The pitfalls of listing "ex-job title" as a linkedin headline: what I learned after reviewing 2,500 connections
[reputation] "Ex" titles on linkedin could be sabotaging your professional image
Once upon a time, I picked a LinkedIn headline that read something-something about being an “ex-satellite technician.”
I was an ex-satellite technician… but I'm not anymore.
Truth is, I still was mad as hell in 2020 when I lost my job. I had a bunch of other emotions about this “ex” job of mine.
It was like dealing with an ex. Literally.
You are not thinking about the future when there’s ex-anything revolving around your life.
Your title on LinkedIn is a shortcut to communicating your value.
Imagine being at a gigantic party and someone asks you what you do for a living. After you tell them, they get intrigued about your job, and start asking you a bunch of questions.
That's how it should be with your LinkedIn profile.
Here’s how you can write a stronger LinkedIn profile title. I came up with these pointers after a few hours of sifting through 2,500 connections.
But for you, these pointers are distilled down to a 5 minute read.
Hydrate with some H20 or drink some coffee and enjoy.
Listing “ex-job title” does not talk about your client’s problem.
Your clients have a problem. This is a 100% guarantee. Whether it's a product or service that doesn't meet their needs — there's always something that needs fixing. If you don’t talk about it, they won’t pay attention.
You miss out on presenting a solution.
This is the next step is talking about a SOLUTION to the problem. As a copywriter, you are the solution, the doctor, the cure, the BBQ to fill up someone’s empty stomach. Your headline should answer a challenge they are facing.
Your headline should focus on today and tomorrow.
One of my favorite reggae songs, “Tomorrow People” by Ziggy Marley, sings “Don’t know the past — don’t know the future.” You need to be in a mindset that’s ready to think about where your clients have been so that you can make their future better. Compare trusting a headline that’s focused on “ex-Google” or “ex-Amazon”…
To a headline that speaks to them. And their better future… one that doesn’t involve an “ex.”
Hello, creativity, are you there? It’s me, a copywriter.
A headline that’s rooted in the past can be a major roadblock in standing out. It takes creativity to put yourself in other people’s shoes to envision their problems. Injecting more creativity into your headline is what makes it more memorable and impactful.
Do you need to be bringing attention to something that doesn’t need to be?
You don’t have to focus on outdated information. You risk pigeonholing yourself and limiting your potential to explore new opportunities. It might make you perceived as inflexible or unadventurous.
Your resume section can tell people what you used to be without calling it “ex.”
You have the opportunity to showcase your past experiences and accomplishments without labeling them as “ex.” Removing that “former” word does not erase your work experience from your resume. No one will forget that you were once employed at [company name]. Or in [ex-industry]. That’s because your resume still exists to communicate what you've done in the past without sounding like you're dwelling on the past. It’s your past experiences that have prepared you for your future opportunities. So, it’s not about forgetting or erasing. It’s embracing previous skills and learning experience in the proper time and place (your resume.)
Instead of relying on your ex-work title, consider creating a headline that highlights your unique value proposition, relevant skills, and what you’re giving to your client. Watch as your profile starts to attract the people and opportunities that are more aligned with your copywriting business.
Being caught up as feeling like an “ex” anything is based on thoughts and feelings that won’t serve your growth.
You need to communicate what you are here for today.
Your clients need it more than ever, too.