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UX designers, your LinkedIn headline matters a lot; here is how you can make it better
As I write this article, we are in the midst of the worst recession since the great depression. And there are always UX designers looking for work, but now it is absolutely more dire than ever to have a strong LinkedIn presence, network and brand yourself to your best ability.
Chances are you are one of those who have been negatively affected by the dampened economy, and I feel your pain. I myself found my position cut as of last Thursday, despite many signs indicating that our company could weather the storm without cutting jobs.
I realize this article may come off as a bit brash, but please know that I am saying this from a place of love and empathy for everyone who is unemployed, especially right now. But I see this issue happening in the UX design community on LinkedIn all the time, and I want to address it, as I have noticed so many UX designers list their headlines as:
“unemployed UX designer — available for hire”
“UX designer seeking new opportunities”
“Open to new opportunities”
So what is the problem with these?
- First off, they aren’t selling your skills, accomplishments, and past experience. Instead, it is only stating that you have an issue and you want someone to solve it (ie, hire me)!
- Secondly, there are tons, and I mean TONS of people on LinkedIn, with nearly identical headlines. Trust me, I see them all the time. It’s a fantastic way to help yourself blend in with everyone else, when you should be doing the exact opposite.
I view headlines like that as about as effective as a panhandler walking around asking for money. Sure, you might talk to some people here and there. But there are thousands upon thousands of UX designers, often with almost the exact same headline, in the exact same rut as you.
If you are not advertising your specific capabilities and accomplishments as the hook to get people interested in talking to you, you are not being nearly as effective as…
