It’s time to start creating. Today, you’ll tackle the first part of your LinkedIn Profile recruiters and hiring managers notice. It’s called your headline.
If you don’t create your own headline, LinkedIn will default to your current job title – and that’s a big snooze. To brand your headline and make it stand out. Just like a headline in a newspaper, it’s there to get someone’s attention and the cause enough curiosity they want to read more.
I have a secret formula for writing headlines. It goes like this….
Job Title (or Company) + Keywords + Bling.
The majority of people screw up the headline on their LinkedIn profile. Most don’t even realize you can edit your headline to anything you want. LinkedIn defaults to populating your headline with your current job title and employer—and a lot of people leave it just like that. That’s a waste of digital real estate. Why? Because this 120-character section is prime marketing real estate. Do it right and your LinkedIn headline can be used to promote your brand statement, expertise, and personality.
A great LinkedIn headline should include a few of these elements:
1. Showcase Your Specialty, Value, or Your Brand
If you want to grab a recruiters attention, your LinkedIn headline should instantly showcases your brand. Make it where someone has to stop and take a closer look at you. Tell me—in your headline.
2. Talk Directly to the Audience You Want
Your LinkedIn headline and profile should be targeted to the specific audience you want to appeal too. What matters to the decision-maker at the receiving end of your message?
3. Be Specific
Think about who you’re trying to reach with your headline, and how you can stand out from the competition.
4. Use Keywords Effectively
Keywords are important when it comes to your LinkedIn headline. What are the terms or phrases someone looking for a “insert the position you want here” might search to find you on LinkedIn? Use as many of them as you can throughout your headline and profile.
5. Be Creative
Show some personality. Make it memorable.
So what if you already have a profile and just realized you’ve just your current headline sucks? Go to your LinkedIn profile now and click “Edit Profile.” You’ll see the tiny word “Edit” next to your name. Click on that, and then get down to business. I promise, it’s that easy.
LinkedIn is full of dull, say-nothing headlines. With a little effort, yours can standout.
Your workbook has several samples, but I encourage you to look around on LinkedIn and see how others in your network or field of interest are using this field. Some careers naturally allow for some creative expression, where others need to be more buttoned up.
When you feel comfortable, go ahead, log into your profile and add it to your page. If you need help remembering where it goes on your page, refer to page 1 of your Week 2 Workbook.
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