The LinkedIn profile “Title” is the line directly below your name. Here LinkedIn has given you a golden opportunity. These are the first few words on your profile and your chance to engage your reader.
I repeat: you can say something about who you are and what you have to offer, right in the first line of your profile! Hello! Wake up… this is an opportunity!
I ask my clients, “If you were an employer or a client looking for you, what would you like to read here? What would attract you?”
Perhaps something *different* would be the way to go? Anything to turn the lights up a little more?
I mean, how many IT technicians are out there? How many administrative assistants? How many Project Managers?
In the 32 LinkedIn profiles I reviewed, almost 30% of them had no title or left out half of what the person was doing! What a waste of a good opportunity! 60% were just plain boring. Only about 10% actually took advantage of the Headline opportunity.
Here are some examples to illustrate what makes a bland vs. Headline that catches your eye:
1. How much does “Senior Management Executive” tell you about a person? Would you be more interested in this person than the next senior executive in line? Probably not. How about: “Senior Management Executive. Ensuring you meet and exceed your sales targets.” Hmmm… Now at least I want to read more and I know that the person is willing to step up in the area of sales, now at least he is selling himself!
2. How much does “International Business” tell you? Little bit. It’s boring! What I would say more is: “Senior Financial and Analytical Trainer for International Business.” See the difference?
3. Compare “Professional in Management of Programs, Processes and Projects” (dry) with “Manager of Programs, Processes and Projects. Creation and Implementation of Innovative Technological Solutions”. Which would make you read more?
Do you understand the image well?
Another Headline problem is whether to put “Open Networker” there. Some social media experts recommend declaring that you are an Open Networker so that people know that you will accept their invitation. I don’t think it’s necessary unless you have a goal of amassing as many connections as possible on LinkedIn. I do not. I prefer to build a network of people who know me, have worked with me, or have the potential to become ongoing relationships in the future.
I’d love to hear other people’s ideas for effective headlines. What would your readers want to hear?
What would you draw?
