How to Write a LinkedIn Headline (UK 2026)

Why this matters

After 12 years sourcing on LinkedIn Recruiter, I can tell you exactly what surfaces in searches and what doesn't. UK recruiters use Boolean searches that filter on job title, location, and specific skills. Creative headlines like 'Code Wizard' or 'Marketing Maestro' don't surface for 'Software Engineer' or 'Marketing Manager' searches. The headline is the single biggest determinant of how often you get sourced.

Exact steps

1. 1 Choose your job title — use the standard title (Senior Software Engineer, not Senior Code Wizard)
2. 2 Add specialism — what's your sub-area (Backend / Go / Distributed Systems, or B2B SaaS / Growth)
3. 3 Add intent — what are you open to (Open to staff IC roles, London/hybrid)
4. 4 Use the | separator: '[Title] | [Specialism] | [Intent]'
5. 5 Stay under 220 characters — the limit, but don't fill it all
6. 6 Avoid emojis except sparingly — UK recruiters skim past them
7. 7 Update when you change focus or role — stale headlines flag stale candidate

What good looks like

What bad looks like

Common mistakes

• ✗Creative headlines that omit the job title — recruiters search by title
• ✗Loading the headline with emojis — visible from a mile away as 'trying too hard'
• ✗Generic 'Tech Enthusiast' or 'Marketing Professional' — too vague to surface in specific searches
• ✗Outdated headline that doesn't match current role — flags stale profile
• ✗Using current employer name in headline — wastes characters; that's already in the experience section