Write a Headline Recruiters Can Understand
Your headline, which appears next to your name and photo, also shows up in search results and connection requests. It’s the first thing recruiters see when scanning LinkedIn for potential candidates.
The default job title headline is rarely the strongest option because it states where you are, not where you’re going. By advertising your career direction, you show your commitment and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Certification-first headlines also give you an edge, especially if you’re new to the industry, by adding proof of understanding with technical and job-specific skills. You could also include the name of the certifying agency, such as NHA or AAPC.
The Right Keywords Matter
Along with any recent certifications you’ve earned, make sure you get specific about your career focus. Mention any specialty training, such as cybersecurity, mental health support or physical therapy, to make your skills clear and tailored to your focus.
Then, use targeted job titles along with phrases like “aspiring” or “seeking” for context. This phrasing keeps your headline honest while adding a growth-oriented narrative. Be as specific as possible to keep your keywords outperforming the majority.
Consider these LinkedIn headline examples:
- Certified Medical Assistant | Seeking Clinical Role
- CompTIA A+ Certified | IT Support Professional
- Aspiring Medical Billing Specialist | Detail-Oriented and Accuracy-Focused
- NHA Certified EKG Technician | Former Wellness Coach
- Finance Specialist Transitioning to Healthcare IT | CompTIA A+ and CEHRS Certified
Use the About Section To Explain Where You’re Headed
The About section for your IT or healthcare LinkedIn profile is the opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers. It’s also a chance to help them visualize what you could bring to the workplace.
Start strong by focusing on your career goals and current strengths, and don’t worry if your professional experiences are more limited. This is common if you’re new to the workforce or are switching from one industry to another.
The best way to introduce yourself is to keep it conversational — aim for two to three short paragraphs. Let your personality show through as you talk about what inspired your career transitions and how you’ve channeled your passion into new certifications. Lead with any certifications and highlight the roles you’re now qualified to pursue.
You can also select a few skills and highlight how they translate in your new direction. For example, if you have retail experience, show how your customer service skills and ability to multitask make you an asset for medical assisting. Or, discuss how being a research-driven writer gives you a strong foundation for medical billing and coding.
Make Your Certification and Skills Easy To Find and Verify
Don’t bury your credentials. Make them discoverable with the dedicated Certifications section. Found below LinkedIn’s Education section, it’s the place to list your certification’s full name, issuing organization and date earned.
For example, if you earned the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification, you’d enter “Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)” for the name and “National Healthcareer Association (NHA)” for the issuing organization. Then list the date they issued the certificate, typically found on the certificate itself.
The Skills section should list specific competencies you learned during your program, internship or externship. Keep each skill phrase short, such as: clinical skills, EHR proficiency, patient communication, adaptability, medical terminology and anatomy, problem-solving, compliance or administrative skills.
Endorsements, built into the Skills section, are another important feature. These acknowledgments come from your connections and show credibility for your skills, even without formal work history. Connect with your instructors, classmates or externship supervisors, and make sure your Endorsement settings (under Skills) are toggled on. This way, your connections will receive requests from LinkedIn to endorse you for different skills.
Don’t Leave Key Profile Sections Blank
As you develop a LinkedIn profile for students or career changers, don’t forget the importance of a professional photo and accurate location. Make sure your photo centers on your head and shoulders, with natural lighting and a suitable background.
The cover banner is another noticeable feature. This larger banner should tie in with your career goals and could be anything from a large image to a custom template. What you’re aiming for is a professional profile, not necessarily a perfect one.
Turn LinkedIn Connections Into Job Opportunities
The final step is all about finding that job. By building up your LinkedIn connections, you can discover many promising opportunities that match or closely align with your career goals. Start by connecting with the people already in your network. This includes your former classmates, instructors and anyone you worked with as an intern. If you have clinical experience, send connection requests to your colleagues and supervisors, too.
Next, search for local healthcare or IT organizations that post suitable job roles, and connect with their recruiters and HR managers. A brief personalized note goes a long way toward a favorable response and an accepted invitation.
You can also follow and engage with relevant employers and industry-specific experts. By getting involved, you’ll naturally show your interest in and enthusiasm for the field. These interactions help put your name and photo in the network feed, further advertising your career focus and qualifications.
Get Noticed With LinkedIn
An imperfect LinkedIn profile for new graduates is always better than no profile at all. By starting with the basics, you’ll give yourself a boost of confidence and a clear direction to reference as you progress. Improve one section at a time, adding relevant details that show off your knowledge, highlight your certifications and help land you a job in your new field.
You can also get job search support at the MedCerts Career Center. The friendly folks there can help you search for nationwide opportunities, tailor your job search and even practice for the interview. Good luck!
