LinkedIn is more than just a networking tool—it’s among the most powerful searchable databases available today. Optimizing all your LinkedIn titles is essential if you want to be discovered for what you do, not just what you’re called.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, job seeker, career professional, nonprofit leader, or someone with a terminal degree, here are strategic tips to boost your visibility and attract the right audience with the correct titles.
Entrepreneurs: Think Keywords, Not Corporate Job Titles
If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner, do you really need to call yourself a CEO or President? You can decide on which key titles and keywords you will use, but think about what someone would type into Google to find you.
When potential clients search for services, they’re typing “Graphic Designer” or “Website Developer,” not “CEO of Graphic Design.” Your title should reflect what you do and the value you provide—not just your status.
Pro Tip: Include service-specific terms in your headline, like:
- “Graphic Designer | Logos | Brand Identity Specialist, etc.”
- “Website Developer | E-Commerce | SEO Expert, etc.”
You show up in searches for the skills people are looking for by thinking about the logical keyword to be found.
Job Seekers: Choose Job Titles That Get You Found
Understanding LinkedIn’s search algorithm gives you the power to choose titles and keywords that will make you more discoverable. Tools like LinkedIn’s Github Career Explorer and Google Trends can help you pick the most search-friendly titles and keywords, empowering you to take control of your job search.
Here’s a quick tip:
If your official title is “Project Manager III,” simplify it to “Project Manager” on LinkedIn. Recruiters will search for a “regular” market filter title in the database.
Another Strategy (utilized by some career coaches and frowned upon by others):
Use the full 100 characters in your job title field creatively. For example:
Project Management | PMP | Agile & Waterfall Methodologies | SaaS Implementation | Scrum Master
This approach has helped many of my clients get discovered—even without having an international to change jobs. At the bottom of the article, read A True Story and the pros and cons of embellished job titles.
Employed Professionals: Market Filters Matter with Job Titles
LinkedIn’s premium search filters in LinkedIn Recruiter and Sales Navigator (like industry, company size, seniority, and job title) turn the database into a powerful search engine.
If you’re open to new roles or just building your brand, be strategic with your titles. Stick to those found in LinkedIn’s dropdown menus and database for maximum visibility.
Want to grow your influence internally or externally?
Start thinking strategically and like a recruiter. What job titles would you search for if you were hiring for your own role? Take this proactive approach to growing your influence internally or externally, and watch your career opportunities expand.
Nonprofit Leaders: Clarity and Compliance are Your Allies
As the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, I know that in the nonprofit world, titles like Executive Director and Director of Development often carry weight with funders and boards.
Still, clarity is key. Make sure your title reflects your actual responsibilities. If you wear many hats, try a headline like:
Executive Director | Fundraising | Strategic Planning | Volunteer Engagement
If you are a nonprofit job seeker, use only the Market Filter title from the database if you seek a similar role at your next opportunity.
Also, if you’re on the board or handle legal/financial documents, it’s worth noting in your profile for transparency and credibility.
Terminal Degrees: You Earned It—Now Use It Wisely with Your Titles
In July 2024, I wrote an article titled Terminal Degrees, Recognitions, Honors, & Awards on LinkedIn, and I addressed a common profile mistake: placing “Dr.” in the first name field.
Unless “Dr.” appears on your legal ID (aka birth certificate), don’t use it as your first name on LinkedIn. Instead, list your credentials after your last name:
First Name: Jane
Last Name: Smith, PhD (or EdD, PsyD, MD, DO, etc.)
This minor tweak will help maintain accuracy and ensure you remain more searchable in the platform’s database.
A Personal Note on Titles & Lifestyle Design
Here’s a quote from an Instagram post that captures my philosophy:
“I actually don’t want to climb any corporate ladders. I don’t care about job titles. I don’t need accolades. I just want to have income to fund my lifestyle, not be depressed, help other people, and be around good humans. Dassit.” ~ @workdungeon March 8, 2025
I’ve lived a full professional life—from growing a $5M – $7M general contracting business with 24 employees with my late husband to running a for-profit and nonprofit organization today.
These days, I choose joy, flexibility, and a mission-driven purpose. I’m not really into titles, as it’s more about helping people with what I do.
Whether I’m helping clients one-on-one, mentoring professionals, or babysitting my grandsons in between trips to see Mickey Mouse (yes, I’m a Disney Nerd!), it’s not the title that is important to me.
It’s about impact. Dassit! However … I kinda like teacherpreneur!
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn™ for bright ideas on how to manage your career.
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat! Can’t beat a free discovery call!
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership of the #1 business networking association on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Book of Lists five years in a row!
- To support our charity at KeepOnSharing.com and use the referral code Career
- Follow #GreatCareersPHL
BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
