The Perfect LinkedIn Headline: What You Should/Should Not Include

The LinkedIn platform can be used to launch an Individual’s career, increase their network with other professionals, and introduce them to better opportunities that will improve their career. For these reasons, it is important that users of this platform endeavour to create profiles that are impressive. A major component of the platform that is necessary for making it appealing is the LinkedIn headline. It is the most visible element of every user’s LinkedIn profile.

What is a LinkedIn Headline?

A LinkedIn headline is a short description appearing just under a user’s name. An effective LinkedIn headline is meant to give more information about the user aside from their occupational status. It is, therefore, necessary that everyone utilises the opportunity to promote their skills in order to boost networking opportunities. Everyone should craft a headline that should be able to convince their target audience to connect with them.

What You Should Include In A LinkedIn Headline

You could be wondering, What makes a great LinkedIn headline? What do I have to do? You have to understand that your LinkedIn headline is supposed to boost your search appearance. Hence, your headline should include the following:

Job titles or skills: What do you do? Who are you? Why should other LinkedIn users connect with you? What do you have to offer? You need to be intentional about communicating your job title, professional background, and specific skills. With about 120 characters, make sure that your headline is concise.

Appropriate keywords: You need to include the most appropriate keywords in your headline if you want your profile to appear in more searches. You can even use hashtags in your LinkedIn headline.

Straightforward: Since LinkedIn allows only 120 characters for the headline, you would need to be straightforward and express yourself in clear terms. You need to be able to impress every user who stops by your profile. You also need to avoid being vague so you don’t confuse other users. For this reason, you need to use simple language when writing your headline.

What You Should Not Include In A LinkedIn Headline

Now that we have discussed what you should include in your headline, it is high time we discussed what you should not do. To avoid a headline that is dull and boring, you have to be wary of the following:

Unprofessional language: LinkedIn is a professional platform hence the language is expected to be professional. You cannot afford to use a profile that is bereft of professionalism. You should avoid using inappropriate language, and refrain from discussing politics, religion, or any other controversial topics. The above-mentioned can never be raised at interviews, so why bring it to the LinkedIn platform?

Jargons peculiar to the field: We have already discussed why it is important that your headline is clear and simple. What we are trying to say is, do not include industry jargon that might end up confusing those who visit your profile; people who are not familiar with your field.

Negative language: Avoid using phrases like, “unemployed”. Instead try, “seeking opportunities.” Stay positive and confident. If you do not have enough to highlight your background and career, show enthusiasm.

Needless information: Remember, all you have is 120 characters. You don’t have to include everything from your resume. Instead, choose a few things to include so that your target audience can get a first-hand idea of your personality.