Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things hiring managers and potential employers see.
It appears across search results, comments, the LinkedIn homepage, and when someone views your profile.
But most job seekers waste it, using vague titles like “Open to Work” or listing just their current position.
A strong LinkedIn headline does more. It shows what you do, who you help, and why you're qualified. It can improve visibility, attract profile views, and support your job search.Â
Here’s an example of a popular LinkedIn Top Voice: (see more examples below)
This guide shows how to write a LinkedIn headline that gets results, with examples, tips, and insights tailored to job seekers in 2025.
Quick Answer: What Makes a Great LinkedIn Headline for Job Seekers
- Start with a simple formula: [Job Title] + [Relevant Skills or Value Proposition]
- Use the right keywords recruiters actually search for
- Avoid vague phrases like “Seeking Opportunities” or “Hardworking Professional”
- Make it specific, searchable, and easy to read
- Show how you help, highlight your impact, skills, or career goals
- Your headline should reflect your professional identity, not just your current position
Recommended Reading: How to Answer a Recruiter on LinkedIn
15 LinkedIn Headline Examples for Job Seekers (With Do’s and Don’ts)
A compelling LinkedIn headline makes a huge difference during your job search.Â
Below are 15 headline examples for different situations. Plus what makes each one work and what to avoid.
1. Entry-Level Job Seeker
Do:
Marketing Graduate | Skilled in Content Creation & Social Strategy
Why it works: Clear job title, relevant skills, and a focused niche.
Don’t:
Recent graduate seeking opportunities
Why it doesn’t: Not engaging and overused.
2. Experienced Professional
Do:
Operations Manager | Boosting Efficiency in Manufacturing
Why it works: Combines job title, certifications, and value proposition.
Don’t:
Experienced manager with proven track record
Why it doesn’t: Generic buzzwords that don’t differentiate you.
3. Career Changer
Do:
Former Teacher → UX Designer | Empathy-Led Product Thinking
Why it works: Frames the transition and highlights a transferable skill.
Don’t:
Open to UX roles
Why it doesn’t: Lacks specifics and doesn’t convey value.
4. Software Developer
Do:
Front-End Developer | React & TypeScript | Building Scalable Interfaces
Why it works: Lists in-demand skills and project impact.
Don’t:
Developer | HTML, CSS, JS, React, Git, GitHub, SQL...
Why it doesn’t: Keyword stuffing without a clear focus.
5. Freelancer / Consultant
Do:
Freelance B2B Writer | Helping SaaS Brands Grow with Content
Why it works: Shows what you do, who you help, and the benefit.
Don’t:
Freelancer | Content, Social, Writing, Blogs
Why it doesn’t: Lacks positioning and unique value.
6. Marketing Professional
Do:
Marketing Manager | Driving Revenue Growth Through Campaign Strategy
Why it works: Strong job title + quantifiable impact.
Don’t:
Marketing Ninja | Passionate About Branding
Why it doesn’t: Informal and unclear to recruiters.
7. Unemployed but Actively Job Seeking
Do:
Project Manager | PMP Certified | Improving Systems for Tech Teams
Why it works: Focus on your skills and goals—not your status.
Don’t:
Actively Seeking Opportunities | Unemployed
Why it doesn’t: Can draw attention away from your value.
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8. Creative Professional
Do:
Graphic Designer | Branding, Web Design & Visual Storytelling
Why it works: Clear services and focus.
Don’t:
Creative Problem Solver | Think Outside the Box
Why it doesn’t: No searchable keywords.
9. Product Manager
Do:
Product Manager | Scalable SaaS Solutions | Cross-Functional Team Leader
Why it works: Highlights product type, leadership, and industry fit.
Don’t:
Experienced Product Guy | Always Curious
Why it doesn’t: Casual tone and lacks clarity.
10. Customer Support Specialist
Do:
Customer Support Specialist | 98% CSAT | CRM & Ticketing Systems Expert
Why it works: Specific achievement + tools used.
Don’t:
People Person | Good With Customers
Why it doesn’t: Too vague for serious recruiters.
11. Data Analyst
Do:
Data Analyst | SQL, Excel, Tableau | Turning Data Into Insights
Why it works: Clean format with tools and outcome.
