If your LinkedIn headline only lists your job title…

You're blending in when you should be standing out.

That tiny sentence under your name?
It’s the first thing recruiters, decision-makers, and collaborators see.

And if it’s vague, generic, or boring?
They're scrolling past.

Let’s fix that.

This guide will show you how to write a high-impact LinkedIn headline that clearly shows who you are, who you help, and what value you bring—without sounding robotic or keyword-stuffed.

What a Great LinkedIn Headline Actually Does

Your headline isn’t just for job seekers. It’s your positioning.

A great headline does three things:

• Says who you are

• Says who you help

• Says the result or value you bring

Example (Not So Great):
Finance Manager at ABC Corp.

Example (Much Better):
I lead financial planning strategies that boost forecasting accuracy and save millions

It instantly tells me what they do, who they impact, and why it matters.

Use Keywords (But Don’t Keyword-Stuff)

Yes—recruiters use LinkedIn like a search engine.
But filling your headline with generic skills like:

Accounting | Budgets | Forecasting | Analysis

…makes it read more like a résumé header than a personal brand.

Try this instead:

CPA | Finance Director | Leading $500M strategic planning & forecasting for global orgs

It’s focused, clear, and still uses high-impact search terms recruiters are typing in.

Add Numbers to Build Credibility

When you can quantify your value, do it.

Metrics make your work more tangible, especially in crowded fields.

Examples:

• HR Director | Driving org change across 3 continents & reducing turnover by 25%

• IT Manager | Supporting infrastructure & cybersecurity for 3,000+ global users

• Sales Director | Leading $100M+ teams to exceed quota & grow enterprise pipeline

Numbers tell a story of results, not just responsibilities.

Let Your Personality Come Through

Your résumé lists responsibilities.
Your LinkedIn tells a story.

That means you can show a little more flavor, especially if you’re in a creative or people-facing role.

Examples:

• Legal Counsel | Protecting IP & enabling innovation in global tech

• Program Manager | Scaling agile delivery for high-growth SaaS teams

• Corporate Trainer | Creating engaging learning that drives retention & performance

Simple. Strong. Human.

A Simple Formula You Can Use Today

Want to update yours right now?

Use this plug-and-play structure:

[Your Title] | [Who You Help] | [Impact You Make]

Tips to get it right:

• Use keywords from job postings you’re targeting

• Keep it under 220 characters

• Update it quarterly as your role evolves

This one line has the power to change how you show up on the platform.

Before-and-After Headline Examples

Before: Operations Manager
After: Operations Leader | Streamlining supply chain & saving $1M+ in logistics costs

Before: Strategy Consultant
After: Strategy Consultant | Helping Fortune 500s unlock growth through data-backed insights

Before: Recruiter
After: Talent Partner | Hiring high-performing teams for global product orgs

Before: Product Owner
After: Product Owner | Leading B2B SaaS features from ideation to $5M+ ARR

Clear. Focused. Click-worthy.

What If You’re in Transition?

If you’re job searching, skip “Open to Work” in the actual headline.
That’s your status—not your value.

Instead, write a results-driven headline like:

Marketing Director | Building brand visibility & generating leads for B2B SaaS

Then activate the #OpenToWork badge in LinkedIn’s settings so you’re discoverable—without sacrificing your positioning.

Use This Checklist Before You Hit Save

Not sure if your headline is working? Ask yourself:

• Is it more than just your job title?

• Does it include keywords I want to be found for?

• Is it clear about who I help or what I impact?

• Is it under 220 characters?

• Would I click on it?

If you can’t say yes to all five—rewrite it.

It’s only one line. But it’s your first impression.

You deserve to be seen for the value you bring.

Let your headline reflect that.

If this helped, share it with someone updating their LinkedIn right now.
Or connect with me on LinkedIn—I post weekly tips like this for job seekers, hiring leaders, and professionals who want to stand out without selling out.

—

Renee Frey
Career Coach | Founder of TalentQ