve had in your past positions and the unique value you can bring to a new organization. You can show employers you’re looking for new jobs by using LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature instead.

However, if you’re a recent graduate applying for your first job or a professional switching careers, you can indicate that you’re seeking opportunities in your LinkedIn headline. Make sure your headline also includes other relevant information, like your internship experience, certifications, or technical skills.

How do you change your LinkedIn headline?

Follow these steps to update your LinkedIn headline:

1. Go to your profile and click the pencil icon below the profile header.

2. Scroll to the headline field and write your new headline in the box.

3. Click the save button.

4. Refresh your profile to see the new headline. Check it carefully for spelling and grammar.

A specific, focused LinkedIn headline that shows your value can entice hiring managers to reach out for more information about your qualifications. Use these tips and examples to write a compelling headline that sets you apart from the competition.

Want more advice and insights into optimizing your job search? Check out Career.io’s helpful Job Search Strategy to find your next role!

Key takeaways

1. A LinkedIn headline is a brief summary of your experience, skills, and achievements as a professional.

2. An optimized LinkedIn headline can boost your search ranking and get a hiring manager’s attention.

3. When writing your LinkedIn headline, use industry keywords, explain your value, and highlight your achievements to show employers why they should hire you.

4. Review some examples for tips and inspiration when writing your own headline.