Don’t:
I Love Data! | Numbers Tell Stories
Why it doesn’t: Not searchable or keyword-friendly.
12. HR / Talent Specialist
Do:
HR Generalist | Building Culture & Leading Talent Acquisition
Why it works: Communicates purpose and strategic role.
Don’t:
People-First Professional | Hiring Rockstar
Why it doesn’t: Buzzwords without clear positioning.
13. Career Returner
Do:
Administrative Professional | Returning to Workforce | Calendar & Workflow Pro
Why it works: Honest and highlights current strengths.
Don’t:
Stay-at-Home Mom Looking to Restart Career
Why it doesn’t: Focus more on skills than personal situation.
14. Remote Job Seeker
Do:
Remote Marketing Strategist | SEO & Email | Helping Brands Grow Online
Why it works: States availability and key skills clearly.
Don’t:
Looking for Remote Jobs | Digital Marketing
Why it doesn’t: Too broad and passive.
15. Executive-Level Professional
Do:
VP of Sales | SaaS | Driving Revenue & Scaling Global Teams
Why it works: Job title + industry + outcomes.
Don’t:
Strategic Leader | Team-Oriented Executive
Why it doesn’t: Lacks direction and measurable results.
Update, Test, Repeat: Final Tips for a Better LinkedIn Headline
One of the best ways to improve it is by testing small tweaks and tracking what changes actually boost your visibility.
Here’s how to keep improving:
Revisit It Monthly
Your career goals, skills, or job search status can change fast.
Set a reminder to review your headline once a month and make sure it still reflects your current goals and strengths.
Try Different Formats
Test different headline formulas:
- [Job Title] + [Key Skills] + [Outcome]
- [Service] + [Target Audience] + [Value You Provide]
- [Industry] + [Role] + [Achievement]
Here’s a before and after example:
- Before: “Marketing Specialist”
- After: “Marketing Specialist | SEO & Email | Growing SaaS Revenue”
Even small updates like this can increase your profile’s visibility in search results.
Pair It With a Featured Post
Use your Featured Section or pin a high-performing post to reinforce your headline. If your headline says “B2B Writer for SaaS,” link to a case study, article, or post showing your work.
It creates a strong, consistent value message for recruiters and hiring managers.
Track Profile Views
Check if your new headline improves your LinkedIn profile views (found on your homepage). More views = your headline is working.
And if you’re posting regularly, tools like Podawaa can help you test headlines faster by boosting your content reach and driving more people to your profile.
A Great Headline Deserves to Be Seen
You’ve crafted a strong LinkedIn headline. But that’s just step one.
To attract recruiters, hiring managers, and potential clients, you need to get your posts in front of the right people. And that’s where Podawaa helps.
Podawaa boosts your visibility by increasing real engagement on your LinkedIn posts.Â
More engagement means more reach, and more people clicking through to view your headline, profile, and experience.
Perfect for job seekers, freelancers, and career changers who want to stand out.
Try Podawaa for Free – Boost Your Reach, Get More Profile Views
FAQs
What’s the best LinkedIn headline formula for job seekers?
A simple LinkedIn headline formula is: [Current job title or target role] + [specific skills or industry] + [value you bring].
This helps your headline reflect your professional brand and show up in search results.
Should I mention my unemployment status in my headline?
No need to mention you're job hunting or unemployed. Instead, focus on a clear value proposition and notable achievements. Highlight your strengths and position yourself for new opportunities.
How does my headline impact the interview process?
Your LinkedIn profile headline is often the first thing a technical recruiter or hiring manager sees. A strong headline grabs attention, makes your value obvious, and can improve your chances of getting contacted for interviews.
Can I customize my headline if I’m changing careers?
Absolutely. If you're navigating a career change, tailor your headline to include new skills, your personal mission, or how you offer innovative solutions, even if your current job title doesn’t reflect your new focus.
What should I avoid when writing my own headline?
Avoid generic terms like “team player” or stuffing it with every keyword. Keep it skimmable—limited space means every word should count. A strong headline should focus on specific skills, outcomes, or the value you bring to your target role.