The Importance of Writing an Expansive LinkedIn Tagline: Your Digital First Impression
Your LinkedIn tagline, the short description that appears right below your profile picture, is one of the most important elements of your profile. It’s often the first thing people notice when they come across your profile—whether they're recruiters, potential employers, or networking connections. Yet, many executives make the mistake of letting their current job title be the default for this valuable space. While your job title is important, your tagline can (and should) be so much more.
On LinkedIn, you have three lines for your tagline, which means you have the opportunity to describe yourself beyond your current role. This is crucial, as the tagline is one of the first items that recruiters see when searching for candidates. A well-crafted tagline can pique their interest and encourage them to click through to your full profile, which is the first step toward being noticed and considered for your next opportunity.
Why Your Default Title Isn't Enough
Most executives default to using their current job title as their LinkedIn tagline, but this can be limiting. While your title is a part of your professional identity, it doesn't fully capture your capabilities or potential. For example, "VP of Marketing" says what you do, but it doesn't convey the scope of your impact or expertise.
Think of your tagline as a headline—an attention-grabber that should quickly tell people what you bring to the table. In the competitive landscape of LinkedIn, a generic job title won’t set you apart. Instead, consider including phrases that describe your unique value or key skills. By expanding your tagline to include descriptors like "Global P&L Leader," "Business Transformation Executive," or "Innovative Supply Chain Strategist," you offer more context about what makes you stand out.
The Role of Keywords in Your Tagline
Recruiters on LinkedIn often use keywords when searching for candidates, making it essential to include relevant terms in your tagline. Your expanded tagline should include industry-specific keywords and phrases that reflect the roles you’re targeting. For instance, if you’re an executive aiming for a C-suite role, you might include terms like "Executive Leadership," "Strategic Growth," or "Change Management."
By strategically incorporating keywords into your tagline, you increase your chances of appearing in recruiters’ search results. More importantly, the right keywords will attract recruiters who are looking for specific skills or experiences, increasing the likelihood that they’ll click on your profile to learn more about you.
Capturing Your Unique Value in Three Lines
LinkedIn gives you three lines for your tagline—don’t waste this space! An expansive tagline allows you to communicate your professional identity in a way that captures attention quickly. Instead of a single job title, think of how you can summarize your career and aspirations in a few dynamic phrases. Consider the following formula when crafting your tagline:
Current Role/Title: Use your current role or a version of it (e.g., "Chief Financial Officer" or "VP of Operations").
Specialization or Key Expertise: Add a line that reflects your primary area of expertise (e.g., "Global Supply Chain Management Expert").
Leadership or Impact Phrases: Incorporate words that convey your leadership abilities or the results you drive (e.g., "Business Growth Champion" or "Turnaround Specialist").
Here’s an example of a well-rounded LinkedIn tagline:
“Chief Marketing Officer | Digital Transformation Leader | Proven Expertise in Driving Global Growth & Innovation.”
This tagline tells anyone who views the profile what the person does, where their expertise lies, and how they deliver impact—all in three lines.
Attracting Clicks and Creating Engagement
Your tagline plays a critical role in determining whether someone clicks through to your profile. When recruiters are skimming through hundreds of profiles, a clear and compelling tagline can make all the difference. By expanding your tagline to include both your current role and key attributes, you’re offering a snapshot of your professional brand and inviting recruiters to learn more.
Think of your tagline as a preview of your full profile. If it’s well-written and contains powerful keywords and descriptors, it will attract the right kind of attention and lead to more profile views. And those profile views are the gateway to opportunities.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn tagline is more than just a job title—it’s an opportunity to showcase your professional identity and position yourself for future opportunities. By using all three lines of your tagline, incorporating relevant keywords, and emphasizing your unique value, you create a compelling first impression that encourages recruiters and employers to click through and learn more about you. In today’s job market, where LinkedIn plays a critical role in executive recruitment, an expansive tagline can set you apart from the competition and open doors to new career opportunities.