Mistakes When Writing LinkedIn Heading (And How to Avoid Them)

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Your LinkedIn Headline Matters

What Makes a Bad LinkedIn Headline?

Top LinkedIn Heading Mistakes to Avoid

What Not to Include in a LinkedIn Headline

How to Write a LinkedIn Headline Properly

Common LinkedIn Headline Errors in Different Professions

Your Most Asked Questions Answered

Final Thoughts: Fixing Your LinkedIn Heading for Good

1. Why Your LinkedIn Headline Matters

Your LinkedIn headline is the first thing people see next to your name—on searches, comments, and connections. And yet, so many people treat it like an afterthought.

Related: Common Mistakes to Avoid in LinkedIn Posts

If you've ever wondered why your LinkedIn profile isn’t getting profile views or recruiter messages, your headline may be the culprit. In fact, a weak, vague, or keyword-missing headline can harm your visibility more than you think.

This article will walk you through the mistakes when writing LinkedIn heading, how to fix them, and tips to optimize your headline to improve clicks, connections, and credibility.

Fact: According to LinkedIn, users with strong, keyword-rich headlines receive up to 3x more profile views.

2. What Makes a Bad LinkedIn Headline?

Let’s be blunt: A bad LinkedIn headline is one that either says too little or tries to say too much with jargon.

Here are what makes a bad LinkedIn headline:

Just listing your job title and company name

Using clichés like “results-driven professional”

Keyword stuffing without context

Not tailoring it to your LinkedIn job seeker headline goals

Failing to reflect your unique value or target audience

LinkedIn gives you 220 characters. Use it wisely—not wastefully.

3. Top LinkedIn Heading Mistakes to Avoid

❌ 1. Using Only Your Job Title

Avoid writing “Software Engineer at XYZ.” It tells us what you do, not what you bring.

Instead: Use something like “Software Engineer | AI-Powered Solutions | Cloud Infrastructure Expert”

This approach combines your title with keywords and value.

❌ 2. Keyword Stuffing

Yes, LinkedIn SEO matters—but don’t go overboard. Too many keywords without meaning look like spam.

❌ 3. Not Using Keywords at All

One of the most common LinkedIn heading mistakes is skipping industry terms or skills. That’s like trying to sell a service without saying what it is.

Include keywords your target audience or recruiters would use to find someone like you.

❌ 4. Not Tailoring for Your Audience

Your LinkedIn headline for professionals should match your career goals. If you're a career changer or freelancer, your headline should show where you're going—not just where you’ve been.

4. What Not to Include in a LinkedIn Headline

Here are things you should never include in your LinkedIn profile headline:

Emojis (unless you're in a creative field)

Buzzwords like “guru,” “ninja,” or “rockstar”

Vague descriptions like “experienced professional”

Slang or humor that doesn’t translate globally

Internal company titles that no one outside your company understands

Fact: LinkedIn algorithms prioritize clarity and keyword relevance. Unbranded or quirky headlines often reduce profile visibility.

5. How to Write a LinkedIn Headline Properly

1. Be Clear and Specific

Your headline should tell the viewer:

What you do

Who you help

What results you create

Example:

“HR Manager | Building High-Performance Teams | DEI Champion”

2. Use the Right Format

Use separators like pipes (|) or slashes (/) to keep it readable. This helps people scan quickly and still get your full message.

3. Add Keywords Strategically

Use 2–3 strategic keywords that align with your industry and career goals. That way, your LinkedIn headline is optimized for recruiter searches.

6. Common LinkedIn Headline Errors in Different Professions

For Job Seekers:

Mistake: Writing “Actively seeking new opportunities” as the headline.

Better: “Project Manager | PMP-Certified | Driving Digital Transformation”

Related: 10 Common LinkedIn Mistakes Beginners Make

For Freelancers:

Mistake: Listing multiple services without focus.

Better: “Freelance Copywriter | Email Marketing Specialist | SaaS Conversions Expert”

For Career Changers:

Mistake: Using your old job title as your headline.

Better: “Aspiring Data Analyst | Excel + SQL | Business Intelligence Enthusiast”

Pro Tip: Your headline doesn’t need to reflect your current title—it should reflect your next opportunity.

7. Your Most Asked Questions Answered

What are the biggest mistakes when writing a LinkedIn heading?

The biggest mistakes include keyword stuffing, vague descriptions, skipping industry-specific keywords, using only job titles, and ignoring your target audience. These all fall under branding mistakes on LinkedIn that hurt your profile's impact.

Should I include my job title in my LinkedIn headline?

Yes—but don’t stop there. Combine your title with LinkedIn keyword stuffing in a natural way. For instance, "Marketing Manager | Demand Generation | SaaS Growth" is better than "Marketing Manager at XYZ."

Is using buzzwords in my LinkedIn headline a bad idea?

Yes. Phrases like “hardworking,” “go-getter,” or “results-driven” are overused and don’t differentiate you. Avoid these unprofessional LinkedIn headline elements.

Why isn’t my LinkedIn profile getting views?

Often it’s due to a poorly written LinkedIn summary or missing LinkedIn headline keywords. Your profile lacks the SEO or clarity recruiters need to find you.

How do I fix my LinkedIn headline for better visibility?

Use headline optimization LinkedIn techniques—include job-relevant keywords, stay within the LinkedIn headline character limit, and focus on first impression on LinkedIn credibility.

8. Final Thoughts:

To recap, optimizing your LinkedIn profile headline can elevate your career, attract recruiters, and build connections with your target audience. But making mistakes when writing LinkedIn heading can push you out of the spotlight—without you even knowing it.