Having multiple jobs or roles can make crafting an effective LinkedIn headline more challenging. With limited space, it’s important to showcase your most relevant experience and skills. Here are some tips for writing an appealing LinkedIn headline when you have two jobs:
Focus on Your Primary Role
Your LinkedIn headline has a 120 character limit, so you need to be selective. Focus first on highlighting your primary or most relevant job title and company. This gives readers immediate context on your current focus and industry. For example: “Product Marketing Manager at ABC Company | Freelance Social Media Consultant”
Customize for Different Audiences
Consider adjusting your headline for your target audience. When networking or job searching, emphasize skills or titles that align with those opportunities. When engaging with current clients or partners, showcase achievements at that company.
Incorporate Key Skills or Areas of Expertise
Include key skills, accomplishments, or areas of expertise that apply across roles. For example: “Product Marketing Leader | Social Media Strategist | Digital Campaign Specialist.” This shows off transferable abilities. Only highlight skills relevant to your goals.
Use Power Words
Incorporate power words that emphasize your strengths. Words like “specialist,” “leader,” “strategist,” and “expert” can make your headline more compelling. For example: “Thought Leadership Strategist | Brand Marketing Leader.”
Quantify Achievements When Possible
Numbers help summarize accomplishments concisely. If applicable, include metrics like years of experience, budgets managed, revenue generated, etc. For example: “Marketing Leader – Grew Revenues 20% | Digital Strategist – 10+ Years Experience.”
List Certifications or Academic Credentials
Relevant certifications or degrees that are important in your industry can strengthen your headline. For example: “CPA | Financial Analyst at ABC Corp | Professor of Accounting at XYZ University.” Only include credentials that advance your goals.
Be Consistent with Your Profile
Ensure your headline aligns with the roles and skills detailed in your LinkedIn profile. Don’t create confusion by highlighting things not reflected in your experience section. Consistency establishes cohesiveness.
Turn Skills Into Benefits
Rather than just listing skills, convey the value you offer. Transform skills into benefits by indicating how they help companies or customers. For example, “Digital Marketing – Improves brand visibility through data-driven campaigns.”
Avoid Jargon or Overused Terms
Headlines with excessive jargon or buzzwords come across as vague. Rely on clear, concrete language instead. For example, “Strategist” is vague compared to “Marketing Strategist” or “Data-Driven Digital Marketer.”
Showcase Transferable Skills
Many skills apply across roles, so don’t limit yourself to just job titles. Highlight transferable abilities that potential employers or partners will care about. For example, “Relationship Building | Data Analysis | Project Management.”
Be Authentic
While highlighting strengths, remain authentic. Don’t exaggerate or claim skills you can’t demonstrate. Present an accurate picture of your experience to build trust and credibility.
Check Character Limits
Carefully count characters so you don’t exceed the 120 character maximum. Longer headlines will be cut off, losing key information. Checking limits also encourages concise phrasing.
Use a Call to Action (If Relevant)
If actively job searching or seeking clients, a call to action can work. For example, “Award-Winning Marketer Seeking New Opportunities” or “Experienced Virtual Assistant Open for New Clients.” Make sure it aligns with your goals.
Don’t Forget Keywords
Keywords related to your roles, skills, and industry make you more findable. This helps you get discovered by recruiters or potential partners. Just don’t overdo it.
Edit Ruthlessly
To keep your headline tight, edit vigorously. Remove filler words, strip away fluff, and cut any redundancy. This forces you to hone your message. Prioritize essential information.
Test Different Versions
Draft a few variants to identify what resonates most. Ask trusted contacts for feedback to help select the most compelling option. Testing headlines leads to refinement.
Align with Your Profile Photo
Ensure your profile photo matches the image portrayed in your headline. A stuffy accountant photo would seem strange with a quirky headline (and vice versa). Consistency matters.
Refresh Periodically
Revisit your headline every six months or so. Update it based on new accomplishments, skills, roles, or objectives. A headline loses impact if not evolving with your career.
Examples of Effective LinkedIn Headlines with Two Jobs
Here are some examples of strong LinkedIn headlines for people with multiple current roles:
| Headline | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Manager | Freelance Brand Strategist | Highlights both an in-house and freelance role while keeping it concise. |
| CPA at Smith & Jones Accounting | Adjunct Accounting Professor at State University | Shows complementary roles in both public accounting and academia. |
| Product Marketing Leader | Passionate About Customer Research & Data Analysis | Combines a job title with universal skills that apply across roles. |
| Finance Manager – Delivered 15% Cost Savings | Data-Driven Operations Leader | Quantifies an achievement while calling out transferable skills. |
| Social Media Strategist | Digital Campaign Manager | Influencer Marketing Specialist | Highlights three relevant areas of expertise concisely. |
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling yet concise LinkedIn headline with two current jobs takes finesse. Focus on showcasing your most relevant titles, transferable skills, measurable achievements, and unique differentiators. Highlight capabilities that align with your target audience and desired career path. Refine your headline periodically to keep it fresh and optimized. With a strategic headline that captures your value, you can make a strong first impression.